Patents Issued in July 16, 2019
  • Patent number: 10352748
    Abstract: To achieve both response speed and accuracy required for a flow rate measuring device without sacrificing the simplicity and inexpensiveness of a PWM type D/A converter, the flow rate measuring device includes an analog conversion part adapted to convert a digital signal indicating a measured flow rate value to an analog signal. In addition, the analog conversion part includes: a PWM signal generating circuit that can output three or more specified voltages is configured to, on the basis of the measured flow rate value indicated by the digital signal, select two adjacent voltages, as well as on the basis of the measured flow rate value indicated by the digital signal, set a duty ratio to generate a PWM signal of which a high level and a low level are the two selected voltages, respectively; and a conversion circuit that smooths the PWM signal to convert to the analog signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: HORIBA STEC, Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Takakura
  • Patent number: 10352749
    Abstract: The present invention is about a volume-measuring device installed inside a box that used to store a liquid. The measuring device is placed at the bottom of the box dispensing the liquid, and displays via a measuring tower a measure of the volume of the liquid still in the box. The device is comprised of a receptacle or sealed pouch connected to a measuring tower. As the pressure from the weight of the liquid changes, the receptacle reacts by moving the measuring marker to reflect such change, thus measuring the current liquid volume in the dispensing box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Inventor: Carlos Manuel Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 10352750
    Abstract: A method of characterizing gas flow within a housing includes: positioning one or more gas flow sensors in the housing; introducing a gas flow into the housing; using the one or more gas flow sensors to generate two or more gas flow measurements at spaced-apart locations within the housing; and recording the two or more measurements to create a gas flow map.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Scott Alan Gold, James Harding Shealy, Lucas Christian Jones
  • Patent number: 10352751
    Abstract: A control apparatus for detecting a variation of a fluid level in a tank is disclosed. The control apparatus includes an Electronic Control Unit connected to the fluid level sensor. The ECU is configured to monitor a signal value representative of a fluid level in the tank; filter the fluid level signal value using a first filter to obtain a first filtered signal and using a second filter to obtain a second filtered signal, the first filter having a time constant (?1) lower than a time constant (?2) of the second filter; calculate an integral value of a difference between the first filtered signal and the second filtered signal; and generate a signal representative of the detection of an increase in the fluid level in the tank when the integral value is greater than a predefined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Igor Zanetti, Giovanni David
  • Patent number: 10352752
    Abstract: A connection device for providing both a connection for liquid transport and a connection for the transport of electrical energy is disclosed. The connection device comprises a first part and a second part, which detachably connect to one another such that a first liquid conduit comprised in the first part connects with a second liquid conduit comprised in the second part, and a primary coil comprised in the first part inductively couples to a secondary coil comprised in the second part, wherein the first part further comprises a first electronic circuit electrically connected to the primary coil, and the second part further comprises a second electronic circuit electrically connected to the secondary coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: STRATEC SE
    Inventors: Michael Burkart, Martin Trump
  • Patent number: 10352753
    Abstract: Embodiments of a sight port system of the present invention generally include a primary lens assembly disposed within a hot zone of a sight port component, wherein the primary lens assembly comprises a primary lens positioned between two annular flanges; the gas sealed hot zone is defined between a cavity closure plate, which may comprise a secondary lens, and the primary lens assembly; a jacketed heating means is disposed circumferentially around the gas filled zone and the primary lens; the primary lens assembly is positioned adjacent a process stream chamber or pipe segment; and a process fluid flowing through the process stream chamber may be visually observed through the primary lens, and the secondary lens if present. Embodiments comprising two opposing primary lens assemblies are also disclosed. Embodiments of a method of using embodiments of a sight port system of the present invention are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Inventor: Strom W. Smith
  • Patent number: 10352754
    Abstract: A probe unit having a coaxial structure and including a probe electrode, a guard electrode and a contacting module arranged on a section of the probe electrode, which contacting module including an insulating sleeve, a flexible circuit board with a first conduction path for the electrical contacting of the probe electrode and a second conduction path for the electrical contacting of the guard electrode, and a module housing, wherein a first contact plate is provided that electrically contacts the first conduction path, the module housing including a second contact plate that electrically contacts the second conduction path, wherein the module housing has a pot-shaped geometry with a cylindrical wall, which wall substantially surrounds, protects and/or electromagnetically shields at least the probe electrode in the region in which the contacting module is arranged, at least a part of the insulating sleeve, and at least sections of the circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Endress+Hauser SE+Co. KG
    Inventors: Robert Schmidt, Andreas Krumbholz, Armin Wernet, Kaj Uppenkamp
  • Patent number: 10352755
    Abstract: Systems and methods that use a passive differential optical sensor to measure the level of liquid in a reservoir (e.g., a fuel tank or other storage container). More specifically, the passive differential optical liquid level sensor solves the problem of common-mode intensity variations by employing three optical fibers that will be disposed vertically in the reservoir. The system comprises a side-emitting optical fiber having one end optically coupled to an optical source, a side-receiving optical fiber optically coupled to a first optical detector, and a total internal reflection optical fiber having one end optically coupled to the other end of the side-emitting optical fiber and another end optically coupled to a second optical detector. A computer or processor is configured to perform differential processing of the detected light and then determine the liquid level based on the differential processing results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Tuong K. Truong, Dennis G. Koshinz, Eric Y. Chan, Kim Quan Anh Nguyen
  • Patent number: 10352756
    Abstract: A mass measurement device comprises a force sensor, a hose, a base part, an article-holding part, and a computation unit. The force sensor has a fixed end and a free end, and outputs a sensing signal in accordance with the magnitude of a force in a sensitivity direction. The hose is configured to pass suctioned air through it. The fixed end is fixed to the base part. The article-holding part is fixed to the free end, one end of the hose is connected to the article-holding part, and the article-holding part holds an article by air suction. The computation unit computes the mass of the article based on the sensing signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: ISHIDA CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Akihito Suzuki, Makoto Nakatani, Shizuo Minamino
  • Patent number: 10352757
    Abstract: The present invention provides a platform and/or associated structure for weighing an animal, the platform and/or associated structure being configured to conceal, or configured to facilitate concealment, from the animal of a foreign sensory stimulus of the platform and/or associated structure. The platform may be configured to retain a natural material (such as soil) or a simulated natural material on or about the platform and/or associated structure. The platform is typically incorporated into a weighing apparatus for use with larger animals such as cattle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: PRECISION PASTORAL PTY LTD
    Inventors: Timothy Kenneth Driver, James Richard Hugh Christian
  • Patent number: 10352758
    Abstract: Provided are an apparatus for estimating vehicle mass using tire air pressure and a method thereof, the apparatus for estimating the vehicle mass including: an air pressure determining unit; a speed measuring unit; a data storing unit; an error calculating unit; and a mass calculating unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: HYUNDAI AUTRON CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Seung-Geun Ham, Seung-Hwan Shin
  • Patent number: 10352759
    Abstract: A smart apparatus system includes one or more food and liquid smart tableware apparatuses that each have a processor, memory, and a weight sensor. The smart apparatuses communicate with a cloud server and one or more caretaker computing devices. The caretakers can input physical information for the user including weight. The smart apparatus system can determine the healthy weight range for the user and determine a recommended feeding schedule. The smart apparatus system can remind the caretakers to feed the user, monitor the quantity of food and liquid that are placed in the smart tableware apparatuses and the consumption of the food and water by the user and transmit reports to the caretaker's computing device(s). The smart tableware apparatus system can maintain the recommended feeding schedule to keep the user within the healthy weight range or adjust the feeding schedule to bring the user's weight within the healthy weight range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: OBE INC.
    Inventor: Hilary Jane Jensen
  • Patent number: 10352760
    Abstract: Provided is a device for detecting a malfunction of a rotating machine, the device being able to early detect the malfunction and to have a reduced size. The device includes a detecting unit for detecting vibration of the machine, sampling a signal indicative of the vibration with a predetermined sampling frequency, and outputting, at a time at intervals of a predetermined period, a plurality of the sampled data detected within the predetermined period, a storage for storing the plurality of the sampled data, a frequency analyzer for analyzing the frequency of the plurality of the sampled data, a determination unit for performing a primary determination based on the result of the analysis, a display unit for displaying the result of the analysis in chronological order and in real time, and a communication unit for transmitting the plurality of the sampled data to an information-processing device for performing a secondary determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.
    Inventors: Eiji Takahashi, Kaname Araki, Shugo Takaki, Masato Hayashi
  • Patent number: 10352761
    Abstract: A piezo-actuated valve, system, and method of exciting gas turbine turbomachinery are provided. The piezo-actuated valve includes a valve body extending along a first axis between a first and second end, the valve body defining a first opening near the first end, a second opening near the second end, a third opening centrally located on the valve body, and a valve cavity between the first opening and the second opening, a tube connected to the third opening and extending from the valve body along a second axis transverse to the first axis, a shuttle valve assembly slidably disposed within the valve body, wherein the shuttle valve slides between the first end to a first stopper and the second end to a second stopper, a first piezo injector having an injector tip extending through the first opening, and a second piezo injector having an injector tip extending through the second opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Keven G. Van Duyn, Todd M. Currier
  • Patent number: 10352762
    Abstract: A system for detecting vibrations from a surface is provided. The system includes a coherent light source for projecting a multi-beam pattern onto the surface and an imaging device for mapping a speckle field generated by each spot formed on the surface by the multi-beam pattern to a unique region of an imaging sensor. The system further includes a processor for processing speckle field information received by the imaging sensor and deriving surface vibration information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Guardian Optical Technologies Ltd.
    Inventor: Gideon Carmon
  • Patent number: 10352763
    Abstract: A system for moving object (402) detection is provided, the system comprising a fiber optic interrogator (106) adapted to provide distributed acoustic sensing on a optic fiber (104), for example arranged along a border. The measurement signals from each of a plurality of sensing portions (404, 406, 408, 410, 412) of said fiber are analyzed to determined a characteristic of a Doppler shift. The characteristic of a Doppler shift may be a generally continuous decrease in detected frequency. By detecting the time at which the rate of change of frequency is at a maximum for each of the sensing portions the time of closest approach (ti, t2, t3, t4, t5) of the object to those sensing portions can be determined with the sensing portion the object approaches closest to showing the greatest value of maximum rate of change of frequency. The distance of closest approach and velocity can be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: OPTASENSE HOLDINGS LIMITED
    Inventors: Magnus McEwen-King, David John Hill, Alastair Godfrey
  • Patent number: 10352764
    Abstract: An optoelectronic module that includes a reflectance member which exhibits mitigated or eliminated fan-out field-of-view overlap can be concealed or its visual impact minimized compared to a host device in which the optoelectronic module is mounted. In some instances, the reflectance member can be implemented as a plurality of through holes and in other instances the reflectance member may be a contiguous spin-coated polymeric coating. In general, the reflectance member can be diffusively reflective to the same particular wavelengths or ranges of wavelengths as the host device in which it is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: ams Sensors Singapore Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Jens Geiger, Frank Sobel, Rene Kromhof, Alberto Soppelsa, Kevin Hauser, Robert Lenart
  • Patent number: 10352765
    Abstract: Apparatus includes: pixel array having bias line; readout circuit; bias circuit supplying bias voltage to the bias line and having detector to detect current of the bias line and having amplifier and ADC; first power supply supplying voltage to the readout circuit; second power supply supplying voltage to the amplification circuit; and power supply supplying voltage to the first and second power supplies and the ADC via voltage line and ground line. The ground line includes first ground line connecting ground terminals of the first and second reference power supplies and second ground line connected to the power supply and the first ground line. Impedance of the second ground line is higher than that of the first ground line, arranged between the first and second reference power supplies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hideyuki Okada
  • Patent number: 10352766
    Abstract: Focusing modules and methods are provided, which use a spatial light modulator (SLM) configured to yield a circumferentially sinusoidal pattern to derive focusing signals. For example, the SLM may comprise an optical chopper wheel made of a glass disc with a circumferentially sinusoidal pattern. The circumferentially sinusoidal pattern simplifies phase derivation from the focusing signal, providing a faster and more accurate estimation of defocusing. Signal detection may be carried out by a diode array that provides a more accurate signal faster, as well as a more differentiated analysis of the focusing signal than the one available by current technology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: KLA-Tencor Corporation
    Inventors: Barry Loevsky, Ari Krauss, Avraham Bakal
  • Patent number: 10352767
    Abstract: Color measurement instruments and processes provide automated and accurate color measurements. Sensor to sample distance is automatically adjusted by the instrument over the course of measurement collection. Adaptive parameters may include turntable speed, illumination spectrum, laser gain setting, number of measurement samples, duration of sampling, sample color measurement threshold, and distance variation measurement threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: HUNTER ASSOCIATES LABORATORY, INC.
    Inventors: Michael T. Scardina, Tod L. Kerr, Miguel A. Marcos, Greg L. Howell
  • Patent number: 10352768
    Abstract: A method and analyzer for identifying or verifying or otherwise characterizing a sample comprising: using or having an electromagnetic radiation source for emitting electromagnetic radiation in at least one beam at a sample, the electromagnetic radiation comprising at least two different wavelengths, using or having a sample detector that detects affected electromagnetic radiation resulting from the emitted electromagnetic radiation affected by the sample and provides output representing the detected affected radiation, and using or having a processor for determining sample coefficients from the output, and identifying or verifying or otherwise characterizing the sample using the sample coefficients and training coefficients determined from training samples, wherein the coefficients reduce sensitivity to a sample retainer variation and/or are independent of concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Klein Medical Limited
    Inventors: Raymond Andrew Simpkin, Donal Paul Krouse, Bryan James Smith
  • Patent number: 10352769
    Abstract: A method of implementing a self-calibrating database of spectral data includes receiving remotely-sensed spectral data for a geographic location. The method also includes accessing spectral data for a composition of materials at the geographic location from a database of spectral data for compositions of materials at respective geographic locations. The method includes calibrating the spectral data to match the remotely-sensed spectral data and thereby produce calibrated spectral data for the composition. The method includes validating the calibrated spectral data for the composition. And in an instance in which the calibrated spectral data for the composition is validated, the method includes replacing the spectral data with the calibrated spectral data to produce an enhanced database of spectral data for use in identifying materials or compositions of materials therefrom; and in at least one instance, outputting identifiers of the materials in the composition of materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Robert J Klein
  • Patent number: 10352770
    Abstract: A system for monitoring a chemical reaction in a liquid reactor system includes a sample liquid conduit in communication with the liquid reactor system for receiving sample liquid and directing the sample liquid to an optical spectroscopy device, and a laser beam source. The optical spectroscopy device receives the laser beam from the laser source, and guides the laser beam to the sample liquid to generate an optical spectroscopy signal. A detector detects the optical spectroscopy signal and creates a detection signal responsive to the optical spectroscopy signal. A processor processes the detection signal to determine the identity and amount of at least one chemical species in the liquid. A system for continuously sampling a chemical reaction and a method for continuously monitoring and controlling a chemical reaction are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: UT-BATTELLE, LLC
    Inventors: Marissa E. Morales Rodriguez, Joanna McFarlane
  • Patent number: 10352771
    Abstract: Provided are an infrared sensor and an infrared sensor device that are less susceptible to effects from the casing and lead wires, can be surface-mounted, and can measure the temperature of the object to be measured in a more accurate manner. This invention has: an insulating film; a first and a second heat sensitive element provided on the insulating film; a first and a second wiring film that are respectively connected to the heat sensitive elements; an infrared reflecting film; a terminal support body, arranged on the one face; and a plurality of mounting terminals provided to the terminal support body, wherein the mounting terminals have support convex parts protruding upward, the support convex parts are connected to the corresponding first and second wiring films, and the insulating film is supported such that a gap is provided between the terminal support body and the insulating film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI MATERIALS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi Tari, Mototaka Ishikawa, Keiji Shirata, Kenzo Nakamura
  • Patent number: 10352772
    Abstract: An integrated temperature sensor device has a temperature sensor providing an analog signal corresponding to an ambient temperature, an analog-to-digital converter coupled to the sensor conditioning circuit and receiving the analog temperature signal, and a timer and control circuit which is operable to be configured to control the temperature sensor device to perform a sequence of temperature measurements and shut-down time periods, wherein multiple temperature measurements are taken during the measurement period, wherein the timer and control circuit is further operable to be programmed to set the number of temperature measurements and the length of the shut-down period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Ezana Haile, Patrick Richards
  • Patent number: 10352773
    Abstract: A sensor device includes a system carrier including at least a first planar support element and a second planar support element. The support elements are disposed in a mounting plane at a distance from one another. An integrated signal-processing component is disposed on the support elements. An encapsulation at least partially encloses the signal-processing component. At least two temperature sensors are integrated within the signal-processing component. Each of the temperature sensors is disposed in a vicinity of a respective one of the support elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: E+E ELEKTRONIK GES.M.B.H.
    Inventor: Albin Haider
  • Patent number: 10352774
    Abstract: Methods and Apparatus to monitor components of an aircraft landing system are disclosed herein. An example method includes determining an initial temperature of at least one of a wheel or a fuse plug based on a temperature value to be provided by a first temperature sensor; estimating a temperature of a brake assembly based on a temperature value provided by a second temperature sensor; after determining the initial temperature, estimating a subsequent temperature of the at least one of the wheel or the fuse plug; and determining if the subsequent temperature is a peak temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Trent Daryl Miller
  • Patent number: 10352775
    Abstract: A temperature sensor is disclosed. The temperature sensor includes an analog core having at least first and second circuit nodes and configured to provide a temperature dependent output, a multiplexer coupled to the first and second circuit nodes and configured for at least first and second states in each of which the first circuit node couples to a different circuit element and in each of which the second circuit node couples to a different circuit element, and a controller coupled to the analog core and configured to provide a temperature measurement that is an average of at least first and second readings of the temperature dependent output of the analog core, the first reading taken while the multiplexer is in the first state, and the second reading taken while the multiplexer is in the second state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Dong Pan
  • Patent number: 10352776
    Abstract: Temperature sensing circuitry for an Implantable Medical Device (IMD) is disclosed that can be integrated into integrated circuitry in the IMD and draws very little power, thus enabling continuous temperature monitoring without undue battery depletion. Temperature sensor and threshold setting circuitry produces analog voltage signals indicative of a sensed temperature and at least one temperature threshold. Such circuitry employs a Ptat current reference stage and additional stages, which stages contains resistances that are set based on the desired temperature threshold(s) and to set the voltage range of the sensed temperature. These analog voltages are received at temperature threshold detection circuitry, which produces digital signal(s) indicating whether the sensed temperature has passed the temperature threshold(s). The digital signal(s) are then provided to digital circuitry in the IMD, where they can be stored as a function of time for later review, or used to immediately to control IMD operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Emanuel Feldman, Goran N. Marnfeldt
  • Patent number: 10352777
    Abstract: A method for monitoring a temperature of a battery is provided. The method includes applying a thermochromatic coating to a surface of the battery. The method additionally includes directing electromagnetic radiation towards the thermochromatic coating, observing a thermochromatic response of the thermochromatic coating to the electromagnetic radiation, and identifying at least one portion of the battery that has experienced a temperature above a predefined threshold temperature, based on the thermochromatic response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Gary E. Georgeson, Morteza Safai
  • Patent number: 10352778
    Abstract: A composite active waveguide temperature sensor (10) incorporates a first, sensor portion (16) formed of an environment-resistant material such as ceramic coupled through an ultrasonically-transparent bond (20) to a second, waveguide portion (18) formed of an ultrasonically-transmissive material such as a metallic filament wire. By doing so, the sensor portion (16) may be positioned within a harsh environment and subjected to a temperature to be measured, and the waveguide portion (18) may be used to propagate ultrasonic energy to and/or from the sensor portion (16) to a location distal from the harsh environment for measurement of the temperature. The ultrasonically-transparent bond (20) between these portions (16, 18) limits attenuation of and the introduction of reflections and other noise to an ultrasonic signal propagated across the bond (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: ETEGENT TECHNOLOGIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Christopher G. Larsen, Oleg Lobkis, Richard A. Roth, Stuart J. Shelley
  • Patent number: 10352779
    Abstract: Embodiments of an integrated rail efficiency and safety support system and method are shown comprising a server operable to receive a plurality of sets of collected information, each of the sets of collected information comprising a consist physical location and weather conditions and rail temperatures in an area of the respective consist and to process a predictive rail temperature algorithm for predicting a rail temperature and/or a trend in rail temperature for a selected section of track; and wherein the predictive rail temperature algorithm factors the information provided to it and provides a predicted rail temperature and/or trend in rail temperature for the selected section of track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Concaten, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin K. Groeneweg, Christopher J. Rennie
  • Patent number: 10352780
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for sensing body temperature and wirelessly communicating measured data to at least one electronic device. The device includes a sensor device having a housing base, a housing cover releasably mountable on the housing base, and components for sensing body temperature and wirelessly communicating the measured temperature, including a temperature sensor, a power supply, a microprocessor, and a transmitter and receiver. The electronic device can include an application that communicates with the sensor device and provides a user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: iDevices, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher J. Allen, Sr., Shawn Monteith
  • Patent number: 10352781
    Abstract: A calibration device including a thermal sensing device, and a reference heater, where the heater and the sensing device are integrated together, the heater and the sensing have at least one dimension substantially in common, and the over all dimensions are in the range of thermal micro probes, 100 nm-500 microns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: APPLIED NANOSTRUCTURES, INC.
    Inventors: Gary D. Aden, Josiah F. Willard
  • Patent number: 10352782
    Abstract: An integrated circuit die that includes a temperature monitoring system that obtains measured temperature data from on die temperature sensors during a mode when power is not being supplied to a system controller of the die. After the system controller is powered up, the system controller obtains the measured temperature data. This system and method can be useful in that heat from a powered up system controller does not affect the temperature readings of the temperature monitoring system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: NXP USA, INC.
    Inventors: Tommi Jorma Mikael Jokinen, Firas N. Abughazaleh
  • Patent number: 10352783
    Abstract: A difference module determines differences between an outdoor ambient temperature and an indoor temperature, determines a first average of the differences, and determines a second average of the differences. A storing module stores a first data point, the first data point including the first average and a first total run time of a heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system, and stores a second data point, the second data point including the second average and a second total run time of the HVAC system. A fitting module fits a line to the first and second data points. An envelope grading module generates a grade for an exterior envelope of a building based on a first characteristic of the line. An interior grading module generates a grade for an interior of the building based on a second characteristic of the line. A reporting module generates a displayable report for the building including the grade of the exterior envelope and the grade of the interior of the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Fadi Mohammad Alsaleem
  • Patent number: 10352784
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a thrust stand and a method of measuring thrust. Embodiments of the invention pertain to a method of calibrating a thrust stand. Embodiments of the subject thrust stand can incorporate a passive eddy current based damper. Specific embodiments of the passive eddy current based damper can function without contact with the balance arm. Further specific embodiments of the passive eddy current based damper can be used in a vacuum. Embodiments can utilize signal analysis techniques to identify and reduce noise. A logarithmic decrement method can be used to calibrate the thrust stand. Force measurements can be made with embodiments of the subject thrust stand for a standard macroscale dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma actuator and/or other thrust producing devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Subrata Roy, Jignesh Soni
  • Patent number: 10352785
    Abstract: A method of measuring an axial force of a bolt may include fastening a joint using a fastener, receiving a vibration signal by a detector, transforming the received vibration signal into frequency domain data having a plurality of frames, analyzing the signal transformed into the frequency domain data, and predicting an axial force and indicating a predictive value thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation, IUCF-HYU (Industry-University Cooperation Foundation Hanyang University)
    Inventors: Jae-Soo Gwon, Gyung-Min Toh, Jae-Hong Lee, Jun-Hong Park
  • Patent number: 10352786
    Abstract: A pressing sensor that includes a pressing portion deformed by pressing, a piezoelectric sensor that generates a detection voltage based on the deformation amount, and a first current-voltage conversion circuit that converts a charge/discharge current for a capacitance of the piezoelectric sensor into a voltage signal and outputs the voltage signal. Moreover, a deformation amount detector obtains an integrated value of an output voltage and detects the integrated value as the deformation amount of the pressing portion. A minute vibration sensor detects presence or absence of minute vibration of the pressing portion according to presence or absence of a minute fluctuation state of the output voltage and an integration reset processor resets the integrated value in response to absence of the minute vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hideki Kawamura
  • Patent number: 10352787
    Abstract: Sensors and sensor systems incorporating piezoresistive materials for integration with footwear are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: BeBop Sensors, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith A. McMillen, Gregory Wille, Daniel Eric McAnulty
  • Patent number: 10352788
    Abstract: Pre-loaded force sensitive input devices, force sensing resistors (FSR), are formed as a multiple membrane assembly that is capable of detecting low intensity pressure inputs and quantifying varying applications of pressure to the sensor surface. Pre-loading the force sensor elements results in a controlled amount of force between the two substrates causing a constant state of pre-load and eliminating the low-end or minimal pressure signal noise associated with unloaded sensors. Pre-loading the force sensing resistor sensor also enables the sensor to detect removal of low intensity pressure input such as might occur during theft of light weight articles placed in contact with the pre-loaded force sensor. Using an FSR or FSR Matrix Array will enable any handling of protected retail packaging to be detected and identified. A library of “touches” can be established that will yield cutting, ripping, twisting, etc. making the detection of a theft in progress more accurate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Sensitronics, LLC
    Inventors: Franklin N. Eventoff, Justin M. Connelly, James A. Holmes
  • Patent number: 10352789
    Abstract: A display includes a thin-film transistor (TFT) glass layer having a top surface and a bottom surface and a color-filter glass layer having a top and a bottom surface. The TFT glass layer extends beyond the color-filter glass layer to form an overhanging portion of the TFT glass layer. The overhanging portion is flexible, and a flexible printed circuit (FPC) is affixed to the overhanging portion. The FPC includes an integrated strain gauge for measuring strain at a plurality of locations on the overhanging portion of the TFT glass layer. The display device may be incorporated into a chassis to secure the display in the device. A processor, within the housing, may instruct the strain gauge to measure the strain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Rohit Krishna Koppal, Chandrashekar Gernipalli Subba
  • Patent number: 10352790
    Abstract: Force measurement systems and methods are disclosed for accurate real-time measurement of forces. The system is configured to measure force as a function of time. The system may comprise a handheld device capable of measuring a force externally applied to opposing surface regions thereof for the purpose of monitoring or directing isometric exercises for personal wellness. Additionally, the system may be configured to communicate force measurement data to a remote device or server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: ACTIVBODY, INC.
    Inventors: Kostadin Dimitrov Yanev, Stephen Vance Cooper, Jonathan Victor Samuel Boro, Ben Temple, Jesse Wayne Miller, Ludmil Borissov Kalaydjiyski, Angel Georgiev Vassilev
  • Patent number: 10352791
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a flexible strain sensor. The flexible strain sensor includes a composite structure, a first electrode, a second electrode and a detector. The composite structure includes a carbon nanotube film and a substrate combined with each other. The carbon nanotube film defines a desired deformation direction and includes a plurality of first carbon nanotubes oriented substantially perpendicular with the desired deformation direction. The plurality of first carbon nanotubes are joined end to end with each other along their orientation direction. The first electrode and the second electrode are separately located at two opposite ends of the carbon nanotube film and electrically coupled with the carbon nanotube film. The detector is electrically connected with the first electrode and the second electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignees: Tsinghua University, HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yang Yu, Jia-Ping Wang, Kai-Li Jiang, Shou-Shan Fan
  • Patent number: 10352792
    Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC) chip includes a substrate of a piezo-electric material having a first resistivity coefficient associated with a first direction that is longitudinal to a first crystal axis and a second resistivity coefficient associated with a second direction that is transverse to the first crystal axis. The first and second resistivity coefficients have opposite signs. The IC chip also includes a first stress sensing element formed in the substrate and coupled to pass a first current therethrough. The first stress sensing element includes a first resistor aligned such that the major direction of current flow through the first resistor is in the first direction and a second resistor coupled in series with the first resistor and aligned such that the major direction of current flow through the second resistor is in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Umidjon Nurmetov, Ralf Peter Brederlow, Baher Haroun
  • Patent number: 10352793
    Abstract: A torque sensor (10), in particular for detecting torques occurring on or in a joint of an articulated-arm robot. The sensor has several measuring spokes (1, 2, 3, 4) that are designed to deform under the effects of torque; and several strain gauges (DR11, DR12, DR21, DR22, DR31, DR32, DR41, DR42), with two strain gauges being arranged on two opposite sides of the several measuring spokes (1, 2, 3, 4). The several strain gauges are each connected in one of at least two bridge circuits (A, B). The at least two bridge circuits (A, B) are each configured to generate a bridge voltage (Ua, Ub). By detecting and comparing differences in the bridge voltage signals (Ua, Ub) generated by the at least two bridge circuits (A, B); a reliability of the detected bridge voltage signals is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: KUKA Roboter GmbH
    Inventors: Gernot Nitz, Dietmar Tscharnuter
  • Patent number: 10352794
    Abstract: A method dynamically reconstructing a stress and strain field of a turbine blade includes providing a set of response measurements from at least one location on a turbine blade, band-pass filtering the set of response measurements based on an upper frequency limit and a lower frequency limit, determining an upper envelope and a lower envelope of the set of response measurements from local minima and local maxima of the set of response measurements, calculating a candidate intrinsic mode function (IMF) from the upper envelope and the lower envelope of the set of response measurements, providing an N×N mode shape matrix for the turbine blade, where N is the number of degrees of freedom of the turbine blade, when the candidate IMF is an actual IMF, and calculating a response for another location on the turbine blade from the actual IMF and mode shapes in the mode shape matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Xuefei Guan, Jingdan Zhang, Shaohua Kevin Zhou, Nancy H. Ulerich, Nam Eung Kim, Nikolai R. Tevs
  • Patent number: 10352795
    Abstract: A measurement processing system suitable for supporting condition monitoring of a wind turbine based upon measurements performed on electrical and mechanical parts of the wind turbine, and, while determining whether the wind turbine is connected to the electrical grid or not, determining information representative for shaft torque of the wind turbine and suited for condition monitoring of the wind turbine, based on said measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: LABORELEC CVBA
    Inventors: Koenraad De Bauw, Yann Pankow
  • Patent number: 10352796
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for preventing foreign objects from entering a nozzle of a pressure sensor. Example pressure sensor assemblies include a housing for a pressure sensor, a nozzle coupled to the housing and configured to permit airflow into the housing, and a nozzle cover including a plurality of surface openings configured to permit airflow into the nozzle. Other example assemblies include a shield enclosing a nozzle of the pressure sensor, the shield including a plurality of surface openings to permit airflow into the nozzle, and an attachment mechanism configured to couple the shield to an open end of the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Inventors: Mahmoud Yousef Ghannam, Jayagopal Appukutty, Kam Hage, Abraham G. Philip, Paul Kevin Kula
  • Patent number: 10352797
    Abstract: A tunable and resettable shock sensor using a parallel dipole line (PDL) trap system is provided. In one aspect, a shock sensor includes: a PDL trap having a pair of diametric magnets separated from one another by a gap gM, and a diamagnetic rod levitating in between the diametric magnets; and contact pads below the PDL trap, wherein the contact pads are separated from one another by a space that is less than a length l of the diamagnetic rod. A shock monitoring system is also provided that includes a network of the shock sensors, as is a method for shock monitoring using the shock sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Oki Gunawan, Norma E. Sosa