With Significant Electrical Circuitry Or Nominal Computer Device Patents (Class 204/406)
  • Patent number: 10605759
    Abstract: A method of verifying operation of a meter for reading electrochemical test devices, includes obtaining a reference output signal indicative of a response generated at an electrochemical test device when the electrochemical test device reacts with a reference test fluid; applying with the meter an algorithm to the reference output signal so as to obtain a reference test result, wherein the algorithm is for use in estimating an unknown concentration of an analyte in a sample of the reference test fluid; and determining whether the reference test result is valid so as to verify operation of the meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: INSIDE BIOMETRICS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
    Inventors: Stephen Blythe, Damian Baskeyfield
  • Patent number: 10598630
    Abstract: According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, a method includes applying an alternating current having a frequency at a selected voltage to a sensor, wherein the voltage is applied between a reference electrode and a working electrode of the sensor, varying the frequency of the alternating current between a lower frequency and an upper frequency, measuring an impedance of the sensor between the reference electrode and the working electrode as a function of the frequency of the alternating current, analyzing the measured impedance to determine a total impedance of the sensor and the real and imaginary components of the total impedance at each applied frequency of the alternating current, and characterizing the sensor based on the total impedance at the low frequency end of the sensor and on the real and imaginary components of the total impedances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Endress+Hauser Conducta Inc.
    Inventors: Jinshan Huo, Michael Hanko
  • Patent number: 10591440
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present technology include a system for analyzing a molecule. The system may include a device. The device includes a first conductive element, a second conductive element, and an insulating layer. The insulating layer may be tapered in a direction to reach a minimum thickness at a first end of the device. The insulating layer is disposed between the first conductive element and the second conductive element. The device may include a voltage source in electrical communication with the first conductive element and the second conductive element. The device may also include an electrical meter in electrical communication with the voltage source, the first conductive element, and the second conductive element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Roche Sequencing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Yann Astier, Juraj Topolancik
  • Patent number: 10578599
    Abstract: Embodiments of the inventive concept include a portable ion concentration apparatus including a controller, a storage section to store one or more data samples, an amplifier circuit, and a chemical field effect transistor (CHEMFET). The CHEMFET and the amplifier circuit can indicate a quantity of nitrate levels in a sample media or a reference media. The controller can process the indication of the quantity of nitrate levels, and generate the one or more data samples based at least on the indication of the quantity of nitrate levels. The portable ion concentration apparatus can include an in-field analysis apparatus, an in-field measurement apparatus, or an in-soil monitoring apparatus. A measurement logic section can determine an ion concentration based on a sensitivity slope M or a polynomial fit. Also disclosed is a method for measuring ion concentration with a standard deviation correction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: SupraSensor Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Andreas M. Wenzel, Jordan Richard Kusiek, Calden Carroll Stimpson, Sean Fontenot
  • Patent number: 10563605
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for reducing release of undesired emissions to atmosphere at a start event of an engine configured to propel a vehicle. In one example, a method comprises providing an alternative heat source and actively routing heat from the alternative heat source to a heated exhaust gas oxygen sensor for which a heating element configured to raise temperature of the sensor is known to be degraded. In this way, a desired air-fuel ratio may be attained during engine start events where the heating element for raising temperature of the sensor is degraded, which may thus reduce tail-pipe emissions which may otherwise be released in the absence of such mitigating action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Aed Dudar
  • Patent number: 10509009
    Abstract: A sensor control apparatus for a gas sensor which detects a particular gas component contained in a gas under measurement. In the case where humidity detection is performed using an electromotive-force-type gas sensor, a sensor control apparatus changes a target voltage of an electromotive force cell to a second target voltage for humidity detection and then to a third target voltage which is lower than a first target voltage which is a target voltage used for detecting the concentration of the particular gas component. In the case where humidity detection is performed using a limiting-current-type gas sensor, the sensor control apparatus changes the voltage applied to a pump cell to a second application voltage for humidity detection and then to a third application voltage which is lower than a first application voltage which is an application voltage used for detecting the concentration of the particular gas component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: NGK SPARK PLUG CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Dai Nishijima, Satoshi Teramoto
  • Patent number: 10502841
    Abstract: A smart dosimeter coupled to a legal dosimeter and used as if they were incorporated into one structure. A sensor, provided in the smart dosimeter, detects a worker is wearing the legal dosimeter. An instantaneous exposed dose value can be checked, in real time, to assist a worker with performing an operation or task. A motion detection unit detects a motion; a legal dosimeter detection unit checks whether the legal dosimeter is coupled to the smart dosimeter; a wearing check unit checks whether the worker is wearing the legal dosimeter based upon motion information; a G-M detection unit detects a real-time exposed dose of the worker; and a data communication unit transmits the exposed dose, detected by the G-M detection unit, to a management server and receives warning situation information from the management server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: LENIVEN CO. LTD
    Inventors: Hoon-Yu Kim, Ho-Sun Lim
  • Patent number: 10488365
    Abstract: Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide methods and apparatus for sensing. One example apparatus for sensing includes a sensor configured to supply a current indicative of a parameter and a bipolar transistor having a base coupled to the sensor to receive the current, the bipolar transistor being configured to generate an amplified current based on the current. The apparatus may also include a measurement circuit coupled to the bipolar transistor and configured receive the amplified current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventor: Vladimir Aparin
  • Patent number: 10465143
    Abstract: A process and system for recovering gel-mass from a gel-mass-containing waste material. The process comprises retrieving the gel-mass-containing waste material from an encapsulation process; melting the retrieved waste material to provide an oil phase and a non-oil phase; retrieving the non-oil phase to produce a recovered gel-mass; and recycling the recovered gel-mass for combination with fresh encapsulating material to provide a combined encapsulating material for use in encapsulating a same lot of the same product which was being encapsulated in the step that produced the gel-mass-containing waste material from which the gel-mass was obtained. The system comprises a heated accumulator for receiving and melting the gel-mass-containing waste material to provide an oil phase and a non-oil phase; a pumping system; an optional mixer; and a control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: R.P. Scherer Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Lester David Fulper, Werner Stange, Norton Richard Hart, Shawn P. McKee, Neftali Tosado
  • Patent number: 10441195
    Abstract: A system and method for aiding in the diagnosis of a respiratory dysfunction is described. More particularly, a system and method for aiding in the diagnosis of one or more pulmonary embolisms is described. The system and method described herein include a plurality of sensors, a thermal control system, and a controller coupled to the plurality of sensors and the thermal control system for aiding in the diagnosis of a respiratory dysfunction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: David E. Altobelli, Benjamin W. Jones, Derek G. Kane, Gregory R. Lanier, Jr., Paul R. Marquis, Eric M. Soederberg
  • Patent number: 10416141
    Abstract: Method for the detection and quantification of the H2S which measures concentration of the H2S in the drilling mud including the steps of measurement of the initial concentrations of H2S in free form and of the hydrogen sulphide HS? and sulphide S2 ? ion species, dissolved in the sample of mud; acidification of the sample of mud, to generate gaseous H2S, making the hydrogen sulphide (HS?) and sulphide (S2?) ions dissolved in the mud and the H2S precipitated in solid form in the scavengers react; measuring concentration of the gaseous H2S formed following the first acidification; and relative system including at least: a mud sample collector; a unit measuring concentration of the hydrogen sulphide HS? and sulphide S2? ion species in the sample; a unit for measuring concentration of the free H2S; a unit to acidify the sample of mud; electronic controller and storage and processing of the measurements made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: GEOLOG S.R.L.
    Inventor: Antonio Calleri
  • Patent number: 10416110
    Abstract: The present invention relates to systems, methods, and devices for determining the concentration of an analyte in a sample. The use of linear, cyclic, or acyclic voltammetric scans and/or semi-integral, derivative, or semi-derivative data treatment may provide for increased accuracy when determining the concentration of an analyte in a sample. Hematocrit compensation in combination with the data treatments may reduce the hematocrit effect with regard to a glucose analysis in whole blood. In another aspect, fast scan rates may reduce the hematocrit effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: ASCENSIA DIABETES CARE HOLDINGS AG
    Inventor: Huan-Ping Wu
  • Patent number: 10393693
    Abstract: Provided is a flat plate-type oxygen sensor element. The flat plate-type oxygen sensor element according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: a first electrolyte layer having a sensing electrode exposed to a target gas; a second electrolyte layer on which a reference electrode is disposed; and a heating unit having a heating resistor surrounded by an insulating layer and disposed between the sensing electrode and the reference electrode, wherein the heating unit is disposed so that the heating resistor is located at a position ranging from 40 to 60% of a total height from an upper surface of the first electrolyte layer to a lower surface of the second electrolyte layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: AMOTECH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yeon-Soo Chung, Kil Jin Park, Sung-Jin Hong, Soo-Min Oh, Eun-Ji Kim
  • Patent number: 10386329
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for digitally controlling an oxygen sensor. The apparatus comprises a computer and digital circuitry coupled to the oxygen sensor to convey information between the oxygen sensor and the computer. The oxygen sensor includes a pump cell and at least one Nernst cell configured to indicate the difference in oxygen content in a test medium relative to a reference medium. A pump control circuit operates the pump cell according to signals received from the computer based on output signals from the Nernst cell. A reference voltage circuit enables the computer to determine impedances of the oxygen sensor as a function of sensor temperature and pressure. A Nernst read circuit transmits output signals from the oxygen sensor digitally to the computer. Digital signals received by the computer are compared with stored reference information so as to determine the oxygen content of the test medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: AEM Performance Electronics
    Inventor: Michael Adams
  • Patent number: 10379079
    Abstract: A semiconductor device, comprising a first field effect transistor (FET) connected in series to a second FET, and a third FET connected in series to the first FET and the second FET. The semiconductor device further includes bias circuitry coupled to the first FET and the second FET, and an output conductor coupled to a terminal of the second FET, wherein the output conductor obtains an output signal from the second FET that is independent of the first FET.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: LIFE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Keith G. Fife
  • Patent number: 10338021
    Abstract: A method for measuring the concentration of at least one gas from a gas sample by a sensor system (10) which has a measuring area (12) with at least one gas sensor (14), wherein the inlet of the measuring area (12) being closed by a gas-permeable structure (13) such that the volume of the measuring area (12) is initially heated up, the heating is then switched off and the change in resistance of the at least one gas sensor (14) is measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: ams Sensors Germany GmbH
    Inventor: Thorsten Graunke
  • Patent number: 10317369
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for detection of contraband such as concealed explosives, drugs, smuggled goods, etc., through the use of an acoustic frequency detector having a crystalline transducer module and mass comparator. The present invention can be employed in a non-destructive manner for the mobile and stationary inspection of object such as luggage, person, containers, etc., through a combination of computer-aided electron counting and mass analysis techniques combined with a crystalline and oil enhanced transducer that, upon return of a system-generated acoustic signal, are used to screen and confirm explosive threats and/or other contraband.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: GTBM, Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent Totoriello, Richard Picolli
  • Patent number: 10309916
    Abstract: A gas-detecting apparatus includes a measurement circuit including a gas sensor and a measurement instrument and a decision circuit. Detection cells, included in the gas sensor, each include a first electrode, a second electrode having a surface exposed from an insulation layer, and a metal oxide layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. The resistance values of the detection cells are each allowed to decrease by a contact of gas containing hydrogen atoms with the second electrode. The measurement instrument monitors the resistance values of the detection cells. The decision circuit decides whether the gas is detected or not based on at least one change of the resistance values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shunsaku Muraoka, Satoru Fujii, Kazunari Homma, Zhiqiang Wei
  • Patent number: 10274400
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for sensing particulate matter by a particulate matter (PM) sensor positioned downstream of a diesel particulate filter in an exhaust system. In one example, a PM sensor assembly may include rows of flow guides separated from each other by a gap where each of the flow guide includes a positive and negative electrode formed on opposite side surfaces. By aligning projections in the gap between successive flow guides, exhaust PM may be circulated in the gap between the electrodes for a longer time, thus increasing the probability of capture across the electrodes, and thereby increasing the sensitivity of the assembly to detection of exhaust PM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Xiaogang Zhang
  • Patent number: 10222345
    Abstract: An acetic acid gas sensor based on an azobenzene compound includes an interdigital electrode and a coating material. The coating material is an azobenzene compound of formula I. The coating material is plated on the interdigital electrode through a vacuum coating process, and a thickness of the coating material is 100-200 nm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: SOOCHOW UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Jianmei Lu, Jinghui He
  • Patent number: 10222304
    Abstract: Among other aspects, the present invention provides for the deposition of biological particles, such as cells, in a liquid, in a desired two-dimensional pattern on a planar surface of a substrate so as to permit rapid, simple, and sensitive detection of cells and/or sub-cellular components (e.g., proteins, biomarkers) disposed on the substrate. In various aspects, the systems and methods can enable reproducible high-throughput screening and/or allow for sensitive and specific detection of rare events in heterogeneous cell populations within a biological sample, with limited or no selective cell loss or sample enrichment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Shivang R. Dave, German Gonzalez Serrano
  • Patent number: 10197525
    Abstract: A method of operating an electrochemical gas sensor, which includes at least one working electrode including an electrocatalyst and having a ratio of total electrochemically accessible surface area to geometrical surface area of at least 2:1, includes alternatively biasing a potential of the at least one working electrode to a first potential at which the electrocatalyst is active to catalyze a redox reaction of a first target gas and to a second potential, different from the first potential, at which the electrocatalyst is substantially inactive to catalyze the redox reaction of the first target gas, a plurality of times, measuring a first output signal arising from the redox reaction of the first target gas at the first potential, and deconvoluting the first output signal while the at least one working electrode is biased at the first potential to separate a portion of the first output signal arising from non-faradaic current to determine a concentration of the first target gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: MSA Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Towner Bennett Scheffler
  • Patent number: 10180111
    Abstract: An O2 sensor includes a sensor element using a solid electrolyte layer and a pair of electrodes placed at a position to interpose the solid electrolyte layer, detects an exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine as an object of a detection, and outputs an electromotive force signal depending on an air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas. The sensor element is connected with a constant current circuit supplying a constant current that is prescribed. A microcomputer calculates a resistance value (element resistance) of the sensor element, and performs a restriction on the constant current supplied by the constant current circuit on the basis of the element resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takao Mishima, Mikiyasu Matsuoka, Shingo Nakata
  • Patent number: 10135015
    Abstract: One embodiment provides an oscillator. The oscillator can include an organic electrochemical transistor, which comprises a channel and a dynamic gate. The channel can include one of: a conductive polymer, a conductive inorganic material, and a small-molecule material. An electrochemical potential of the dynamic gate can vary substantially periodically, thereby resulting in the organic electrochemical transistor having a drain current that varies substantially periodically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: PALO ALTO RESEARCH CENTER INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Sean E. Doris
  • Patent number: 10119491
    Abstract: A controller for an internal combustion engine, the internal combustion engine including a fuel injection valve configured to supply fuel into a cylinder. The controller includes an electronic control unit configured to acquire an actual heat generation rate at time of combustion; and correct at least one of fuel injection pressure or amount of fuel injected when deviation amount between reference heat generation rate gradient and actual heat generation rate gradient is equal to or greater than predetermined value such that the deviation decreases. The reference heat generation rate gradient is a gradient of a predetermined reference heat generation rate at which a predetermined time elapses after a heat generation rate begins to rise. The actual heat generation rate gradient being a gradient of an actual heat generation rate acquired by the electronic control unit at which the predetermined time elapses after the heat generation rate begins to rise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Shota Nagano
  • Patent number: 10094802
    Abstract: A measurement cell (3) for measuring at least one constituent of a liquid sample, in particular blood, includes a reception space (9) for receiving the sample includes a measurement system (8) having at least one sensor electrode (10) exposed within the reception space; a first heat supply equipment (12) extending over a first area (91); a second heat supply equipment (14) extending over a second area (93), the first and second heat supply equipment being arranged to heat the sample within the reception space (9), wherein the second area (93) is larger than the first area (91).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: EXIAS Medical GmbH
    Inventors: Werner Sauerbrey, Josef Hindinger
  • Patent number: 10086368
    Abstract: A movable measurement cell for measuring at least one constituent of a liquid sample, in particular blood, having a first portion comprising a measurement system having at least one sensitive area at a surface of the first portion: a second portion having at least a part of a reception space for the sample, the second portion is connected to the first portion such that the sample is in contact with the sensitive area when the sample is located within the reception space, and a sample supply system attached to an inlet to allow supply of a liquid sample into the reception space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: EXIAS Medical GmbH
    Inventor: Gerald Nauschnegg
  • Patent number: 10047876
    Abstract: The present invention provides a flow apparatus (10) for a vessel storing fluid under pressure having a flow control valve (12) having a housing (14) and an outlet aperture (16) and further including a valve seat (18) and a sealing member (20) for sealing against said seat (18) such as to obturate said outlet (16), said apparatus further including an actuator (22) connected to said sealing member (20) for moving it between an open position of the valve in which it unobturates the outlet aperture (16) and a closed position in which it obturates said outlet, characterized by an electrical switch (24) for controlling the supply of electrical current to one or more electrical components (25) and wherein said switch is operably connected to said sealing member (20) to allow for the passage of current when said valve (12) is in a first position and to restrict the flow of current when said valve (12) is in a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: LINDE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Piers Lambert, George Gregory, Oliver Gobold
  • Patent number: 10031047
    Abstract: A metal terminal of a gas sensor includes a forward terminal member and a rear terminal member. The forward terminal member is made of a material superior in heat resistance to and greater in “0.2% yield strength” than a material of the rear terminal member. The forward terminal member has heat resistance suitable for a portion which comes into contact with a high-temperature detection element and is larger in an elastic deformation region than the rear terminal member, thereby providing good contact with the detection element and thus facilitating maintenance of electrical contact with the detection element. The rear terminal member is unlikely to have springback at a signal-wire connection portion to be connected to a lead wire, thereby facilitating maintenance of electrical connection with the lead wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: NGK SPARK PLUG CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takehiro Oba, Shogo Nagata, Shunya Mihara
  • Patent number: 10018606
    Abstract: In order to provide a device for detection of a partial pressure of a measurement gas contained in a surrounding gas, comprising a measurement space with at least one inlet opening to admit surrounding gas into the measurement space and at least one outlet opening to discharge surrounding gas from the measurement space, a quantity that characterizes the partial pressure of the measurement gas in the measurement gas sensor sensitive to the measurement gas to measure a quantity that characterizes the partial pressure of the measurement gas in the measurement space, as well as readout device to read out the measurement gas sensor as well as a method for its operation, which permit metrological detection of the partial pressure of a measurement gas contained in a surrounding gas with improved chronological and spatial resolution, it is proposed that means to determine a response characteristic of device be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: KONGSBERT MARITIME CONTROS GMBH
    Inventor: Peer Fietzek
  • Patent number: 10012611
    Abstract: A gas sensor element (120) configured as a laminate of an oxygen pump cell (135) and an oxygen concentration detection cell (150) with a spacer (145) sandwiched therebetween. The spacer (145) has a gas detecting chamber (145c) formed therein and electrodes (138) and (152) of the cells (135) and (150), respectively, facing the chamber (145c). A leakage section (148) is faces the gas detecting chamber (145c) (measuring chamber).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: NGK SPARK PLUG CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Satoshi Okazaki, Yuta Oishi, Seiji Oya
  • Patent number: 10005665
    Abstract: Methods and systems for producing high purity gaseous chlorine dioxide are provided. A solid chlorite reactant is contacted with an ozone-containing reactant gas, or a gas containing both ozone and a component that reacts with any hydroxide byproduct (such as carbon dioxide), to produce chlorine dioxide. The reaction can be monitored and controlled to ensure that excess chlorite reactant is provided and to prevent ozone from passing into the product gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: CHEMTREAT, INC.
    Inventors: John Richardson, Kevin White, Benjamin Niemaseck, Douglas McIlwaine, James Wilkins
  • Patent number: 10001076
    Abstract: This control device for an internal combustion engine is equipped with: an air/fuel ratio sensor provided to the exhaust passage of an internal combustion engine; and an engine control device that controls the internal combustion engine on the basis of the sensor output current of the air/fuel ratio sensor. The air/fuel ratio sensor is equipped with: a gas chamber to be measured, into which exhaust gas flows; a reference cell for which the reference cell output current varies according to the air/fuel ratio of the exhaust gas inside the gas chamber to be measured; and a pump cell that, according to the pump current, pumps oxygen into or out of the exhaust gas in the gas chamber to be measured. The reference cell is configured so that the applied voltage, at which the reference cell output current reaches zero, varies according to the air/fuel ratio of the exhaust gas in the gas chamber to be measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Go Hayashita, Keiichiro Aoki
  • Patent number: 9964529
    Abstract: A method for checking the function of a sensor for detecting soot is provided, the sensor including at least two measuring electrodes situated on a substrate made of an electrically insulating material, and a heating element, the method including: carrying out a first current-voltage measurement at a first temperature to ascertain a first measured variable, carrying out a second current-voltage measurement at a second temperature to ascertain a second measured variable, and forming a difference between the first measured variable and the second measured variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Michael Bessen, Karola Herweg, Mathias Klenk, Benjamin Gaertner
  • Patent number: 9945805
    Abstract: An improved alcohol fuel cell sensor and alcohol breath tester assembly where wires for connection to the electrodes are bent to have a generally planar base portion which may be positioned toward the center of the electrodes and an upright that then extends to the outside of the case. The uprights are generally perpendicular to the base allowing the wires to exit the housing toward the center, as opposed to toward an edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Alcotek, Inc.
    Inventors: Joe Fodor, Karl R. Wolf, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9936903
    Abstract: Embodiments herein provide detection of contamination at one or more contacts of a sensor system. The sensor system includes a sensor assembly and an electronics assembly communicatively coupled together by one or more contacts. The sensor assembly passes a sensor signal to the electronics assembly for further processing. The electronics assembly includes a detection contact for detecting contamination on or near one or more contacts of the sensor assembly and/or the electronics assembly. A switch selectively couples the detection contact to a bias voltage during a measurement mode and to a reference voltage during a detection mode, the reference voltage being different from the bias voltage. A method of contamination detection includes switching the electronics assembly between the measurement mode and the detection mode, and monitoring for a change in the output signal received by the electronics assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Inventors: Igor Gofman, Mu Wu
  • Patent number: 9927268
    Abstract: Oxidation/reduction measurement is described. An aspect provides an oxidation/reduction quantification method, including: receiving intermittent oxidizer/reducer reference measurements from one or more reference sensors; receiving one or more substantially continuous oxidizer/reducer-related measurements from one or more corroboration sensors; and processing the one or more substantially continuous oxidizer/reducer-related measurements with the intermittent oxidizer/reducer reference measurements to generate substantially continuous representative oxidizer/reducer measurements. Other aspects are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: HACH COMPANY
    Inventors: Vadim B. Malkov, David Langley Rick
  • Patent number: 9880144
    Abstract: Disclosed is an electrochemical probe system and an electrical excitation method, used to identify the composition of metals and alloys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: PALO ALTO RESEARCH CENTER INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Saroj Sahu, Craig Eldershaw, Vedasri Vedharathinam, Divyaraj Desai, Jessica Louis Baker Rivest, Ranjeet Rao
  • Patent number: 9857327
    Abstract: An electrochemical sensor, used with a measuring medium, has a sensor head (1), a sensor chip (6, 606) with a sensitive region (632), a sensor body (2) with an end piece (3, 503), a sealing means (10, 510, 610) and a pressing element (18, 618). The sensor body is connected to the sensor head. The end piece is hollow with a closed end region and a measuring opening (4, 504) that allows the measuring medium to contact the sensitive region, which is inside the end piece during operation. The sealing means surrounds the measuring opening, other than the sensitive region, and seals the inside of the end piece from the measuring medium during operation. The pressing element biases the sensor chip against the sealing means and the edge of the measuring opening. The end piece has an integral, gap-free design in the region that contacts the measuring medium during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo GmbH
    Inventors: Ingo Schneider, Fritz Baltensperger, Corrado Barcella, Dario Meier
  • Patent number: 9857322
    Abstract: A semiconductor gas sensor includes a CMOS inverter which is configured by an n-channel field effect transistor having a catalytic gate and a p-channel field effect transistor having the catalytic gate. An input setting gate potential Vin(D) of the CMOS inverter is set to satisfy “Vin(D)=Vtc??Vgth” by using the sensor response threshold intensity ?Vgth determined by a concentration of a gas to be detected and a threshold input potential Vtc of the CMOS inverter. Therefore, only by setting the input setting gate potential Vin(D), a warning or an alarm can be issued for the concentration of the gas to be detected. In addition, a temperature compensation of the threshold voltage caused by a MOS structure is reduced regardless of the detection gas by setting a characteristic coefficient ?R, a threshold voltage Vtn of the n-channel field effect transistor, and the threshold voltage Vtp of the p-channel field effect transistor so as to satisfy relations “?R=1” and “Vtp=?Vtn”.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: HITACHI, LTD.
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Usagawa
  • Patent number: 9845719
    Abstract: An O2 sensor has a sensor element, which includes a solid electrolyte layer and a pair of electrodes, while the solid electrolyte layer is interposed between the electrodes. The O2 sensor outputs an electromotive force signal in response to an air-to-fuel ratio of exhaust gas of an engine, which serves as a sensing subject. A constant current circuit, which induces a flow of a predetermined constant electric current between the pair of electrodes of a sensor element, and a current sensing arrangement, which senses a current value of an actual electric current that is conducted through the sensor element, are provided. A microcomputer determines whether an abnormality of the constant current circuit is present based on the current value of the electric current, which is sensed with the current sensing arrangement, in a case where the constant current is induced by the constant current circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mikiyasu Matsuoka, Yasuo Mukai, Shingo Nakata, Yuji Yamada
  • Patent number: 9841392
    Abstract: Apparatus (2) for sensing at least one parameter in water, which apparatus (2) comprises: (i) a conductivity sensor (6) for sensing conductivity in water; (ii) the conductivity sensor (6) is an electrode-based conductivity sensor having bare electrodes (12) which contact the water; (iii) there are at least four of the electrodes (12); (iv) the conductivity sensor (6) is fabricated on a substrate (14) using photolithography and etching; (v) the conductivity sensor (6) is an open cell sensor having a physically unconstrained electric field; (vi) the conductivity sensor (6) is of a dot construction comprising a dot and a surrounding formation; (vii) the conductivity sensor (6) has two electrodes which are for current stimulation and which geometrically bound and enclose another two electrodes which are for voltage sensing; and (viii) the conductivity sensor (6) is a laminar construction on the substrate (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: University of Southampton
    Inventors: Hywel Morgan, Matthew Charles Mowlem, Xi Huang
  • Patent number: 9823214
    Abstract: The present invention includes a body case having a biological sample sensor mounting portion on one end side, a temperature sensor (A) provided on the one end side inside the body case, a measurement portion connected to the biological sample sensor mounting portion, and a control portion connected to the measurement portion. A temperature sensor (B) is provided on one other end side inside the body case, and when measurement is performed by the measurement portion, temperature change amounts in the two end portions are compared using the temperature sensors (A) and (B). Furthermore, a measurement value obtained by the measurement portion is corrected using temperature information from either one of the temperature sensors (A) or (B) that is provided in the end portion on the side where the temperature change is smaller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Panasonic Healthcare Holdings Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirotaka Ochi, Keisuke Matsumura, Hitoshi Fujino, Yohei Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 9803577
    Abstract: In automatic stopping of the internal combustion engine, an electronic control unit controls a heater so that an element temperature of the air-fuel ratio sensor becomes a first temperature. The first temperature is a temperature that is below an activation temperature range in which the air-fuel ratio sensor is activated, and is also below a desorption temperature range in which HC components adsorbed on the air-fuel ratio sensor desorb therefrom. In a case where, after the element temperature of the air-fuel ratio sensor becomes the first temperature, it is estimated that the amount of HC components adsorbed on the air-fuel ratio sensor increases to exceed a first predetermined amount, the electronic control unit controls the heater so that the element temperature of the air-fuel ratio sensor becomes a second temperature. The second temperature is a temperature included in the desorption temperature range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Koji Ide, Keiichiro Aoki, Go Hayashita
  • Patent number: 9778220
    Abstract: An electrochemical gas sensor (10) with a housing (11), with an electrolyte reservoir (12) and with a plurality of electrodes (31, 32, 33). The electrodes (31, 32, 33) include at least one working electrode (31), one counterelectrode (32) and one reference electrode (33). The electrolyte reservoir (12) is filled with a liquid electrolyte (60). All of the electrodes (31, 32, 33) are arranged at or on a common electrode carrier (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Dräger Safety AG & Co. KGaA
    Inventors: Frank Mett, Sabrina Sommer
  • Patent number: 9772317
    Abstract: In a method for operating a portable electronic device comprising a chemical sensor, at least one reference reading is taken by the chemical sensor at least one predetermined point in time. At least one compensation value is determined based on at least one reference value wherein each reference value is derived from a result of a corresponding reference reading. A result of an operational reading of the chemical sensor is modified by the at least one compensation value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: Sensirion AG
    Inventors: Felix Mayer, Lukas Bürgi, Dominic Böni
  • Patent number: 9766199
    Abstract: The present invention relates to organic thin film transistors and the preparation and use thereof in sensing applications, and in particular in glucose sensing applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Life Science Biosensor Diagnostics Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: Paul Dastoor, Warwick Belcher
  • Patent number: 9768270
    Abstract: Undesirable metal contamination from a selective metal deposition process can be minimized or eliminated by employing a first material layer on a bevel and a back side of a substrate, while providing a second material layer only on a front side of the substrate. The first material layer and the second material layer are selected such that a selective deposition process of a metal material provides a metal material portion only on the second material layer, while no deposition occurs on the first material layer or isolated islands of the metal material are formed on the first material layer. Any residual metal material can be removed from the bevel and the back side by a wet etch to reduce or prevent metal contamination from the deposited metal material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Marika Gunji-Yoneoka, Atsushi Suyama, Kensuke Yamaguchi, Hiroyuki Kinoshita, Raghuveer S. Makala, Rahul Sharangpani, Shigehisa Inoue, Tuan Pham
  • Patent number: 9719957
    Abstract: A first electrode (133) has an exposure portion (133b) exposed to a second measuring chamber (160), and a connection portion (133d) which is disposed at a position not exposed to the second measuring chamber (160) and is connected to the first lead (137) and which is a portion of the first electrode (133) located most distant from the second measuring chamber (160). The entire connection portion (133d) is located in a region A1 which extends from the second measuring chamber (160) over a distance of 1.0 mm or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: NGK SPARK PLUG CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kentaro Kamada, Masaki Nakagawa, Koji Shiotani
  • Patent number: 9709429
    Abstract: A MEMS sensor system for monitoring membrane elements in a membrane based water filtration plant having a remote telemetry unit (RTU), a SCADA, and a plurality of MEMS sensors for measuring pressure, flow rate. and conductivity. The water filtration plant has a train with a membrane vessel containing a plurality of membrane elements arranged in series creating interfaces between each membrane element. The MEMS sensors are located at the membrane element interfaces. A method of monitoring membrane elements in a membrane based water filtration plant using a plurality of MEMS sensors for measuring pressure, flow rate. and conductivity placed at the filtration plant membrane element interfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Aveek Chatterjee, Arjun Bhattacharyya, Shankar Chandrasekaran