Patents Issued in February 13, 2018
  • Patent number: 9891272
    Abstract: A module plate is provided for use with a wafer handler and testing mechanism. The module plate has a diameter equivalent to an integrated circuit wafer and a height equivalent to or less than a height of a module lid associated with each module in a plurality of modules associated with the module plate. The module plate has a plurality of cutouts in the module plate that have a width equivalent to a width of the module lid and at least a length equivalent to a length of the module lid. The height of the module plate is such that, when a test head contacts a module base of each module in a plurality of modules, the module lid contacts a chuck on which the module plate resides during testing of the module thereby providing resistance in order to accurately test the module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Martin Eckert, Eckhard Kunigkeit, Quintino L. Trianni, Christian Zoellin
  • Patent number: 9891273
    Abstract: Test structures, methods of manufacturing thereof, and testing methods for semiconductors are disclosed. In one embodiment, a test structure for semiconductor devices includes a printed circuit board (PCB), a probe region, and a compliance mechanism disposed between the PCB and the probe region. A plurality of wires is coupled between the PCB and the probe region. End portions of the plurality of wires proximate the probe region are an integral part of the probe region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yung-Hsin Kuo, Wensen Hung, Po-Shi Yao
  • Patent number: 9891274
    Abstract: A device test method performed in a substrate test apparatus which includes a mounting table for mounting thereon a substrate on which a device having an electrode is formed, the mounting table being movable by a X-direction motor and a Y-direction motor, and a probe card arranged to face the mounting table. A measuring electrode is arranged to correspond to the electrode of the device, the probe card has a probe that is engageable with the measuring electrode, and the X-direction motor or Y-direction motor generates torque to keep the mounting table from moving when measuring an electrical characteristic of the device. In the device test method, after the probe is engaged with the measuring electrode, when measuring an electrical characteristic of the device, the maximum value of the torque generated by the X-direction motor or Y-direction motor is limited to a predetermined value or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Masataka Hatta, Kazunari Ishii
  • Patent number: 9891275
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for performing reliability qualification of manufactured integrated circuit (IC) chips. In the method, IC chips are manufactured according to a design and sorted into groups, which correspond to different process windows within a process distribution for the design. Group fail rates are determined for the groups. Reliability qualification of the manufactured IC chips is performed. Specifically, a sample of the IC chips is stress tested and the manufactured IC chips are qualified if the actual fail rate of the sample is no greater than an expected fail rate. The expected fail rate used is not, however, the expected overall fail rate for all the manufactured IC chips. Instead it is a unique expected fail rate for the specific sample itself and it is determined considering fail rate contributions from only those specific groups of IC chips from which the IC chips in the sample were selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jeanne P. Bickford, Nazmul Habib, Baozhen Li, Tad J. Wilder
  • Patent number: 9891276
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to an integrated circuit comprising a performance-screen ring oscillator (PSRO). An aspect includes a test signal distribution network, the test signal distribution network including a plurality of flushable pipeline latches, the test signal distribution network configured to deliver a test signal simultaneously, via the plurality of flushable pipeline latches, to each of a plurality of local clock buffers associated with components of the integrated circuit at a plurality of signal outputs. Another aspect includes a PSRO including an input multiplexer that outputs an oscillator signal to an input of a branch of the test signal distribution network; and a return path from a signal output of the branch of the test signal distribution network to the input multiplexer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventor: James D. Warnock
  • Patent number: 9891277
    Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a normal voltage detector configured to detect a normal voltage at which the integrated circuit being fully functional. A first voltage detector detects a first voltage that is less than the normal voltage. A second voltage detector detects a second voltage that is less than the first voltage. A reset module is coupled to a supply voltage, the normal voltage detector, the first voltage detector, and the second voltage detector. The reset module includes test logic to, when the supply voltage rises to the first voltage from the second voltage, perform a pass/fail test when the integrated circuit is in a pass/fail test mode, and perform a power up reset when the integrated circuit in not in the pass/fail test mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: NXP USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel R. Knight, James B. Eifert, Stefano Pietri, Steven K. Watkins
  • Patent number: 9891278
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes using the JTAG Tap's TMS and/or TCK terminals as general purpose serial Input/Output (I/O) Manchester coded communication terminals. The Tap's TMS and/or TCK terminal can be used as a serial I/O communication channel between; (1) an IC and an external controller, (2) between a first and second IC, or (3) between a first and second core circuit within an IC. The use of the TMS and/or TCK terminal as serial I/O channels, as described, does not effect the standardized operation of the JTAG Tap, since the TMS and/or TCK I/O operations occur while the Tap is placed in a non-active steady state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Lee D. Whetsel
  • Patent number: 9891279
    Abstract: An apparatus has a large block of synchronous logic arranged to include a first partition and a second partition. The first partition is configured to receive a first clock signal during a functional mode and during a test mode. The second partition is configured to receive the first clock signal during the functional mode, and the second partition configured to receive a second clock signal during a test mode. The second clock signal has the same frequency as the first clock signal. The second clock signal has a different phase from the first clock signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics International N.V.
    Inventor: Ajay Kumar Dimri
  • Patent number: 9891280
    Abstract: A method for testing an integrated circuit (IC) using a nanoprobe, by using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to register the nanoprobe to an identified feature on the IC; navigating the nanoprobe to a region of interest; scanning the nanoprobe over the surface of the IC while reading data from the nanoprobe; when the data from the nanoprobe indicates that the nanoprobe traverse a feature of interest, decelerating the scanning speed of the nanoprobe and performing testing of the IC. The scanning can be done at a prescribed nanoprobe tip force, and during the step of decelerating the scanning speed, the method further includes increasing the nanoprobe tip force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: FEI EFA, Inc.
    Inventors: Vladimir A. Ukraintsev, Richard Stallcup, Sergiy Pryadkin, Mike Berkmyre, John Sanders
  • Patent number: 9891281
    Abstract: A method includes receiving from a user, via a user interface, coverage-event characteristics. Using a processor, output data of test runs executed on a device-under-test is analyzed to identify one or a plurality of coverage events that possess the coverage-event characteristics and to identify one or a plurality of contributing test runs in said test runs that contributed to said one or a plurality of coverage events. Information on said one or a plurality of contributing test runs is outputted via an output device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Cadence Design Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Yael Kinderman, Erez Bashi, Oded Oren
  • Patent number: 9891282
    Abstract: Described is a signature accumulator with a first set of logic devices, a second set of logic devices, and a memory device. The first set of logic devices includes compaction logic that couples an N-bit input bus to a K-bit first intermediate bus. The second set of logic devices includes commutative arithmetic operation logic that couples both the K-bit first intermediate bus and a K-bit signature bus to a K-bit second intermediate bus. The memory storage device includes a storage element that couples the K-bit second intermediate bus to the K-bit signature bus. The K-bit signature bus is also coupled to a valid-data input signal path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Lakshminarayana Pappu, Robert P. Adler, Suketu U. Bhatt, Robert De Gruijl, Kah Meng Yeem
  • Patent number: 9891283
    Abstract: A multi-bit flip-flop includes a plurality of multi-bit flip-flop blocks that share a clock signal. Each of the multi-bit flip-flop blocks includes a single inverter and a plurality of flip-flops. The single inverter generates an inverted clock signal by inverting the clock signal. Each of the flip-flops includes a master latch part and a slave latch part and operates the master latch part and the slave latch part based on the clock signal and the inverted clock signal. Here, the flip-flops are triggered at rising edges of the clock signal. Thus, the multi-bit flip-flop operating as a master-slave flip-flop may minimize (or, reduce) power consumption occurring in a clock path through which the clock signal is transmitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Min-Su Kim, Matthew Berzins, Jong-Woo Kim
  • Patent number: 9891284
    Abstract: This disclosure describes a reduced pin bus that can be used on integrated circuits or embedded cores within integrated circuits. The bus may be used for serial access to circuits where the availability of pins on ICs or terminals on cores is limited. The bus may be used for a variety of serial communication operations such as, but not limited to, serial communication related test, emulation, debug, and/or trace operations of an IC or core design. Other aspects of the disclosure include the use of reduced pin buses for emulation, debug, and trace operations and for functional operations. In a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, an interface select circuit, FIGS. 41-49, provides for selectively using either the 5 signal interface of FIG. 41 or the 3 signal interface of FIG. 8.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Lee D. Whetsel
  • Patent number: 9891285
    Abstract: A system includes a battery; an analog-to-digital converter coupled to the battery and capable of measuring an output voltage of the battery; a processor, receiving measured battery output voltages from the analog-to-digital converter; the processor using a first equivalent circuit model of the battery to estimate battery current when the battery operation is static; and the processor using a second equivalent circuit model of the battery to estimate battery current when the battery operation is dynamic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Githin K. Prasad, Yevgen Barsukov, Yandong Zhang
  • Patent number: 9891286
    Abstract: The disclosure describes a method for determining a coulombic efficiency of battery modules of a rechargeable battery using a circuit arrangement connected to the battery modules and that has a plurality of switching modules for selectively connecting every single one of the battery modules in a common current path or for alternatively isolating every single one of the battery modules from the common current path and from at least one power semiconductor element, which can be operated in linear mode, for regulating the current that flows through the current path. The switching modules are used to select at least one of the battery modules and to connect it in the current path while all other battery modules are isolated from the current path by the switching modules. The selected battery module is subjected to at least one discharge process and at least one charging process via the current path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignees: Robert Bosch GmbH, Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Joachim Fetzer, Holger Fink, Hans Partes
  • Patent number: 9891287
    Abstract: The remaining state of charge of a rechargeable battery is calculated by: measuring the instantaneous voltage, impedance and temperature of the battery, and then inputting the measured voltage, impedance and temperature values into an equation, wherein the equation yields a state of charge value that is a function of the said measured voltage, impedance and temperature values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: STMICROELECTRONICS INTERNATIONAL N.V.
    Inventor: Daniel Ladret
  • Patent number: 9891288
    Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed which relate to a wireless communications device comprising a wireless power transmission detector and a wireless power transmission indicator for displaying to a user the current level of wireless power transmission. A voltmeter and ammeter take readings from the wireless transceiver circuit while the wireless communications device is on. A power logic stored on a memory within the wireless communications device converts the readings into a wireless power transmission level. The wireless power transmission level is output to an indicator on the wireless communications device where a user can view it. Exemplary embodiments include a true battery life indicator on the wireless communications device. The true battery life indicator gives an amount of time a battery powering the wireless communications device will last at the current wireless power transmission level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Jian Li, Zhi Li, Raghvendra Savoor
  • Patent number: 9891289
    Abstract: Techniques for detecting an inrush current in a power transformer in are disclosed. For example, the presence of an inrush current on a current path in a power transformer may be determined by receiving a signal from a Rogowski coil positioned on a current path of a power transformer, the signal corresponding to a current flowing in the current path; sampling the received signal to produce samples of the received signal; and analyzing the samples of the received signal relative to at least two criteria to determine whether an inrush current is present. When an inrush current is present, operation of a protective relay is blocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: Ljubomir A. Kojovic
  • Patent number: 9891290
    Abstract: Offsets (short and long term) are significantly reduced in a Lorentz force magnetometer circuit. A modulated bias current supplied to the magnetometer is chopped by periodically switching its polarity. Magnetometer output is demodulated, then de-chopping performed to restore signal polarity output. Chopping of the bias current signal polarity modulates magnetic field signal to a frequency in which electrostatic force remains constant toward eliminating offset and long-term drift from said micromechanical resonator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: David Horsley, Mo Li
  • Patent number: 9891291
    Abstract: Apparatus for determining a location of a target, the apparatus comprising: first and second magnetic dipole beacons positioned at substantially a same spatial location having respectively first and second time dependent magnetic moments oriented in different directions that generate first and second magnetic fields having different time dependencies; at least one magnetic field sensor coil located at the location of the target that generates signals responsive to the first and second magnetic fields; and circuitry that receives the signals generated by the at least one sensor coil and processes the signals responsive to the different time dependencies of the magnetic fields to determine a location of the at least one sensor coil and thereby the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Soreq Nuclear Research Center
    Inventors: Arie Sheinker, Boris Ginzburg, Nizan Salomonski
  • Patent number: 9891292
    Abstract: A monolithic three-axis linear magnetic sensor and manufacturing method wherein the sensor comprises an X-axis sensor, a Y-axis sensor and a Z-axis sensor. The X-axis sensor comprises a referenced bridge and at least two X ferromagnetic flux guides. The Y-axis sensor comprises a push-pull bridge and at least two Y ferromagnetic flux guides. The Z-axis sensor comprises a push-pull bridge and at least one Z ferromagnetic flux guide. The bridge arms of the referenced bridge and push-pull bridge are each formed by one or more magnetoresistive elements that are electrically interconnected. The directions of the sensing axes and the directions of magnetization of the pinned layers of the magnetoresistive elements are all oriented along the X-axis. This manufacturing method comprises first depositing a magnetoresistive thin film on a wafer, and then performing several processes such as magnetic annealing, photolithography, etching, coating, and the like in order to realize a sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: MultiDimension Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: James Geza Deak
  • Patent number: 9891293
    Abstract: A magnetic sensor device that includes an annular magnetic body, a coil wound around the magnetic body, the coil configured to apply a magnetic field that rotates 360 degrees by a half way point in a peripheral direction of the magnetic body, and a magnetoresistance effect element arranged at a center of the annular magnetic body and including a fixed layer having a magnetization direction fixed in a direction of the magnetic field to be measured. The magnetic body includes a tapered portion located at a position where a line passing through the center of the magnetic body and extending in a shorter-axis direction intersects the magnetic body, the tapered portion having a narrowed portion narrowed down toward the magnetoresistance effect element, and having dumbbell-shaped inner and outer peripheries, and the narrowed portion having a width reduced toward the magnetoresistance effect element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: HITACHI METALS, LTD.
    Inventors: Makoto Kawakami, Yasunori Takaki, Yasunori Abe, Yasuhito Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 9891294
    Abstract: A method of detecting a particle comprises magnetizing a particle using an AC magnetic field; generating an AC voltage in a sensing device having a conductive substantially 2-dimensional lattice structure from the magnetized particle; superimposing a DC magnetic field on the generated AC voltage in the sensing device; and measuring an AC Hall voltage at the sensing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Engel, Rodrigo Neumann Barros Ferreira, Mathias Steiner
  • Patent number: 9891295
    Abstract: A sensor arrangement according to an embodiment includes a board with a plurality of conductive lines of a first type, and a plurality of conductive lines of a second type different from the conductive lines of the first type, and a recess. The sensor arrangement further includes a plurality of sensor devices mechanically accommodated on a main surface of the board and arranged around the recess, each sensor device being electrically coupled to the conductive lines of the first type and at least to one of the conductive lines of the second type, wherein each conductive line of the second type electrically couples a sensor device with at least one other item different from the sensor devices of the plurality of sensor devices. A projection of the conductive lines of the first and second types perpendicular to the main surface is crossing-free. Each conductive line of the first type electrically couples at least all of the plurality of sensor devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Udo Ausserlechner
  • Patent number: 9891296
    Abstract: Devices, kits, assemblies systems and methods for transferring fluid to or from a subject include an elongate guide cannula having opposing proximal and distal ends with an open axially extending lumen. The proximal end includes a connector. The devices also include an elongate needle having opposing proximal and distal ends, the needle having a connector that is configured to attach to the guide cannula connector and is attached to or attachable to a length of flexible tubing, wherein the elongate needle is configured to be slidably inserted into the guide cannula lumen so that the distal end of the needle extends out of the distal end of the distal end of the guide cannula a suitable distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: MRI Interventions, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Piferi
  • Patent number: 9891297
    Abstract: Systems and methods for magnetic sensing and imaging include a sensor having a network of isolated electron-spin quantum bits (qubits) disposed on the surface of the sensor; and a solid state electronic spin system disposed below the surface of the sensor, wherein the solid state electronic spin system has a spin-state dependent fluorescence; a source of light; a source of first external perturbation, wherein the source of first external perturbation generates a magnetic field; a source of second external perturbation; wherein, the source of light and the first and second external perturbations are configured to coherently and independently manipulate the spin states of at least one qubit and at least one solid state electronic spin system; and a detector to optically measure the solid-state electronic spins spin-state dependent fluorescence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: President and Fellows of Harvard College
    Inventors: Alexander Sushkov, Igor Lovchinsky, Nicholas Chisholm, Ronald L. Walsworth, Hongkun Park, Mikhail D. Lukin
  • Patent number: 9891298
    Abstract: The invention provides for magnetic resonance imaging system (600) comprising a superconducting magnet (100) with a first current lead (108) and a second current lead (110) for connecting to a current ramping system (624). The magnet further comprises a vacuum vessel (104) penetrated by the first current lead and the second current lead. The magnet further comprises a magnet circuit (106) within the vacuum vessel. The magnet circuit has a first magnet circuit connection (132) and a second magnet circuit connection (134). The magnet further comprises a first switch (120) between the first magnet connection and the first current lead and a second switch (122) between the second magnet connection and the second current lead. The magnet further comprises a first current shunt (128) connected across the first switch and a second current shunt (130) connected across the second switch. The magnet further comprises a first rigid coil loop (124) operable to actuate the first switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Johannes Adrianus Overweg, Thomas Erik Amthor, Peter Forthmann, Falk Uhlemann, Bernd David
  • Patent number: 9891299
    Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system includes a plurality of radio frequency (RF) coils configured to produce a static B0 field having non-homogeneous characteristics. The MRI system includes an RF transceiver configured to acquire MR imaging data from the RF coils for an area of interest. The system includes a DC source coupled to at least one of the RF coils to form a shimming RF coil, the DC source configured to force a select DC current through the shimming RF coil to at least partially shim the non-homogeneous characteristics of the B0 field. The shimming RF coil includes first and second conductors that exhibit distributed capacitance along a length thereof. At least one of the first and second conductors have first and second termination ends with an elongated and continuous conductive path therebetween to convey the select DC current from the DC source through the shimming RF coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Robert Steven Stormont
  • Patent number: 9891300
    Abstract: In a method and apparatus for magnetic resonance data acquisition, data are acquired according to a single-slab three-dimensional turbo or fast spin-echo pulse sequence, wherein the inner volume selection in the phase-encoding direction takes place by radiating a pair of adiabatic RF pulses, instead of the single refocusing RF pulse that is conventional. The radiation of the adiabatic RF pulses allows a high RF pulse bandwidth to be achieved, for a given limit on the peak radio-frequency field strength. Such a high RF pulse bandwidth reduces off-resonance-related artifacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignees: University of Virginia Patent Foundation, Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: John Mugler, Dominik Paul
  • Patent number: 9891301
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for dynamical tracking of movement of cells and cell groups within cell populations using magnetic resonance imaging are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: University of Iowa Research Foundation
    Inventors: Barry London, Vladimir Shusterman, Xiaodong Zhu
  • Patent number: 9891302
    Abstract: According to an aspect of the present inventive concept there is provided a method for quantifying isotropic diffusion and/or anisotropic diffusion in a sample, the method comprising: performing diffusion weighted magnetic resonance measurements on the sample using diffusion encoding magnetic gradient pulse sequences Gi=1. . . m, wherein each magnetic gradient pulse sequence Gi is generated such that a diffusion encoding tensor bi for the magnetic gradient pulse sequence Gi has one to three non-zero eigenvalues, where bi=Formula (I), qi(t) is proportional to Formula (II) and t is an echo time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: CR DEVELOPMENT AB
    Inventors: Daniel Topgaard, Samo Lasic, Markus Nilsson
  • Patent number: 9891303
    Abstract: In a method and magnetic resonance system to correct phase errors in multidimensional, spatially selective radio-frequency excitation pulses in a pulse sequence used to operate the system to acquire magnetic resonance data, a multidimensional, spatially selective radio-frequency excitation pulse is radiated and multiple calibration gradient echoes are acquired. A phase correction and a time correction of the multidimensional, spatially selective radio-frequency excitation pulse is then calculated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Josef Pfeuffer, Thorsten Speckner
  • Patent number: 9891304
    Abstract: In a method and magnetic resonance apparatus to continuously correct phase errors in a magnetic resonance measurement sequence in which multiple sequentially radiated, multidimensional, spatially-selective radio-frequency excitation pulses are used, multiple calibration gradient echoes are acquired in a calibration acquisition sequence and a correction value for a phase response and a correction value for a phase difference are calculated from the multiple calibration gradient echoes. Furthermore, an additional radio-frequency excitation pulse is radiated takes into account the correction values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Josef Pfeuffer, Thorsten Speckner
  • Patent number: 9891305
    Abstract: A chip scale star tracker that couples starlight into a lightguide such that the angle of incidence partially determines the mode of propagation of the starlight in the lightguide. A baffle system integrated with the lightguide prevents propagation of light incident from a predetermined range of angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: THE CHARLES STARK DRAPER LABORATORY, INC.
    Inventors: Juha-Pekka Laine, Gregory P. Blasche, Murali V. Chaparala, Robin Dawson, Benjamin Lane, Stephen P. Smith, Erik Waldron
  • Patent number: 9891306
    Abstract: A method for improving geolocation accuracy in a passive radar warning receiver, using synchronized data curve-fit and interpolation to asynchronous and noisy receiver and navigation measurements over observation periods that are extended to reduce inaccuracies caused by noise. The present disclosure yields synchronized data samples at intervals short enough that constant-rate equations are valid, even though the actual motions over the observation interval may be more complex and have higher-order dynamics. It reduces noise, synchronizes data samples, and is readily adapted to motions with variable acceleration. The method generates rate samples short enough to satisfy constant rate assumptions, yet fit data over intervals long enough to enhances measurement accuracy by reducing measurement noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: William H. Wellman, Lee M. Savage, John T. Broad
  • Patent number: 9891307
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of computing positioning of a mobile device in a wireless network. This positioning method exchanges packets between pairs of wi-fi nodes. The packets include count stamps of packet transmit and receipt. Differential ranges between a mobile device and plural pairs of wi-fi nodes are used to locate the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Digimarc Corporation
    Inventor: Brett A. Bradley
  • Patent number: 9891308
    Abstract: A transmitter subsystem periodically transmits ranging signals at transmit times, and a receiver subsystem receives the ranging signals at receive times within a receiver window having an adjustable time duration. A real-time position of a mobile device supporting one of the subsystems is determined based on differences between the receive and transmit times. An expected arrival time for the transmitted ranging signals is determined based on the real-time position of the mobile device. Each receive time is compared with the expected arrival time to obtain a consistency rate of the ranging signals that are received by the receiver subsystem directly from the transmitter subsystem. The time duration of the receiver window is dynamically adjusted based on the consistency rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Russell E. Calvarese, Richard J. Lavery
  • Patent number: 9891309
    Abstract: Various embodiments of TOF depth cameras and methods for illuminating image environments with illumination light are provided herein. In one example, a TOF depth camera configured to collect image data from an image environment illuminated by illumination light includes a light source including a plurality of surface-emitting lasers configured to generate coherent light. The example TOF camera also includes an optical assembly configured to transmit light from the plurality of surface-emitting lasers to the image environment and an image sensor configured to detect at least a portion of return light reflected from the image environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Joshua Mark Hudman, Prafulla Masalkar
  • Patent number: 9891310
    Abstract: A radar system uses multiple-beam maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) during both search and tracking operations. During search, a four beam sequential beam cluster may be used to search for targets in a region-of-interest. During tracking, a three beam triad may be used to track one or more detected targets. In some embodiments, a beam selector switch may be used to allow two offset receive beams to time share a beamformer output port to generate the four beam sequential cluster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Kaichiang Chang, Yong Liu, David R. Schmidt, Stephen M. Sparagna, Frederic C. Stevens, IV
  • Patent number: 9891311
    Abstract: A receiver, including: a tuner receiving an input signal; a signal processor configured to process the input signal; an automatic gain control (AGC) controller configured to: initialize the receiver in a low gain state; determine the presence of a signal; and increase the receiver gain to determine if a weak signal is present prior to a strong signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventors: Frank Harald Erich Ho Chung Leong, Arie Geert Cornelius Koppelaar, Stefan Drude, Andries Peter Hekstra
  • Patent number: 9891312
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing personal radar, object presence detection, and object localization are provided. Multiple devices that perform high-resolution ranging can be operated to perform radar in an area, detect objects and motion of objects in the area, and generate a virtual steerable antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Greina Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Joseph Lee, Thomas Schmid
  • Patent number: 9891313
    Abstract: A radar device for detecting an OUD (Object Under Detection) includes a signal source, a first antenna, a second antenna, a mixer, and a 90-degree coupler. The signal source is configured to generate an incident signal. The first antenna is configured to transmit the incident signal to the OUD. The second antenna is configured to receive a reflective signal from the OUD. The mixer is configured to generate a baseband signal according to the incident signal and the reflective signal. The second antenna is coupled through the 90-degree coupler to the mixer, or the signal source is coupled through the 90-degree coupler to the first antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: HTC Corporation
    Inventors: Ta-Chun Pu, Chun-Yih Wu, Yen-Liang Kuo
  • Patent number: 9891314
    Abstract: An ultra-wide band microwave based personnel/passenger screening system, and in particular, a system for material specific detection, uses non-ionizing radiation in which focused beams of low intensity microwave radiation are projected in rapid succession at an individual as they walk through a portal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward James Morton, Anthony J. Peyton
  • Patent number: 9891315
    Abstract: The invention provides a compact, high-frequency, transmit and receive millimeter-wave radar sensor device, system, and method of use. The sensor can operate at a variety of distances, speeds, and resolutions depending on the hardware components selected in a given implementation. The hardware and software architecture is generic and can be tailored to required applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Northeastern University
    Inventors: Dan Busuioc, Ming Wang, Ralf Birken
  • Patent number: 9891316
    Abstract: An on-vehicle target detection apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a radar sensing portion and a processing unit that processes information from the radar sensing portion. The processing unit detects a target that is present in the periphery of the vehicle based on detection results from the radar sensing portion, and determines a depth determination value indicating the depth of the target detected. The processing unit compares the depth determination threshold and a threshold set in advance and determines that the target is a low-lying target that is surmountable by the vehicle, when the depth determination value is determined to be less than the threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akiyoshi Mizutani, Yoshie Samukawa, Ryusuke Uyama
  • Patent number: 9891317
    Abstract: A voltage drop protection apparatus is provided. The voltage drop protection apparatus includes a power source, a controller electrically connected with the power source and configured to control electronic device by using a power supplied from the power source, a transmission capacitor electrically connected with the power source and configured to accumulate a transmission power to be used when transmitting either one of an electromagnetic wave and a sound wave, and a voltage detector configured to detect a value of voltage applied from the power source toward the electronic device. When the voltage value detected by the voltage detector is lower than a predetermined threshold, the transmission capacitor applies the voltage at least to the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Furuno Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yohei Kinoshita
  • Patent number: 9891318
    Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to a location detection system. The location detection system may utilize one or more light sources in a fixed and known position capable of emitting modulated light. The location detection system may utilize one or more light receivers in a fixed and known position operative to detect light emitted by the light sources that has been reflected back off an object. The location detection system may utilize a processor circuit that may be communicatively coupled with the light receiver and the light sources. The processor circuit may be operative to receive signals indicative of the detected reflected emitted light from the light receiver. The processor circuit may also be operative to process the signals to determine a location of the object that reflected the emitted light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: INTEL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Richard D. Roberts
  • Patent number: 9891319
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a movement detection device for detecting a movement of an object in a space range. The movement detection device includes a light source, a light guiding element, at least two light sensing elements and a processing unit. The light sensing elements have an offset therebetween along a first direction such that the object, when moving in the space range, reflects the light from the light source sequentially to the light sensing elements through the light guiding element. The processing unit identifies the movement of the object along the first direction according to a sequence that the light sensing elements detect the light reflected by the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: PIXART IMAGING INC.
    Inventor: En-Feng Hsu
  • Patent number: 9891320
    Abstract: A measurement system includes a measuring device and a scanning module having fastening means for fastening the scanning module onto a holder and a beam deflection element that is rotatable by a motor about an axis of rotation to deflect a scanning laser beam. The axis of rotation is arranged at a defined angle relative to the pivoting axis. A second angle measurement functionality determines an angle of rotation from an angle position of the beam deflection element. The measuring device also has a holder designed such that the scanning module can be fastened by means of the fastening means in a module-like manner in a defined position on the measuring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: HEXAGON TECHNOLOGY CENTER GMBH
    Inventors: Burkhard Boeckem, Knut Siercks, Bernhard Metzler
  • Patent number: 9891321
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and arrangement for developing a 3D model of an environment. The method comprises steps of providing a plurality of overlapping images of the environment, each image associated of navigation data, providing distance information, said LIDAR information comprising a distance value and navigation data from a plurality of distance measurements, and developing the 3D model based on the plurality of overlapping images and the distance information. The step of developing the 3D model comprises the steps of providing the 3D model based on the plurality of overlapping images; and updating the 3D model with the distance information using an iterative process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: VRICON SYSTEMS AKTIEBOLAG
    Inventors: Folke Isaksson, Ingmar Andersson, Johan Bejeryd, Johan Borg, Per Carlbom, Leif Haglund