Patents Issued in August 14, 2018
  • Patent number: 10048102
    Abstract: A system including an environmental sensor that can travel with a product within a carrier's logistics network. The environmental sensor being configured to sense an environmental condition capable of affecting the product to generate product environment data. The system includes a scanner configured to read product environment data from the environmental sensor. The system also includes a hub control unit configured to communicate with the scanner and receive the product environment data from the scanner and determine whether the product environment data enters into a pre-defined range of values associated with an exposure of the product to an environmental condition. The hub control unit is also configured to generate alert data if it is determined that the environmental data has entered the range of values. If a limit within the values is further transcended, a transportation instruction is also generated to alter transport of the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Nagesh Kadaba
  • Patent number: 10048103
    Abstract: The present invention includes an adjustable Pitot tube and method for using the same for operating or flight testing an aircraft comprising: a Pitot probe; a streamline tube connected to the Pitot probe; a mount on the aircraft connected to the streamline tube, wherein the streamline tube can at least one of rotate about an axis of the mount, or the streamline tube can move the Pitot probe closer to, or away from, a skin of the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: Troy Thomas Bushmire, David Bryan Roberts, Brad John Roberts
  • Patent number: 10048104
    Abstract: Sensor and/or power-harvesting apparatus are provided for sensing and/or harvesting energy across a relatively wide dynamic range of a driving rotational input. The apparatus may include a rotor magnet (10, 62) responsive to a driving rotational input (14, 64). Utilization of a togging effect or a magnetic spring effect results in certain rapid-rotation events where the rotor magnet can rapidly rotate regardless of a low rate of rotation of the driving rotational input. A coil assembly (28, 75) is magnetically coupled to the rotor magnet to generate a signal in response to rotation of the rotor magnet during the rapid-rotation events. This signal may be used to harvest electrical energy and/or may be processed to determine characteristics of the driving rotational input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Dynapar Corporation
    Inventors: Edward G. Colby, Andrew N. Dames, Edward J. Taylor, Cathleen M. Clausen
  • Patent number: 10048105
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a method, apparatus, and computer program product for providing a self-validating mass flow controller or mass flow meter without requiring any software modification to a tool/tool controller in which the mass flow controller is being utilized. For example, the disclosed embodiments include a mass flow controller comprising an internal valve configured to receive a first pneumatic line coupled to a tool pilot valve and couple a second pneumatic line from the internal valve to an external isolation valve upstream of the inlet. The mass flow controller also includes at least one processing component configured to execute instructions to perform an in-situ rate of decay measurement after executing instructions to close the external isolation valve by using the internal valve to block airflow being received through the first pneumatic line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Bill Valentine, Chris Ellec, Berwin Banares, John Lull, Anthony Kehoe
  • Patent number: 10048106
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and methods of repeatedly dispensing controlled doses of liquid. In one embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus includes a resiliently squeezable container, a cap operably connected to the container, a dosing chamber operably connected to the cap, at least one timer aperture located proximal to the discharge opening, a plunger, a valve retaining means located below the base, and a valve provided in the valve retaining means. The ratio of the total surface of the inlet openings and the timer apertures is from about 2 to about 17 and the viscosity of the liquid is from about 1 to about 600 mPa·s (measured at 10 s?1 at 20° C.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Paulus Antonius Augustinus Hoefte, Wolfram Beck, Miranda Lambrigts
  • Patent number: 10048107
    Abstract: A metering unit has a module carrier having a fastening element, a valve module and a media store which is replaceably fastened to the module carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: MARCO SYSTEMANANALYSE UND ENTWICKLUNG GMBH
    Inventor: Martin Reuter
  • Patent number: 10048108
    Abstract: An ultrasonic flow sensor assembly includes an ultrasonic flow tube, a first reflector, a second reflector, a first ultrasonic transducer, a second ultrasonic transducer, a temperature sensor, and a tube section for accommodating the ultrasonic flow tube. The ultrasonic flow tube includes a water inlet for fixing the first reflector, a water outlet for fixing the temperature sensor and the for fixing the second reflector, a sound channel, a first mounting hole for fixing the first ultrasonic transducer, and a second mounting hole for fixing the second ultrasonic transducer. An entrance of the sound channel is equipped with a chamfer which can make the flow more smoothly and restrain turbulent flow. An installation groove for installing a seal ring is defined at an external sidewall of the ultrasonic flow tube. The ultrasonic flow tube is made of plastic or ceramic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: ZHEJIANG JOY ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Fengmin Zhang, Zhongkui Yu, Yonglong Wang, Lin Li
  • Patent number: 10048109
    Abstract: A digital load cell has a force measurement element, a power incentive module, a signal detection module, a microprocessor, a communication module, a current control module and a configuration control module. First configuration control information configures the signal detection module to use a corresponding detection mode to perform signal conversion. Second configuration control information configures the processor to use one or more corresponding kernels or processors for running. Third configuration control information configures the communication module to use a corresponding communication protocol, terminal matching and impedance control for communication. Fourth configuration control information configures the current control module to use the on/off, voltage values and current values of the power incentive module, the signal detection module, the microprocessor and the communication module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignees: METTLER TOLEDO (CHANGZHOU) PRECISION INSTRUMENT LTD., METTLER TOLEDO (CHANGZHOU) MEASUREMENT TECHNOLOGY LTD., METTLER TOLEDO (CHANGZHOU) SCALE & SYSTEM LTD.
    Inventors: Ying Zhang, Shaowen Zheng, Jianwei Wu
  • Patent number: 10048110
    Abstract: The field of application of present invention relates to weighing systems of vehicles in motion also called WIM systems (Weigh In Motion). The indicated WIM system foresees the placement of a metal plate to the street level, above which vehicles to be weighed may transit, and this metal plate, which is also called loading plate, is mounted above a cavity obtained on the road surface so that it can flex at the passage of the vehicles above it. The system provides that the measurement of the deflection of said loading plate is carried out with the aid of suitable sensors, and that the estimated weight is obtained through the modeling of the flexing of said loading plate depending on the weight of the vehicle passing over. The invention discloses a particularly advantage configuration to achieve a weighing system that can be modelled with the required accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: IWIM S.R.L.
    Inventors: Andrea Demozzi, Michele Arturo Caponero
  • Patent number: 10048111
    Abstract: A method of measuring body weight includes receiving a first weight of a user wearing at least one personal item, reading a tag information for indicating a weight corresponding to the at least one personal item, and comparing a difference between the first weight and the weight corresponding to the at least one personal item to compute a second weight, wherein the second weight is a body weight of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: EBM TECHNOLOGIES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: William Pan
  • Patent number: 10048112
    Abstract: A weighing system for the dynamic weighing of transported commodities, including a housing with a drive and a weighing cell arranged therein. A drive shaft of the drive is fed through a first housing opening in the horizontal direction laterally out of the housing, and support elements can also be coupled through the same opening to the load receiver of the weighing cell arranged inside the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Wipotec Wiege- und Positioniersysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Theo Düppre, Ralf Burkart, Stefan Mildenberger
  • Patent number: 10048113
    Abstract: A system for a vehicle comprises a load sensor configured to sense a load on the vehicle. The vehicle further includes a load indicator where the load indicator is disposed proximate the vehicle such that the load indicator generates an output in response to the load sensed by the load sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Annette Lynn Huebner, Paul Kenneth Dellock
  • Patent number: 10048114
    Abstract: In a device for measuring the vibrational amplitude of a capillary tube of a wire bonder, the capillary tube is placed between a light source and a detector system, so that the vibrational amplitude is able to be ascertained from the shading of a beam of light by the capillary tube. The beam of light emitted by the light source is split into a measuring beam of light and a reference beam of light, an edge of the capillary tube at least partially shading the measuring beam of light in the vibrating state, while the reference beam of light is not shaded. The detector system includes a measuring detector assigned to the measuring beam of light as well as at least one reference detector assigned to the reference beam of light, and the vibrational amplitude of the capillary tube is ascertainable from the interconnected output signals of the measuring detector and the reference detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GMBH
    Inventors: Walter Huber, Wolfgang Holzapfel
  • Patent number: 10048115
    Abstract: An interferometer apparatus for an optical fiber system and method of use is described. The interferometer comprises an optical coupler and optical fibers which define first and second optical paths. Light propagating in the first and second optical paths is reflected back to the optical coupler to generate an interference signal. First, second and third interference signal components are directed towards respective first, second and third photodetectors. The third photodetector is connected to the coupler via a non-reciprocal optical device and is configured to measure the intensity of the third interference signal component directed back towards the input fiber. Methods of use in applications to monitoring acoustic perturbations and a calibration method are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Siiixa Ltd
    Inventors: Mahmoud Farhadiroushan, Tom Richard Parker, Sergey Shatalin
  • Patent number: 10048116
    Abstract: A detection system for a turbine engine that is configured to identify the presence of at least a partial blockage of guide vanes by monitoring deflection of an adjacent row of turbine blades. The detection system may include one or more sensors positioned radially outward from tips of turbine blades in a row of turbine blades adjacent an upstream row of guide vanes that remain stationary. The detection system may also include a conditioning module in communication with the sensor to amplify the output signals received from the sensor. A processing module may be in communication with conditioning module to analyze signals produced by the sensor via the conditioning module and generate an alarm if the processing module detects a change in amplitude, such as an increase of amplitude at frequencies between about 400 Hertz and about 900 Hertz.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: SIEMENS ENERGY, INC.
    Inventor: Nikolai R. Tevs
  • Patent number: 10048117
    Abstract: An optical receiver module includes: a lens array including a plurality of condenser lenses arranged in one direction to define a plane with optical axes in parallel to each other; and a light receiving element array including a plurality of light receiving elements each configured to receive light emitted from each of the condenser lenses. The light receiving element array includes: a semiconductor substrate to which the light from each of the condenser lenses is input and through which the light is transmitted; and light receiving portions each configured to receive the light transmitted through the semiconductor substrate and convert the light into an electrical signal. A shift of the optical axis of each of the condenser lenses from a center of each corresponding one of the light receiving portions is larger in a direction perpendicular to the one direction within the plane than in the one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: OCLARO JAPAN, INC.
    Inventors: Koki Iemura, Michihide Sasada, Hiroyasu Sasaki
  • Patent number: 10048118
    Abstract: A sensor package and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. A sensor package includes a substrate on which an image sensor is mounted, an electronic component mounted on the substrate, and a transparent member coupled to the electronic component and covering the image sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seung Wook Park, No Il Park, Tae Sung Jeong
  • Patent number: 10048119
    Abstract: The optical system (1) is intended to measure the bidirectional reflectance and/or transmittance distribution function BRDF, BTDF and BSDF of a surface (10) of at least a portion of an object (7), the system comprising successively: an aplanatic lens (2) having an opening angle, the absolute value of which is comprised between 45° and a value strictly lower than 90°, a converging field lens (3) downstream of the plane P, an image pickup lens (4), the field angle of which is higher than or equal to the convergence angle of the scattered light beams emerging from the field lens, and a video sensor (5), the aplanatic lens (2), the converging field lens (3), the image pickup lens (4) and the video sensor (5) being arranged so as to allow a conjugation C1 between the surface (10) and the entrance pupil of the image pickup lens (4) and a conjugation C2 between an intensity pattern and the video sensor (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Lauret
  • Patent number: 10048120
    Abstract: A laser scanner which includes a transmission subsystem and a reception subsystem. The transmission subsystem includes a light source which emits a light beam and a scanning mirror rotatable about an axis which reflects the light beam toward a scanning area and which directs return light from objects toward the reception subsystem. The reception system may include a collecting mirror dimensioned and positioned to receive the return light from the scanning mirror. The reception system may also include a dichroic or interference filter disposed between the collecting mirror and the scanning mirror. The interference filter filters the return light from the scanning mirror and provides the filtered return light to the collecting mirror. The reception subsystem also includes a light detector disposed between the interference filter and the collecting mirror, in operation the light detector receives the filtered return light reflected from the collecting mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: DATALOGIC IP TECH, S.R.L.
    Inventors: Gabriele Corrain, Giacomo Rigoni, Paolo Aprile
  • Patent number: 10048121
    Abstract: Calibration devices, systems, and methods for calibrating a sensor. In one example a calibrator includes a housing, a dual-axis mirror positioning mechanism disposed within the housing, and a single calibration mirror coupled to the dual-axis mirror positioning mechanism and disposed within the housing, the dual-axis mirror positioning mechanism being configured to rotate the calibration mirror about a first axis to move the calibration mirror from a stowed position into a deployed position and, when the calibration mirror is in the deployed position, to rotate the calibration mirror about a second axis into a plurality of calibration positions, the first and second axes being orthogonal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: RAYTHEON COMPANY
    Inventors: Andrew J. Zimmerman, Susan B. Spencer, Michael L. Menendez
  • Patent number: 10048122
    Abstract: A pyranometer, comprises a thermal sensor, and a diffusing member positioned so as to be opposed to a receiving surface of the thermal sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: EKO INSTRUMENTS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Toshikazu Hasegawa, Akihito Akiyama, Naoto Shimada
  • Patent number: 10048123
    Abstract: An electronic device including a component and a light circuit structured to detect light. The light circuit is structured to output a detection signal in response to detecting light and the detection signal is used to wake up or communicate with the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventors: Gregg James Haensgen, James Derek Formea, Andrew John Sowada, Richard William Lucas, Kyle Heiden, Denis Sterjo
  • Patent number: 10048124
    Abstract: An optical receiving circuit which suppresses a characteristic deterioration due to a wiring between a PD and a TIA and a method for manufacturing the optical receiving circuit are provided. A optical receiving circuit (300) comprises a photodiode (302), and a transimpedance amplifier (308) that supplies an electrical power source to the photodiode (302). The characteristic impedance of a wiring between the anode of the photodiode (302) and the transimpedance amplifier (308) is higher than the characteristic impedance of a wiring between the cathode of the photodiode (302) and the transimpedance amplifier (308).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: PHOTONICS ELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH ASSOCIATION
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Suzuki, Daisuke Okamoto
  • Patent number: 10048125
    Abstract: A bridge circuit arrangement, method of providing said bridge circuit arrangement, and uses thereof are described. The bridge circuit arrangement comprises a first photodevice configured on a first arm, a second photodevice configured on a second arm, a first resistor configured on a third, the first resistor being a variable resistor and a second resistor configured on a fourth arm of the bridge, the second resistor being a constant resistor. The first and second photodevice provide current flow in opposing directions. The first photodevice on the first arm includes a third resistor having an equivalent resistance to the first photodevice. The second photodevice on the second arm includes a fourth resistor having an equivalent resistance to the second photodevice. The bridge circuit arrangement is balanced by illuminating the first and second photodiode and adjusting the arrangement so the net current is zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: K Sciences GP, LLC
    Inventor: Valentin Korman
  • Patent number: 10048126
    Abstract: A optical base body for a spectrometer for mounting other components of a spectrometer, wherein the optical base body is produced as a sandwich construction from at least three flat elements layered on top of each other and interconnected, in particular bonded, wherein each of the flat elements has a low coefficient of thermal expansion which is substantially isotropic, at least in one isotropic plane and wherein the flat elements are layered on top of each other and interconnected such that their isotropic planes run substantially parallel to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: BRUKER AXS GMBH
    Inventors: Armin Schmidt, Jennifer Simons, Rainer Simons
  • Patent number: 10048127
    Abstract: An optical assembly is disclosed including two laterally variable bandpass optical filters stacked at a fixed distance from each other, so that the upstream filter functions as a spatial filter for the downstream filter. The lateral displacement may cause a suppression of the oblique beam when transmission passbands at impinging locations of the oblique beam onto the upstream and downstream filters do not overlap. A photodetector array may be disposed downstream of the downstream filter. The optical assembly may be coupled via a variety of optical conduits or optical fibers for spectroscopic measurements of a flowing sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: VIAVI Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Paula Smith, Curtis R. Hruska, Benjamin F. Catching, Paul G. Coombs
  • Patent number: 10048128
    Abstract: Methods and systems for spectrometer dark correction are described which achieve more stable baselines, especially towards the edges where intensity correction magnifies any non-zero results of dark subtraction, and changes in dark current due to changes in temperature of the camera window frame are typically more pronounced. The resulting induced curvature of the baseline makes quantitation difficult in these regions. Use of the invention may provide metrics for the identification of system failure states such as loss of camera vacuum seal, drift in the temperature stabilization, and light leaks. In system aspects of the invention, a processor receives signals from a light detector in the spectrometer and executes software programs to calculate spectral responses, sum or average results, and perform other operations necessary to carry out the disclosed methods. In most preferred embodiments, the light signals received from a sample are used for Raman analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: KAISER OPTICAL SYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: Patrick Wiegand, James M. Tedesco, Joseph B. Slater, Francis Esmonde-White, Darren Schipper
  • Patent number: 10048129
    Abstract: A total reflection spectroscopic measurement device includes a terahertz wave generation unit, an internal total reflection prism, a detection unit configured to detect the terahertz wave, an electric field vector measurement unit configured to measure an electric field vector of the terahertz wave, and an analysis unit configured to acquire information about an optical constant of the object to be measured. Proportions of S polarization component and P polarization component of the terahertz wave are constant. The analysis unit acquires the information about the optical constant on the basis of a ratio between S polarization component and P polarization component of the measured electric field vector when the object is not arranged on the total reflection surface and a ratio between S polarization component and P polarization component of the measured electric field vector when the object is arranged on the total reflection surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS K.K.
    Inventor: Yoichi Kawada
  • Patent number: 10048130
    Abstract: Methods and systems for Raman spectroscopy and context imaging are disclosed. One or two lasers can be used to excite Raman scattering in a sample, while a plurality of LEDs can illuminate the sample at a different wavelength. The LED light is collected by a lenslet array in order to enable a high depth of field. Focusing of the image can be carried out at specific points of the image by processing the light collected by the lenslet array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventor: James L. Lambert
  • Patent number: 10048131
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a chromaticity test method and a chromaticity test apparatus. The chromaticity test method comprises the following steps: S1: measuring a size of a pixel of a product to be tested; S2: determining an aperture of a light transmission hole for testing according to the size of the pixel measured in S1; and, S3: selecting a corresponding light transmission hole according to the aperture determined in S2 and then performing a chromaticity test on the product to be tested. By the chromaticity test method provided by the present invention, the waste of time resulted from the inappropriate selection of a light transmission hole is reduced, and the test efficiency is improved while the accuracy of testing is ensured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignees: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD., CHENGDU BOE OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Lijia Zhou
  • Patent number: 10048132
    Abstract: Metrology methods and systems are provided, in which the detected image is split at a field plane of the collection path of the metrology system's optical system into at least two pupil plane images. Optical elements such as prisms may be used to split the field plane images, and multiple targets or target cells may be measured simultaneously by spatially splitting the field plane and/or the illumination sources and/or by using two polarization types. The simultaneous capturing of multiple targets or target cells increases the throughput of the disclosed metrology systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: KLA-Tencor Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew V. Hill, Amnon Manassen, Yuri Paskover, Yuval Lubashevsky
  • Patent number: 10048133
    Abstract: A thermal inspection system is provided for a gas turbine engine hot section component with a cooling passage. This thermal inspection system includes a fluid subsystem operable to supply a fluid into the cooling passage. The thermal inspection system also includes a thermal camera subsystem operable to monitor a fluid temperature difference of the fluid exiting the cooling passage relative to the input temperature of the fluid supplied to the cooling passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin D. Smith, David A. Raulerson, Zhong Ouyang, Lisa J. Brasche
  • Patent number: 10048134
    Abstract: A non-contact medical thermometer is disclosed that includes an IR sensor assembly having an IR sensor for sensing IR radiation from a target, a distance sensor configured to determine a distance of the thermometer from the target, and a memory component operatively coupled at least to the IR sensor assembly and the distance sensor. The memory component contains predetermined compensation information that relates to predetermined temperatures of targets and to predetermined distances from at least one predetermined target. A microprocessor is operatively coupled to the memory component. The microprocessor is configured to perform temperature calculations based on the IR radiation from the target, the distance of the thermometer from the target, and the predetermined compensation information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Helen of Troy Limited
    Inventors: Aleksan Yildizyan, Jiawei Hu, Charles Squires, James Christopher Gorsich
  • Patent number: 10048135
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for measuring a temperature inside a kitchen appliance (1), in particular of a temperature of an item to be cooked of an item to be cooked (21), which is to be prepared inside a kitchen appliance (1), comprising the method steps: transmitting an electromagnetic excitation signal by means of a transmission-receiving device (2), receiving the excitation signal by a temperature sensor (3), which is arranged in the kitchen appliance (1), in particular in the item to be cooked (21), transmitting a temperature-dependent response signal by the temperature sensor (3), receiving the response signal by the transmission-receiving device (2), determining the current temperature by comparing the response signal to temperature-dependent reference signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Vorwerk & Co. Interholding GmbH
    Inventors: Hendrik Koetz, Christopher Fricke, Stefan Hilgers, Maximilian Koennings, Arno Koch, Maria Resende, Georg Hackert
  • Patent number: 10048136
    Abstract: Advantageous mounting flanges for measuring devices and related methods of use are provided. The present disclosure provides advantageous mounting flanges configured to be mounted to measuring devices/instruments (e.g., pressure or temperature measuring devices/instruments), and related methods of use. More particularly, the present disclosure provides advantageous systems/methods for the design and use of user-friendly press-on mounting flanges configured to be mounted to pressure and temperature instruments (e.g., to the case of pressure or temperature gauges) to allow the instruments to be secured to a supporting structure (e.g., to a panel) via the mounting flanges. Disclosed herein is an advantageous mounting flange configured to be mounted to a case of a measuring device/gauge, thereby allowing the measuring device/gauge to be mounted to and held in a panel via the mounting flange. As such, the gauge case mounting flange is configured to hold the measuring gauge in place in the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Ashcroft, Inc.
    Inventor: Tyler Jon Bessette
  • Patent number: 10048137
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes: a semiconductor substrate; a plurality of conductive lines formed on the semiconductor substrate; and an electrode for temperature measurement. The electrode is connected to the plurality of conductive lines. An electronic device includes a semiconductor device and has a temperature sensing function. The semiconductor device includes: a semiconductor substrate; a plurality of conductive lines formed on the semiconductor substrate; and an electrode for temperature measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyongtaek Lee, Sangwoo Pae, Junekyun Park
  • Patent number: 10048138
    Abstract: A freeze indicator including an indicator dispersion is described herein. Such an indicator dispersion can include: a liquid medium and particles of a colored indicator agent dispersed in the liquid medium. The colored indicator agent particles having an inherent color; wherein the indicator dispersion exhibits the inherent color of the colored indicator agent particles after freezing and is configured to have a less colored appearance before freezing and wherein light scattering masks the inherent color of the colored indicator agent particles before freezing. Some indicator dispersions can be free of color-changing chemical co-reactants. These freeze indicators can be small, have a low cost, and have a simple configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: TEMPTIME CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dawn E. Smith, Brian S. Huffman, Dene H. Taylor
  • Patent number: 10048139
    Abstract: A flexible transducer structure suitable for attaching to a curved surface such as the leading edge of an aircraft wing is provided. In one example embodiment, a method may include receiving, at a sensor disposed on a flexible sheet, a pressure, wherein the sensor is electrically coupled to a conductive trace disposed on the flexible sheet; measuring, by the sensor, the pressure to generate a pressure signal; outputting, by the sensor, to the conductive trace, the pressure signal, wherein the conductive trace extends away from the sensor on the flexible sheet; and wherein the flexible sheet is adaptable to conform to a contour of a curved surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: KULITE SEMICONDUCTOR PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: Nora Kurtz
  • Patent number: 10048140
    Abstract: Provided is a sensor device including a receiving body including an inserting space, an inserting body disposed in the inserting space, a first sensor assembly including at least one sensor provided between an inner surface of the receiving body and an outer surface of the inserting body, and a second sensor assembly including at least one sensor provided between another inner surface of the receiving body and another outer surface of the inserting body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyun Do Choi, Seungyong Hyung, Jeonghun Kim, Se-Gon Roh, Minhyung Lee, Youn Baek Lee, Jongwon Lee, Byungjune Choi
  • Patent number: 10048141
    Abstract: Provided is a pressure sensing element configured to be flexible, and capable of demonstrating a stable electrical reliability over a long period; and, a pressure sensor having such pressure sensing element. A pressure sensing element (100) has an electro-conductive pressure sensing film (14), a sensor electrode (12) provided at a position faced to the pressure sensing film (14), and an insulating layer (13) which creates a predetermined distance “A” between the pressure sensing film (14) and the sensor electrode (12) so as to keep them apart from each other, the pressure sensing film (14) being a resin film containing carbon particles (140); and, a pressure sensor (200) has the pressure sensing element (100), and a detection unit (210) which is electrically connected with the pressure sensing element (100) so as to detect contact resistance between the pressure sensing film (14) and the sensor electrode (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: NIPPON MEKTRON, LTD.
    Inventors: Masayuki Iwase, Keizo Toyama, Kazuyuki Ozaki, Hirokazu Ohdate, Taisuke Kimura, Ryoichi Toyoshima
  • Patent number: 10048142
    Abstract: Provided are a method by which the degrees of the strains of lattices in a plurality of bulk SiC single crystals can be relatively evaluated, and a reference SiC single crystal to be used in the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: SHOWA DENKO K.K.
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Kojima, Masashi Nakabayashi
  • Patent number: 10048143
    Abstract: A sensor unit and a sensor apparatus are provided in which the size of the sensor unit itself is prevented from varying regardless of whether or not a redundant sensor is included, eliminating the need to change the design of a component to which the sensor unit is attached. Terminals of a sensor unit include a plurality of lead connection portions to which Hall ICs can be attached and a plurality of cable connection portions electrically connected to outside. The terminals are provided according to the number of sensors so as to enable the Hall ICs corresponding to two magnetic sensors to be attached to the terminals. A lead to the Hall IC corresponding to at least one magnetic sensor is connected to the terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yuichi Toyama, Takatsugu Asano
  • Patent number: 10048144
    Abstract: A method of validating a compressive axial preload on adjacent rotatable elements serially arranged around a shaft, created through application of a progressively increasing axial tension to a tensioning member configured to compress the elements when the axial tension is applied. The method includes monitoring a load in the tensioning member and/or in one or more of the elements, and an elongation of the tensioning member, during application of the axial tension, determining at least one validation parameter from the load and the elongation, comparing each validation parameter with a respective predetermined range therefor; and if at least one of the at least one validation parameter is out of the respective predetermined range, correcting the preload on the elements, and repeating the method. A method of applying the compressive preload and a system for validating the compressive preload are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.
    Inventors: Patrice Remy, Pierre Gaudet
  • Patent number: 10048145
    Abstract: A sensor assembly comprises a base plate and a sensor member displaceable relative to the base plate. A spring arrangement operates in first and second stages in response to displacement of the sensor member relative to the base plate. Different resolutions of force and torque measurements are associated with the first and second stages. A light sensitive transducer senses displacement of the sensor member relative to the base plate and generates corresponding output signals. A collimator directs a plurality of light beams onto the light sensitive transducer so that the light beams strike different pixels of the light sensitive transducer to sense displacement of the sensor member relative to the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: STRYKER CORPORATION
    Inventors: John J. Janik, Robert A. Brindley, Edward Tang, Leland J. Spangler
  • Patent number: 10048146
    Abstract: Arrays of resonator sensors include an active wafer array comprising a plurality of active wafers, a first end cap array coupled to a first side of the active wafer array, and a second end cap array coupled to a second side of the active wafer array. Thickness shear mode resonator sensors may include an active wafer coupled to a first end cap and a second end cap. Methods of forming a plurality of resonator sensors include forming a plurality of active wafer locations and separating the active wafer locations to form a plurality of discrete resonator sensors. Thickness shear mode resonator sensors may be produced by such methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Quartzdyne, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek W. Puccio, Errol P. EerNisse
  • Patent number: 10048147
    Abstract: A pressure sensor includes a ceramic sensor that is accommodated between a body and a holder. On an end surface of the sensor, plural resistive bodies are printed and fired in a straight line using a thick-film resistive paste material by screen printing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: SMC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mitsuhiro Saitoh, Yuta Oshima, Takeshi Yamagishi
  • Patent number: 10048148
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing a MEMS pressure sensor having a micromechanical structure envisages: providing a wafer having a substrate of semiconductor material and a top surface; forming a buried cavity entirely contained within the substrate and separated from the top surface by a membrane suspended above the buried cavity; forming a fluidic-communication access for fluidic communication of the membrane with an external environment, set at a pressure the value of which has to be determined; forming, suspended above the membrane, a plate region made of conductive material, separated from the membrane by an empty space; and forming electrical-contact elements for electrical connection of the membrane and of the plate region, which are designed to form the plates of a sensing capacitor, the value of capacitance of which is indicative of the value of pressure to be detected. A corresponding MEMS pressure sensor having the micromechanical structure is moreover described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: STMICROELECTRONICS S.R.L.
    Inventors: Lorenzo Baldo, Sarah Zerbini, Enri Duqi
  • Patent number: 10048149
    Abstract: A relative pressure sensor (1) includes a pressure measuring cell (10) having a measuring diaphragm (12), a main body (14) which is connected to said measuring diaphragm, and a the measuring chamber between the measuring diaphragm and main body, a reference pressure being applied to the measuring chamber by a reference pressure channel (18) which runs from a rear face (16) of the main body (14) through the main body (14); a clamping ring (38); and a housing (40) which has at least one housing body (42) with a measuring cell chamber (46), wherein the pressure measuring cell (10) is clamped in the measuring cell chamber (46) by the clamping ring (38).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: ENDRESS + HAUSER GMBH + CO. KG
    Inventors: Armin Rupp, Raphael Schonhardt, Michael Hugel
  • Patent number: 10048150
    Abstract: A strain detection element is provided above a deformable membrane. Moreover, this strain detection element includes an electrode and a stacked body, the stacked body including: a first magnetic layer whose magnetization direction is variable according to a deformation of the membrane; a second magnetic layer provided facing the first magnetic layer; and an intermediate layer provided between these first magnetic layer and second magnetic layer, and at least part of the first magnetic layer is amorphous, and the electrode includes a metal layer configured from a Cu—Ag alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Fuji, Hideaki Fukuzawa, Akio Hori, Shiori Kaji
  • Patent number: 10048151
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a source of physiological affliction within a moving enclosed structure, such as a vehicle, which defines an interior. The system includes: at least one pressure fluctuation generator, at least one pressure sensor located to sense pressure indicative of the interior of the structure; and at least one controller configured to: determine, from the first pressure sensor information, at least one pressure disturbance within the interior of the structure; and control the at least one pressure fluctuation generator to cancel the at least one pressure disturbance within the interior of the structure. In an example, the at least one pressure disturbance includes infrasonic pressure fluctuations (infrasound). In an example, the physiological affliction includes motion sickness or nauseogenicity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: KEVIN ALLAN DOOLEY, INC.
    Inventors: Kevin Allan Dooley, Elwood A. Morris