Patents Issued in December 19, 2017
  • Patent number: 9846057
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for computing the angle (?) of rotation of a rotational-angle sensor apparatus (10) with a first Hall measuring plate (20) and a second Hall measuring plate (30) which are arranged orthogonally to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: TDK—Micronas GmbH
    Inventor: Lothar Schmidt
  • Patent number: 9846058
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-contact potentiometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: MultiDimension Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junyun Wang, Feng Wang, Xiaofeng Cheng, Yulin Dai
  • Patent number: 9846059
    Abstract: A nonvolatile, absolute multi-turn rotation sensor employs a magnetic particle that is indexed around a serpentine channel with successive passes of a magnet caused by rotation of the rotation sensor shaft. Sensors at regular locations around the track allow determination of the position of the magnetic particle and thus the total number of revolutions of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Weiya Zhang, Brian Gregory
  • Patent number: 9846060
    Abstract: An optical sensor arrangement for measuring an observable, the arrangement including an optical resonance circuit including at least a first and a second optical resonator, each of the optical resonators including an entry port for coupling light into the optical resonator and a drop port for decoupling light from the optical resonator. The first and second resonator are configured such that only a portion of the first and second resonator detects the presence of the observable, a size of the portion of the first resonator being different from a size of the portion of the second resonator. The optical resonance circuit further configured to be coupled to a light generation circuit and to a detector unit for detecting light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Frauhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Helmut Heidrich, Peter Lützow, Daniel Pergande
  • Patent number: 9846061
    Abstract: The present invention includes an imager 1 having an automatic exposure stopping function, which are implemented therein, and includes an exposure time measuring unit 24 to measure the exposure time from the start of exposure to the stopping of exposure in the imager 1, a measurement distance calculating unit 21 to calculate the measurement distance to an object M on the basis of a displacement of the light receiving position in the imager 1, and a data output/storage unit 25 to output and/or store, as data related with acquisition of a distance actual value, which is an actual distance to the object, in a condition in which the measured exposure time and the measurement distance calculated with this exposure time are associated with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: SICK OPTEX CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tasuku Yuguchi
  • Patent number: 9846062
    Abstract: A method of collecting event data in a wind park installation including a plurality of wind turbines is provided. Each wind turbine includes a satellite-based clock. In each wind turbine, a first time signal is distributed from the satellite-based clock to at least one node in the wind turbine. In the at least one node, events happening in at least one subsystem connected to the node are detected. When an event is detected, event data including an information about the event is collected. For each piece of collected event data, a timestamp is added to the piece of collected event data characterizing a corresponding instant of time when the event was detected. The timestamped event data is stored for later inspection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Andreas Groth Knudsen, Michael Bjerre Laursen, Flemming Bay Thunbo
  • Patent number: 9846063
    Abstract: A linear encoder can have a mass embodiment having a position code marking, a read head having a calibration means, and a control and analysis unit, and calibration method for calibrating a position code made of code elements using the read head. The read head has a sensor unit having at least two detection reference points, the detection distance of which establishes at least one standard with high precision. In the scope of the calibration method, calibrated position values are prepared for code elements with the aid of the standard, which is determined with high precision, and are stored in the control and analysis unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: HEXAGON TECHNOLOGY CENTER GMBH
    Inventors: Urs Vokinger, Heinz Lippuner, Knut Siercks
  • Patent number: 9846064
    Abstract: A sensor apparatus comprising a housing having an inner perimeter which defines an area through which gas may flow, the housing being provided with a first chamber which extends around the area through which gas may flow, an entrance being distributed around the first chamber, and a second chamber which extends around the area through which gas may flow, an exit being distributed around the second chamber, the first chamber being arranged to be upstream of the second chamber in use, wherein the sensor apparatus further comprises one or more sensors arranged to measure a pressure difference between pressure in the first chamber and pressure in the second chamber. Corresponding turbocharger and method of measuring a mass flow rate are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Cummins Ltd.
    Inventor: Calvin Howard Cox
  • Patent number: 9846065
    Abstract: In a flow meter device of the present invention, a unit measuring step is defined as a procedure for measuring ultrasonic sound wave propagation times by changing the direction in which an ultrasonic sound wave is transmitted and received between a first transducer and a second transducer, and a time measuring means measures a propagation time in a forward direction and a propagation time in a reverse direction in a unit measuring step. A time difference detecting means detects a difference between the propagation time in the forward direction and the propagation time in the reverse direction which are measured by the time measuring means. A determiner means determines whether or not there is a fluid flow based on the time difference. According to presence/absence of a fluid flow, the number of times the unit measuring step is performed is determined. Therefore, it can be determined whether or not there is a fluid flow quickly in real time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kouichi Takemura, Fumikazu Shiba
  • Patent number: 9846066
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to dosing dispensers and in particular to dosing dispensers that may be operated using one hand by raising and filling a dosing chamber followed by lowering and dispersing a product from the dosing chamber and wherein the dose may be selected or adjusted and a user may visually confirm that the proper dose is being loaded and delivered by the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: SILGAN DISPENSING SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sara D. Falcon, Kelly A. Harrigan, David L. Dejong, Eelco H. De Man, Niels F. G. Van Wieringen
  • Patent number: 9846067
    Abstract: A flow sensor structure seals the surface of an electric control circuit and part of a semiconductor device via a manufacturing method that prevents occurrence of flash or chip crack when clamping the semiconductor device via a mold. The flow sensor structure includes a semiconductor device having an air flow sensing unit and a diaphragm, and a board or lead frame having an electric control circuit for controlling the semiconductor device, wherein a surface of the electric control circuit and part of a surface of the semiconductor device is covered with resin while having the air flow sensing unit portion exposed. The flow sensor structure may include surfaces of a resin mold, a board or a pre-mold component surrounding the semiconductor device that are continuously not in contact with three walls of the semiconductor device orthogonal to a side on which the air flow sensing unit portion is disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Kono, Yuuki Okamoto, Takeshi Morino, Keiji Hanzawa
  • Patent number: 9846068
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for measuring the volume of fluid in a variable volume vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITED
    Inventors: Alan Shepherd, Julian Duncan
  • Patent number: 9846069
    Abstract: A level measurement system for conductive liquids including a liquid container (10) and at least three electrodes (18, 20, 22) arranged inside the liquid container (10) at different levels. The electrodes (18, 20, 22) are connected to a network including a plurality of resistor elements (R, R1, R2, R3, RP1, RP2, RR1, RR2). The network includes at least two input terminals (V+, GND) for applying an external voltage and at least two output terminals providing a voltage depending on the level of the conductive liquid in the liquid container (10). The level measurement system is provided for detecting at least three different levels of conductive liquids in the liquid container (10) and indicating the levels by one voltage value. The level measurement system may be used for water in a storage container such as in a domestic appliance having a liquid container for supplying the domestic appliance with liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V.
    Inventors: Paolo Faraldi, Giacomo Martello, Riccardo Foiera, Nicola Valpiani, Edoardo Betti
  • Patent number: 9846070
    Abstract: A new multiparameter device for measuring by optical means, the level of filling of tanks and reservoirs for liquids and liquefied products, index of refraction and image analysis, without moving parts, which is more specifically intended, but without restrictions of application, for the measuring the level of a liquid in a reservoir, besides being able to make possible the distinction and detection of the type of liquid included in this reservoir, by measuring the index of refraction and image analysis of these liquids, performing this task in a simple, practical and efficient manner through a specific configuration utilizing optical and electronic means, without use of moving parts, what allows that the same may be used for numerous applications between them, for the fuel quality control, the fuel identification, the measuring of the index of refraction, flow measurement, color measurement, temperature measurement and pressure measurement, inter alia, and more specifically for application in the automotive
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Inventor: Cicero Livio Omegna De Souza Filho
  • Patent number: 9846071
    Abstract: The pool water level and vacuum monitor is a device that is adapted to be seated on a pool deck adjacent to a swimming pool, and which monitors water level when filling a pool liner whilst a vacuum is removing air from behind a pool liner and a concrete wall of a pool. Moreover, the pool water level and vacuum monitor includes a telescoping armature that extends aside of a housing. The telescoping armature includes a cord and a float member on a distal end of the cord. The float member is adapted to rest on a pool surface of the swimming pool, and moves to close a float switch integrated in the float member. The float switch is able to turn off all circuitry associated within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Inventor: Paul Hallford
  • Patent number: 9846072
    Abstract: A method of in line verification of a flow meter installed in a flow line by means of one or two ultrasonic clamp on flow meters to be installed in line with the flow meter u?, comprising a preparatory phase, during which a virtual pipe diameter is determined, which if it had been applied during the simultaneous measurements would have minimized the differences between the measured flow indications of the flow meter and the measured flow indications, and comprising a verification phase, during which the ultrasonic flow meters are set up to determine their measured flow indications based on the virtual pipe diameter, during which simultaneously derived measured flow indications of the flow meter and the ultrasonic flow meters are recorded, and during which an alert is issued in case a deviation between simultaneously derived measured flow indications of the flow meter and the ultrasonic flow meter or between measured flow indications of the flow meter and averages of the measured flow indications of the ultras
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser Consult AG
    Inventor: Dimitri Vaissiere
  • Patent number: 9846073
    Abstract: Mass flow controllers with on-tool diagnostic capabilities and methods for on-tool diagnosis of mass flow controllers are disclosed herein. One method includes opening a control valve to a fixed position and closing an upstream valve to produce a flow rate that decreases from a high flow rate, across a range of flow rates, to a low flow rate. A pressure signal is generated that is indicative of a pressure of the fluid within a volume between the upstream valve and a sensor tube, and a flow sensor signal is provided with the mass flow sensor that is indicative of a mass flow rate of the fluid through the main flow path. Ratio curves are produced that relate, across the range of flow rates, a rate of change of the pressure signal to the flow sensor signal and comparing a test ratio curve to a previously generated baseline ratio curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Hitachi Metals, Ltd.
    Inventors: Alexei V. Smirnov, Arun Nagarajan
  • Patent number: 9846074
    Abstract: A mass flow controller comprises: a first flow meter constructed and arranged to measured flow rate of mass through the mass flow controller; a second flow meter constructed and arranged to measure flow rate of mass through the mass flow controller; a control valve constructed and arranged so as to control the flow rate of mass through the mass flow controller in response to a control signal generated as a function of the flow rate as measured by one of the flow meters; and a system controller constructed and arranged to generate the control signal, and to provide an indication when a difference between the flow rate of mass as measured by the first flow meter and the flow rate of mass as measured by the second flow meter exceeds a threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: MKS Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Junhua Ding
  • Patent number: 9846075
    Abstract: A method and device for leak detection and localization in at least a portion of a of fluid distribution system. At each of two or more locations, a position locator determines the location of the device and a vibration sensor generates a signal indicative of vibrations detected by the vibration sensor at the location. A processor calculates a parameter of the signal indicative of an average power of the signal at the location over a predetermined time period. For each location, the processor stores in a memory the location of the device and the value of calculated parameter, and then determines a location in the fluid distribution system where the calculated parameter has a maximum value satisfying a predetermined criterion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Aquarius Spectrum Ltd.
    Inventor: David Solomon
  • Patent number: 9846076
    Abstract: A spectroscopic sensor comprises an interference filter unit, a light detection substrate, and a separator. The interference filter unit has a cavity layer and first and second mirror layers opposing each other through the cavity layer and selectively transmits therethrough a predetermined wavelength range of light according to its incident position from the first mirror layer side to the second mirror layer side. The light detection substrate has a light-receiving surface for receiving light transmitted through the interference filter unit and detects the light incident on the light-receiving surface. The separator extends from the cavity layer to at least one of the first and second mirror layers and optically separates the interference filter unit as seen in a predetermined direction intersecting the light-receiving surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS K.K.
    Inventors: Katsumi Shibayama, Takashi Kasahara
  • Patent number: 9846077
    Abstract: In some aspects, a device for apportioning granular samples includes a sample feeder defining a conduit, the conduit including a first opening to receive the granular samples and a second opening. The device includes a shuttle operably coupled to the sample feeder to receive the granular samples from the conduit via the second opening. The shuttle is configured to apportion the granular samples to incrementally enter a sample chamber to be analyzed. The device includes an outlet conduit fluidly coupled to the sample chamber and configured to permit the sample chamber to be evacuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: H2OPTX INC.
    Inventors: Rudolf J. Hofmeister, Donald A. Ice, Scott W. Tandy
  • Patent number: 9846078
    Abstract: Compensating for frequency drift of a reference energy source in an FT interferometer based spectrometer instrument may include obtaining data representing a reference interferogram collected in response to a trigger signal having been generated in dependence on the emission frequency of the reference energy source, and subsequently obtaining data representing a target interferogram recorded by the FT interferometer in response to a trigger signal also having been generated in dependence on the emission frequency of the reference energy source in the same manner. The method may further include comparing the obtained data to determine a phase shift between the interferograms in a window in at least one region away from center-burst, and generating a mathematical transform dependent on the determined shift to be subsequently applied to generate data representing a frequency stabilized interferogram of an unknown sample recorded by the FT interferometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: FOSS ANALYTICAL A/S
    Inventor: Henrik Vilstrup Juhl
  • Patent number: 9846079
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices may provide an optical scheme that achieves simultaneous wavelength channels and maintains the resolution and luminosity of an etalon. Various embodiments may provide a method to optically recirculate the light reflected from the etalon back through the same etalon at new angles. Various embodiments create an etalon spectrometer based on angular dispersion without moving parts and without losing the light that is not initially transmitted. Various embodiments may provide a spectrally-resolved receiver and/or transmitter. Various embodiments may provide a system including a retro-reflector, a detector or transmitter array, and an etalon disposed between the retro-reflector and the detector or transmitter array, wherein the retro-reflector is configured to redirect light reflected by the etalon back to the etalon at a different angle of incidence than an original angle of incidence on the etalon of the light reflected by the etalon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of NASA
    Inventors: Mark A. Stephen, Molly E. Fahey, Michael A. Krainak
  • Patent number: 9846080
    Abstract: A real-time birefringent imaging spectrometer based on differential structure is provided. A polarization beam splitter to add an imaging branch is set. Meanwhile, the structure alters the conventional optical structure to the differential structure by setting another polarization beam splitter. Taking the difference between these two interferogram obtained by two branches of differential structure as the final interferogram and performing the required post-processing calculations produces the spectrum at each pixel. Common-mode error is intensively restrained due to the differential structure, and 50% of the optical loss is avoided because of casting off the analyzer; a high spatial resolution, high spectral resolution image is acquired by combining the high spatial resolution, colorful image with the low spatial resolution, high spectral resolution image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: HARBIN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Peng Jin, Shuaishuai Zhu, Yu Zhang, Jie Lin
  • Patent number: 9846081
    Abstract: A light wavelength measurement method of measuring a wavelength of target light includes: receiving target light on a second dispersion device that disperses the target light into a plurality of second beams which reach a plurality of positions corresponding to the wavelength of the target light (S106, S202); and measuring the wavelength of the target light, by using the plurality of the second beams as a vernier scale for measuring the wavelength of the target light within a wavelength range specified by a main scale (S108, S204).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: OSAKA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Konishi, Takema Satoh, Tomotaka Nagashima
  • Patent number: 9846082
    Abstract: An infrared thermometer measures a temperature of an energy zone. The infrared thermometer comprises a beam splitter for splitting an incident light beam from an energy zone into an infrared light beam and a visible light beam; an infrared detector for detecting the infrared light beam and generating a signal indicative of a temperature of the energy zone according to the detected infrared light beam; and a sighting device having an optical module for generating a reflective reticle image and transmitting the visible light beam to generate a target image at a sight window, wherein the sighting device is configured to superimpose the reflective reticle image over the target image at the sight window to align the infrared detector with the energy zone. The infrared thermometer and an associated measurement method facilitate the alignment of the energy zone by the users, thereby improving the accuracy of the measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Fluke Corporation
    Inventors: Zumao Xu, Kaiyuan Lv
  • Patent number: 9846083
    Abstract: A sensor package can have a reference thermopile sensor and a reference temperature sensor disposed therein to determine an ambient temperature. In one or more implementations, the sensor package includes a substrate having a substrate surface, a reference thermopile sensor disposed over the substrate surface, a reference temperature sensor disposed over the substrate surface, and a lid assembly disposed over the thermopile sensor and the reference thermopile sensor. The lid assembly includes a structure having a transparent portion that passes electromagnetic radiation occurring in a limited spectrum of wavelengths. The reference thermopile sensor generates a reference thermopile sensor signal representing a difference between a temperature of the substrate surface and a temperature of a lid assembly surface. An external ambient temperature can be determined based upon the reference thermopile sensor signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Arvin Emadi, Abhishek Sahasrabudhe, Cheng-Wei Pei, Pirooz Parvarandeh
  • Patent number: 9846084
    Abstract: A vacuum heat treatment apparatus according to the embodiment comprises a chamber; a thermal insulator in the chamber; a reaction container in the thermal insulator; a heating member between the reaction container and the the thermal insulator for heating the reaction container; and a temperature measuring member in or on a surface of the reaction container, wherein the temperature measuring member comprises a thermocouple and a protective tube surrounding the thermocouple, and the protective tube comprises tungsten (W), tantalum (Ta), or silicon carbide (SiC).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Byung Sook Kim, Jung Eun Han
  • Patent number: 9846085
    Abstract: High accuracy temperature measurement devices, methods, and systems for measuring the temperature of medical fluids are described. In embodiments, the devices have the features that they are compatible with the measurement of temperatures in a sealed fluid circuit, thereby promoting compatibility with sterile disposable circuits. Also described are combinations of temperature sensors and conductivity measurement for precise determination of the concentration of ions in a medicament.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: NXSTAGE MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Scott W. Newell, Yakov Kogan
  • Patent number: 9846086
    Abstract: A method and related system for monitoring a time-temperature profile comprises measuring by a temperature sensor a temperature of an object, recording by an electronic device a time-temperature data point including the temperature and a time at which the temperature was measured, communicating the recorded time-temperature data point by the electronic device to a computing system, and determining by the computing system whether the recorded time-temperature data point is outside a predetermined acceptable range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: STARTRAK SYSTEMS LLC
    Inventors: Thomas A. Robinson, Herbert Perten, David Gsell
  • Patent number: 9846087
    Abstract: A device for measuring the temperature in a conductor includes at least one temperature sensor emitting a signal having a frequency changing due to a temperature change. The signals of the temperature sensor are transported through the conductor and the signals are inductively or capacitively coupled out of the conductor and into an evaluation unit for measuring the temperature through coupling elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Michael Krueger, Josef Reiter, Andreas Schulz, Thomas Wolf
  • Patent number: 9846088
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for measuring semiconductor substrate temperature using a differential acoustic time of flight measurement technique. The measurement is based on measuring the time of flight of acoustic (ultrasonic) waves across the substrate, and calculating a substrate temperature from the measured time of flight and the known temperature dependence of the speed of sound for the substrate material. The differential acoustic time of flight method eliminates most sources of interference and error, for example due to varying coupling between an ultrasonic transducer and the substrate. To further increase the accuracy of the differential acoustic time of flight measurement, a correlation waveform processing algorithm is utilized to obtain a differential acoustic time of flight measurement from two measured ultrasonic waveforms. To facilitate signal recognition and processing, a symmetric Lamb mode may be used as mode of excitation of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventors: Jun Pei, Junwei Bao, Holger Tuitje, Ching-Ling Meng, Mihail D. Mihaylov
  • Patent number: 9846089
    Abstract: There is provided a calorimeter. Heat flows in and out of the sample via a thermoelectric module. The thermoelectric module is so constituted that a pair of a P-type thermoelectric element and an N-type thermoelectric element is disposed between substrates, and the pair of the thermoelectric elements are connected in n pairs so that the P-type thermoelectric elements and the N-type thermoelectric element are arranged alternately in ?-shape; a calorimetric sensitivity of the thermoelectric module of a thermal conductance surrounding thermoelectric module and a thermal conductance between substrates of the thermoelectric modules and a noise based on an electric resistance of the thermoelectric module depend on an L/A ratio of the thermoelectric element constituting the thermoelectric module and the number n of the pairs of the thermoelectric elements, where the L/A ratio is 6 mm?1 or more, and the number n of the pairs is 4 or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: NATIONAL UNIVERSITY CORPORATION KYOTO INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventor: Haruhiko Yao
  • Patent number: 9846090
    Abstract: A magnetic load sensor unit (1) is provided which can detect the magnitude of an axial load applied by a linear motion actuator (14) to a friction pad (22). The magnetic load sensor unit (1) includes a magnetic target (4) which generates a magnetic field, and a magnetic sensor (5) designed to move relative to the magnetic target (4) corresponding to the axial load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toru Takahashi, Makoto Yasui, Yui Masuda
  • Patent number: 9846091
    Abstract: Certain example embodiments include a press sensor element that includes a piezoelectric layer having a first surface in communication with a first layer, the first layer including a first conductive region, where the first conductive region covers at least a central portion the first surface. The sensor element includes a second surface in communication with a second layer, the second layer including a second conductive region, a third conductive region, and a first non-conductive void region separating the second conductive region and the third conductive region. An area of the first conductive region is configured in size relative to an area of the third conductive region to substantially reduce a thermally-induced voltage change between two or more of the first, second, and third conductive regions responsive to a corresponding temperature change of at least a portion of the piezoelectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: INTERLINK ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Chee Wai Lu, Jeffrey R. Baker, Edwin Keshesh Yousafian, Declan Christopher Flannery
  • Patent number: 9846092
    Abstract: Provided herein is technology relating to weather sensors and particularly, but not exclusively, to devices, methods, and systems related to collecting weather data by measuring bending and compression stresses in a weather sensor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: UNDERSTORY, INC.
    Inventors: Alexander C. Kubicek, Bryan A. Dow
  • Patent number: 9846093
    Abstract: In an example, a system includes a Monte Carlo simulation module to calculate a collision force on a first vehicle based at least in part on first information, calculate a crush depth for a second vehicle (having unknown damage) based at least in part on the calculated collision force on the first vehicle and second information, calculate first total energy absorbed by the first vehicle based on the first information, calculate second total energy absorbed by the second vehicle based on the calculated crush depth and the second information; and calculate a first estimated impact severity for the first vehicle using the first total energy and a second estimated impact severity for the second vehicle using the second total energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: CCC Information Services Inc.
    Inventors: Darrin A. Smith, Kenna Henn
  • Patent number: 9846094
    Abstract: A hail strike recording device is operable to provide quantifiable information about a hail storm event experienced by a roof. The recording device is operable to be installed on a roof and includes a panel component and a mounting assembly. The panel component presents a hail impact zone to sense one or more hail strikes, with the recording device operable to provide recorded data associated with the sensed one or more hail strikes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Hail Signature Technologies, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Carl Edwin Martin, Matthew Shane Sutter, Walter Wayne Sutter
  • Patent number: 9846095
    Abstract: In a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) pressure sensor, thin and fragile bond wires that are used in the prior art to connect a MEMS pressure sensing element to an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) for the input and output signals between these two chips are replaced by stacking the ASIC on the MEMS pressure sensing element and connecting each other using conductive vias formed in the ASIC. Gel used to protect the bond wires, ASIC and MEMS pressure sensing element can be eliminated if bond wires are no longer used. Stacking the ASIC on the MEMS pressure sensing element and connecting them using conductive vias enables a reduction in the size and cost of a housing in which the devices are placed and protected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jen-Huang Albert Chiou, Robert C Kosberg, Shiuh-Hui Steven Chen
  • Patent number: 9846096
    Abstract: Electrical and mechanical noise in a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) pressure sensor are reduced by the symmetrical distribution of bond pads, conductive vias and interconnects and by the elimination of bond wires used in the prior art to connect a MEMS pressure sensing element to an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The bond wires are eliminated by using conductive vias to connect an ASIC to a MEMS pressure sensing element. Extraneous electrical noise is suppressed by conductive rings that surround output signal bond pads and a conductive loop that surrounds the conductive rings and bond pads. The conductive rings and loop are connected to a fixed voltage or ground potential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Shiuh-Hui Steven Chen, Robert C Kosberg, Jen-Huang Albert Chiou
  • Patent number: 9846097
    Abstract: A sensor device includes a substrate having a port extending through it and a membrane including a first electrode spanning across the port. The port exposes the membrane to a pressure stimulus from an external environment. A second electrode is spaced apart from the first electrode by a gap having a first width. A control circuit applies an actuation voltage to move the second electrode closer to the first electrode and change the gap to a second width that is less than the first width. When the gap is set to the second width, the pressure sensor exhibits a greater sensitivity then when the gap is set to the first width. The membrane with the first electrode is movable in response to the pressure stimulus and the pressure stimulus is sensed as movement of the first electrode relative to the second electrode while the actuation voltage is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: NXP USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Naumann
  • Patent number: 9846098
    Abstract: A probe for the measurement of the total pressure or temperature of a two phase wet gas flow is also disclosed. Embodiments provide a stem, a tip on the top of the stem, a cup serving as a shield is formed in the tip, a at least one tube or thermal element positioned within the cup serving as a measuring device for the incoming wet gas flow; at least one hole which passes through at least one wall of the cup; and a pressure changing device configured to accelerate the wet gas flowing around the cup. A method and system for the measurement of the total pressure or temperature of a two phase wet gas flow is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Nuovo Pignone Srl
    Inventors: Filippo Gerbi, Marco Marrazzo, Francesco Maraschiello, Giampaolo Manfrida
  • Patent number: 9846099
    Abstract: The present peening calibration unit comprises a casing, a transducer, and a transmission unit. The casing defines a top and a bottom. The transducer is positioned along at least a section of the top of the casing. The transducer generates an electric signal upon application of peening energy thereto. The transmission unit receives the electric signal generated by the transducer and transmits a digital signal representative of the received electrical signal wirelessly. The transmission unit is located inside the casing. Furthermore, a peening calibration battery pack and a peening calibration system are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: SHOCKFORM AERONAUTIQUE INC.
    Inventors: Sylvain Forgues, Brigitte Labelle
  • Patent number: 9846100
    Abstract: The present application relates to devices for determining inertia properties of an object, said devices comprising a support and a measuring platform which are arranged relative to each other in such a way that movements between two and five degrees of freedom are possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Resonic GmbH
    Inventor: Robert Klöpper
  • Patent number: 9846101
    Abstract: A system dynamically balances a rotating body. The system includes a support that holds the body as it rotates. At least one sensor generates signals indicative of a balance of the body as it rotates and a controller identifies a position on the body where material can be placed to balance the body. The controller operates at least one actuator to move a plurality of ejectors opposite the identified position where the controller operates at least one ejector in the plurality of ejectors to eject material onto the identified position. The system can operate iteratively until the body is balanced within a predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: David A. Vankouwenberg, Robert A. Clark, Linn C. Hoover, James E. Williams
  • Patent number: 9846102
    Abstract: A diagnostic system and method for a pressure regulator in a process plant is provided. The diagnostic apparatus includes a processor operatively coupled to the pressure regulator; a memory operatively coupled to the processor; and a sensor operatively coupled to an inlet valve of the pressure regulator, an exhaust valve of the pressure regulator, and the processor. A diagnostic module is stored in the memory, and when executed by the processor, presents a diagnostic tool at a user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: TESCOM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Linda Rose Tharaldson, Gordon Cameron Muir, Jeffrey Allen Wakefield
  • Patent number: 9846103
    Abstract: A system and method for identifying and measuring the quantity of leakage from a conduit used in the conveyance of a fluid, such as a hydrocarbon fluid, for example oil, or a gas, such as natural gas. The system includes a measurement device configured to measure a distributed temperature along a length of the conduit. The system further includes a processor configured to calculate a change in volume of the fluid in the conduit for each of a plurality of sections of the length of the conduit based on the distributed temperature. The processor is further configured to calculate a correction factor based on the change in volume of the fluid. The processor is also configured to calculate a corrected mass-balance differential using the correction factor, and compare the corrected mass-balance differential to a predetermined leakage threshold to identify whether a leak exists in the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Andrew Strong
  • Patent number: 9846104
    Abstract: An off-board vehicle fuel handling and containment system leak tester that uses CO2 gas in order to find the location of the leak site. An external source of CO2 gas is used to pressurize the fuel containment system to a pressure greater than the surrounding pressure. An electronic detector capable of detecting CO2 gas is used to scan at least some of the containment system's external surfaces for the presence of the escaping CO2 gas. When the electronic detector senses the CO2 gas an alert system is activated. Once the leak site area is known a leak finding composition of matter is applied to the leak site area in order to identify the exact point of leakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Automotive Test Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernie C. Thompson, Neal R. Pederson
  • Patent number: 9846105
    Abstract: A high-durability and long-scale-distance fiber grating sensor and a manufacturing method therefor, which relate to the technical field of fiber grating sensors. A fiber grating is disposed on the middle segment of a commercial optical fiber. A bushing, a woven fiber jacket layer, and a packaging structure are disposed on the periphery of the commercial optical fiber. The commercial optical fiber and the bushing therebetween are fixed by using fixing points in the bushing. Anchoring segments are disposed between the fixing points in the bushing and the woven fiber jacket layer. Two ends of the commercial optical fiber are sequentially connected to optical fibers on the anchoring segments and connecting optical fibers. Tail ends of the connecting optical fibers are connected to a transmission cable by using connecting flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: SOUTHEAST UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Zhishen Wu, Caiqian Yang, An Sun, Wan Hong, Yongsheng Tang
  • Patent number: 9846106
    Abstract: An apparatus and device for repetitive use in automotive testing is provided. The apparatus includes a frame dimensioned in the same shape as a bicycle frame. The frame includes a first support beam and a plurality of second support beams. The apparatus further includes an elastic member elastically coupling each of the plurality of second support beams to the first support beam so as to allow the frame to separate when impacted and be easily reassembled for further testing. The device includes a disk having a first radar transparent layer opposite a second radar transparent layer and a reflective film disposed between the first radar transparent layer and the second radar transparent layer. The reflective film has a radar cross section pattern similar to that of an actual bicycle wheel when seen by automotive radar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignees: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, The Ohio State University, Indiana University Research and Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Stanley Yung-Ping Chien, Chi-chih Chen, Rini Sherony, Hiroyuki Takahashi, Jason Brink, Qiang Yi, Domenic Belgiovane