Indicating Transducer Patents (Class 29/595)
  • Publication number: 20130017727
    Abstract: A sensor or detector device includes a box in the form of a tubular hollow body, through whose opening a connecting cable passes and that is sealed by a connected plug. The device also includes a card or an analogous substrate, carrying the electronic components of the sensor or detector and mounted in the box, by being coated by an insulating filler material filling approximately the entire remaining inside volume of the latter. The Device (1) is characterized in that it includes a mechanical element for the positioning with wedging of the card (6) in the box, preferably along a median plane or with longitudinal symmetry (PM) of the latter, with at least a portion of the element being integrated in the plug (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: SENSTRONIC (SOCIETE PAR ACTIONS SIMPLIFIEE )
    Inventors: Joël Franc, Remy Kirchdoerffer
  • Publication number: 20130008256
    Abstract: A method for reducing the content of foreign molecules in gaseous or liquid form dissolved in a pressure transfer liquid of a pressure measuring transducer. A pressure receiving chamber is closed by an isolating diaphragm. A pressure measuring chamber is connected to the pressure receiving chamber, and a pressure sensor arranged in the pressure measuring chamber, in which the liquid serves to fill an inner space of the pressure measuring transducer formed by the pressure receiving chamber is provided. The pressure measuring chamber is connected therewith, and transfers an external pressure acting on the isolating diaphragm to the pressure sensor in measurement operation. The liquid is brought into contact with at least one adsorptive body, and foreign molecules dissolved in the liquid are bound to the adsorptive bodies by adsorption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Andreas Rossberg, Olaf Textor, Thomas Uehlin
  • Patent number: 8347483
    Abstract: An ultrasound transducer includes an array of PZT elements mounted on a non-recessed distal surface of a backing block. Between each element and the backing block is a conductive region formed as a portion of a metallic layer sputtered onto the distal surface. Traces on a longitudinally extending circuit board—preferably, a substantially rigid printed circuit board, which may be embedded within the block—connect the conductive region, and thus the PZT element, with any conventional external ultrasound imaging system. A substantially “T” or “inverted-L” shaped electrode is thereby formed for each element, with no need for soldering. At least one longitudinally extending metallic member mounted on a respective lateral surface of the backing block forms a heat sink and a common electrical ground. A thermally and electrically conductive layer, such as of foil, transfers heat from at least one matching layer mounted on the elements to the metallic member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: MR Holdings (HK) Limited
    Inventor: Xiaocong Guo
  • Patent number: 8347482
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a ferrite magnet device including a ferrite body and first and second center electrodes arranged so as to intersect and be electrically insulated from each other and a permanent magnet arranged to apply a direct current magnetic field to the ferrite body and a method for manufacturing an isolator or a composite electronic component, which include the ferrite magnet device. A magnetic force of the permanent magnet is adjusted using a measurement jig and a magnetic force adjusting apparatus while the permanent magnet is fixed to a principal surface of the ferrite body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 8336189
    Abstract: A method of making an electrical power supply of an electrically controllable system having variable optical properties, when fitted near water, electrically safe, the electrically controllable system comprising a carrier substrate that bears an electroactive element placed between first and second electrodes supplied with a periodic voltage U(t) having a given maximum RMS value U0 at a given low supply frequency, the method including limiting the touch potential at an input or output terminal of the electrically controllable system to a maximum value of 50 V or less, the touch potential being defined as the potential experienced by the human body in case of contact with the input or output terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Glass France
    Inventor: Philippe Letocart
  • Patent number: 8336191
    Abstract: An electronics filter circuit includes an electromechanical resonator that is mounted directly to the surface of a silicon integrated circuit, rather than being a surface mounted or leaded filter can on a circuit board. This filter circuit allows the integrated circuit electronic package to be significantly smaller than a conventional electromechanical resonator package. The electromechanical resonator may be protected during processing and during use with a protective cover that is made of a material such as titanium. The protective cover is attached to the integrated circuit chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Alfred E. Mann Foundation For Scientific Research
    Inventors: Charles L. Byers, Joseph H. Schulman, Gary D. Schnittgrund
  • Patent number: 8336192
    Abstract: A method of collective fabrication of remotely interrogatable sensors, wherein the method may include fabricating fabricating a first series of first resonators exhibiting a first resonant frequency at ambient temperature and a first static capacitance and fabricating a second series of second resonators exhibiting a second resonant frequency at ambient temperature and a second static capacitance. The method may also include performing a series of electrical measurements of the set of the first series of first resonators and of the set of the second series of second resonators, so as to determine first pairs and second pairs of resonant frequency and of capacitance of each of the first and second resonators and performing a series of matching of a first resonator and of a second resonator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Senseor
    Inventors: Jean-François Leguen, Luc Chommeloux
  • Publication number: 20120319708
    Abstract: A gear position sensor employs a sliding electrical connection between arcuate conductors and flexible wiper arms held on opposite surfaces that rotate relative to each other with the movement of a gear selector shaft. The traces may have multiple segments joined by resistors to provide flexible change in resistance value and resistance range for different applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventor: Mario M. Orrico
  • Publication number: 20120313515
    Abstract: A surface light-emitting apparatus for emitting light from an entire surface thereof includes a framework having a predetermined shape and an LED disposed in the framework. A reflective layer is applied on an inner surface of the framework. The reflective layer can reflect light emitted from the LED. The apparatus includes a dispersing layer containing a multiplicity of diffuse-reflective particles operable to transmit at least a portion of the light emitted by the LED within the framework and diffuse-reflect at least a portion of the light along contact surfaces contacting each other. The apparatus includes a finishing layer including a light-transmitting resin disposed on the dispersing layer. The light emitted by the LED is dispersed and emitted through the diffuse-reflective particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: NEXON CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Young-Gu Park
  • Patent number: 8327522
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the collective fabrication of a remotely interrogable sensor having at least one first resonator and one second resonator. Each resonator exhibits respectively a first and a second operating frequency. A first series of first resonators are fabricated. The first resonators each have a first operating frequency belonging to a first set of frequencies centered on a first central frequency. A second series of second resonators are fabricated. The second resonators each having a second operating frequency belonging to a second set of frequencies centered on a second central frequency. A series of pairings of a first resonator and of a second resonator are conducted so as to form pairs of resonators exhibiting a difference of operating frequencies which is equal to the difference of the first and second central frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Senseor
    Inventors: Luc Chommeloux, Raphael Lardat, Sylvain Ballandras
  • Patent number: 8327526
    Abstract: A micromachined thermal and mechanical isolator for MEMS die that may include two layers, a first layer with an active temperature regulator comprising a built-in heater and temperature sensor and a second layer having mechanical isolation beams supporting the die. The isolator may be inserted between a MEMS die of a disc resonator gyroscope (DRG) chip and the leadless chip carrier (LCC) package to isolate the die from stress and temperature gradients. Thermal and mechanical stress to the DRG can be significantly reduced in addition to mitigating temperature sensitivity of the DRG chip. The small form can drastically reduce cost and power consumption of the MEMS inertial sensor and enable new applications such as smart munitions, compact and integrated space navigation solutions, with significant potential cost savings over the existing inertial systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Howard H. Ge, A. Dorian Challoner
  • Publication number: 20120306479
    Abstract: A position sensor has at least one guide rail for a guide housing having a magnetic component. On the guide housing, an encapsulation is accommodated which electrically insulates and/or fixes a lead frame assembly and/or a circuit trace assembly. It forms a retainer for the magnetic component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2010
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventors: Norbert Krause, Stephan Gaertner, Frank Weishaeutel, Jens Hoffmann, Vahid Seyed-Khoei
  • Publication number: 20120304452
    Abstract: A method of forming a dual port pressure sensor includes forming a first opening and a second opening in a flag of a lead frame. An encapsulant is molded to hold the lead frame in which the encapsulant is over a top of the flag and a bottom of the flag is uncovered by the encapsulant. A first opening in the encapsulant is aligned with and larger than the first opening in the flag and a second opening in the encapsulant aligned with the second opening in the flag. A pressure sensor transducer is attached to the bottom of the flag to cover the first opening in the flag, wherein the pressure sensor transducer provides an electrically detectable correlation to a pressure differential based on a first pressure received on its top side and a second pressure received on its bottom side. An integrated circuit is attached to the bottom of the flag. The integrated circuit is electrically coupled to the pressure sensor. A lid is attached to the encapsulant to form an enclosure around the bottom of the flag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventors: STEPHEN R. HOOPER, William G. McDonald
  • Patent number: 8316526
    Abstract: The present invention provides electroactive polymers, transducers and devices that maintain pre-strain in one or more portions of an electroactive polymer. Electroactive polymers described herein may include a pre-strained portion and a stiffened portion configured to maintain pre-strain in the pre-strained portion. One fabrication technique applies pre-strain to a partially cured electroactive polymer. The partially cured polymer is then further cured to stiffen and maintain the pre-strain. In another fabrication technique, a support layer is coupled to the polymer that maintains pre-strain in a portion of an electroactive polymer. Another embodiment of the invention cures a polymer precursor to maintain pre-strain in an electroactive polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: SRI International
    Inventors: Qibing Pei, Ronald E. Pelrine, Marcus Rosenthal
  • Publication number: 20120291555
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a transducer apparatus is provided that includes a core section, a transducer disposed in the core section, the transducer configured to transmit or receive signals and a tubular member mounted to the core section for relative rotation, wherein a fluid is disposed in the tubular member. The apparatus further includes a weight reduction device disposed inside the tubular member to occupy a volume inside the tubular member, wherein the weight reduction device is configured to provide a transmission path from the transducer to the tubular member via the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Dane Eugene Hackenberger, Robert Charles Shaffer
  • Publication number: 20120279175
    Abstract: Dielectric elastomer or electroactive polymer film transducers configured to minimize high electrical field gradients that can lead to partial discharge and corona.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: Bayer Intellectual Property GmbH
    Inventors: Silmon James Biggs, Edward F. Johnson, Gordon Russell, Luther Lawford White, III
  • Patent number: 8302285
    Abstract: In a sensing unit according to the present invention, a spring portion having a support portion and a movable portion is conductive. A signal of a sensor portion provided on the movable portion of the spring portion is transmitted via the spring portion. Hence, the sensing unit according to the present invention has a simple constitution with a small number of components, and a wire does not necessarily have to be provided for each sensor portion. As a result, a reduction in manufacturing cost, simplification of the manufacturing process, and so on are achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignees: Headway Technologies, Inc., SAE Magnetics (H.K.) Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Sasaki, Tatsushi Shimizu, Takehiro Horinaka, Kazuo Ishizaki, Shigeki Tanemura
  • Publication number: 20120266655
    Abstract: A photoacoustic detection device including a nanophotonic circuit including a first chip on which is formed at least one optical waveguide and in which is formed a set of cavities defining a Helmholtz resonator; at least one optical source capable of emitting an optical signal in a given wavelength range, capable of being modulated at an acoustic modulation frequency, this source being attached to the first chip; a second chip forming a cap for said cavities and including acoustic sensors; and electronic circuits for processing the output of the acoustic sensors formed in the first or the second chip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventors: Mickaël BRUN, Sergio NICOLETTI, Bertrand PARVITTE, Virginie ZENINARI
  • Patent number: 8286329
    Abstract: A near field transducer (NFT) that includes a disk, the disk having a top surface, a side surface, and a center; a peg, the peg positioned adjacent the side surface of the disk; and a heat sink, the heat sink positioned on the top surface of the disk, and the heat sink having an effective center, wherein the NFT has a peg axis, which is defined by the location of the peg adjacent the side surface of the disk, and a non-peg axis, which is perpendicular to the peg axis, and wherein the effective center of the heat sink is positioned at about the center of the disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Yongjun Zhao, Shuaigang Xiao
  • Patent number: 8281480
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a wireless receiver is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: providing a metallic casing having an accommodating space with both opposite ends thereof and having an front opening and a rear opening in communication with the accommodating space; forming a positioning base having a mounting trough by joining to the accommodating space of the metallic casing, the mounting trough being in communication with the accommodating space and rear opening; providing a receiving module, assembling the receiving module in the accommodating space, the receiving module being fixed by inserting it into the mounting trough via the rear opening; and providing a housing, assembling the housing to the rear opening, the housing sealing the rear opening to block the receiving module from sliding out of the rear opening. Therefore, the whole size of the wireless receiver can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Dexin Corporation
    Inventor: Cheng-Cheng Wu
  • Patent number: 8272125
    Abstract: Provided are methods of manufacturing a plurality of electrochemical sensors. The methods include forming a plurality of working electrodes on a first electrode region of a substrate, forming a plurality of counter electrodes on a second electrode region of the substrate, disposing a spacer layer on one of the first and second electrode regions, folding the substrate with the spacer layer between the first electrode region and the second electrode region to form a layered structure, and separating or cutting the layered structure to form individual electrochemical sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Feldman, Adam Heller, Ephraim Heller, Fei Mao, Joseph A. Vivolo, Jeffery V. Funderburk, Fredric C. Colman, Rajesh Krishnan
  • Patent number: 8261428
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for assembling a 3D microelectrode structure. Firstly, 2D microelectrode arrays are stacked to form a 3D microelectrode array via an auxiliary tool. Then, the 3D microelectrode array is assembled to a carrier chip to form a 3D microelectrode structure. The present invention uses an identical auxiliary tool to assemble various types of 2D microelectrode arrays having different shapes of probes to the same carrier chip. Therefore, the method of the present invention increases the design flexibility of probes. The present invention also discloses a 3D microelectrode structure, which is fabricated according to the method of the present invention and used to perform 3D measurement of biological tissues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: National Tsing Hua University
    Inventors: Weileun Fang, Yu-Tao Lee, Yen-Chung Chang
  • Patent number: 8250732
    Abstract: A tubular elastomer actuator with a shape in a cross-sectional view which shape exposes at most one single axis of symmetry of a specific length, e.g., an oval shape. The actuator could be made from a sheet made from a plurality of plate shaped elements which are laminated together and rolled. Each plate shaped element may have a corrugation that gives the element an anisotropic structure, and contains an electrode on only one surface. The actuator displacement is the result of shrinkage displacement of the plate shaped elements upon the application of electrical field across their thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Danfoss A/S
    Inventors: Mohamed Yahia Benslimane, Peter Gravesen
  • Patent number: 8250745
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing a single microcircuit into an integrated cochlear electrode array includes securing and supporting a nonconductive film substrate; attaching a metallic ribbon to a surface of the substrate; machining a flat multiconductor microcircuit from the ribbon to produce a flat elongated multiconductor tail portion with spaced outwardly exposed electrode receiving pads, and a flat multiconductor head portion connected to the tail portion and having spaced outwardly exposed attachment pads; laminating the flat microcircuit between the film substrate and an insulating cover; excising the laminated microcircuit from the film substrate with the electrode receiving pads exposed; wrapping the tail portion of the excised laminated microcircuit into a helix with the exposed electrode receiving pads wrapped around the insulating cover; mounting and electrically connecting the ring electrodes on and to the exposed electrode pads; and overmolding the helix tail portion with a polymeric material to read
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Advanced Bionics, LLC
    Inventor: William G. Orinski
  • Publication number: 20120204652
    Abstract: A pressure sensor can include a diaphragm plate of an electrically conductive material, the diaphragm plate including substantially planar opposed first and second surfaces. A layer of a dielectric material can be provided at the first surface of the diaphragm plate along a periphery thereof such that a flexion region of the first surface is substantially free of the dielectric material. The dielectric layer can be configured to engage a fixed structure within a housing to support the flexion region as to enable deflection thereof relative to the fixed structure that changes an electrical characteristic of the pressure sensor in response to application of force at the second surface of the diaphragm plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Inventors: Shih-Shian Ho, Srihari Rajgopal, Mehran Mehregany
  • Patent number: 8240023
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a quartz crystal unit comprises the steps of forming a quartz crystal tuning fork resonator vibratable in a flexural mode of an inverse phase and having a quartz crystal tuning fork base and first and second quartz crystal tuning fork tines connected to the quartz crystal tuning fork base, forming at least one groove having at least three stepped portions in at least one of opposite main surfaces of each of first and second quartz crystal tuning fork tines, disposing an electrode on a surface of one of the at least three stepped portions of the at least one groove and an electrode on one of opposite side surfaces of each of the first and second quartz crystal tuning fork tines, mounting the quartz crystal tuning fork resonator on a mounting portion of a case, and connecting a lid to the case to cover an open end of the case, wherein the step of forming the quartz crystal tuning fork base and the first and second quartz crystal tuning fork tines is performed before the step of formin
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Piedek Technical Laboratory
    Inventor: Hirofumi Kawashima
  • Publication number: 20120195797
    Abstract: A MEMS sensor includes at least one closed nodal anchor along a predetermined closed nodal path on at least one surface of a resonant mass. The resonant mass may be configured to resonate substantially in an in-plane contour mode. Drive and/or sense electrodes may be disposed within a cavity formed at least in part by the resonant mass, the closed nodal anchor, and a substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: ANALOG DEVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew Sparks, William D. Sawyer
  • Publication number: 20120194175
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a sensor with a body and a magnetic field sensor. The body includes a plurality of structures arranged in a first direction to effect a periodically varying magnetic field upon movement of the body in the first direction. The magnetic field sensor is configured to detect components of the magnetic field in a second direction and in a third direction, wherein the magnetic field sensor is arranged adjacent to the body such that the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction and such that the third direction is perpendicular to the first direction and to the second direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Udo Ausserlechner
  • Patent number: 8230577
    Abstract: In a sensing unit according to the present invention, a spring portion having a support portion and a movable portion is conductive. A signal of a sensor portion provided on the movable portion of the spring portion is transmitted via the spring portion. Hence, the sensing unit according to the present invention has a simple constitution with a small number of components, and a wire does not necessarily have to be provided for each sensor portion. As a result, a reduction in manufacturing cost, simplification of the manufacturing process, and so on are achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignees: Headway Technologies, Inc., SAE Magnetics (H.K.) Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Sasaki, Tatsushi Shimizu, Takehiro Horinaka, Kazuo Ishizaki, Shigeki Tanemura
  • Patent number: 8225483
    Abstract: The torque sensor includes a plurality of coil units having a substantially cylindrical shape, the coil units including a plurality of detection coils arranged to face a magnetic characteristic change portion formed on a rotary shaft. The coil units include a first coil unit and a second coil unit, and the first coil unit and the second coil unit are disposed in the axial direction of the shaft. The first coil unit and the second coil unit are fixed in an integrally molded resin. Thereby, there is provided a torque sensor having a high productivity and an easy configuration and a method of manufacturing the torque sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuji Watanabe, Yasuo Shimizu, Atsuhiko Yoneda, Tsunehiko Fukatsu
  • Publication number: 20120161787
    Abstract: Methods and sensors for selective fluid sensing are provided. A sensor includes a resonant inductor-capacitor-resistor (LCR) circuit and a sensing material disposed over a sensing region. The sensing region comprises at least a portion of the LCR circuit. Temperature-dependent response coefficients of inductance L, capacitance C, and resistance R properties of the LCR circuit and the sensing material are at least approximately 5 percent different from one another. The difference in the temperature-dependent response coefficients of the properties of the LCR circuit and the sensing material enables the sensor to selectively detect analyte fluids from an analyzed fluid mixture substantially independent of temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Radislav Alexandrovich Potyrailo, Cheryl Margaret Surman
  • Publication number: 20120152037
    Abstract: A force sensor is disclosed. In one illustrative embodiment, the force sensor may include a sensing die mounted to a substrate and an actuation assembly for transmitting an external force to the sensing die. The sensing die may include a diaphragm and one or more sensing elements (e.g. piezoresistive elements) positioned on the diaphragm. The actuation assembly may include a spherical member or object (e.g. ball bearing) in contact with the diaphragm, a pin member having a first end coupled to the spherical object and a second end coupled to a button member. The actuator assembly may transmit a force applied to the button member to the diaphragm via the pin member and spherical member. In some cases, the front side of the sensing die may be mounted to the substrate with an adhesive, such as a pattern of conductive adhesive and nonconductive adhesive to electrically connect one or more bond pads of the sensing die to one or more bond pads of the substrate without the need for wire bonds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventor: Richard Wade
  • Publication number: 20120153979
    Abstract: A measurement apparatus is disclosed. The measurement apparatus includes a lid configured to be removably affixed to a microcircuit case. One or more penetrations through the lid allow insertion of a signal-conducting probe. The probe is removably affixed to the lid at the site of the penetration. The probe includes a central conductive pin. The central conductive pin transmits to a connection outside the case a radio-frequency signal inductively received from a source inside the case. The probe also includes a dielectric region radially surrounding a portion of the central conductive pin, and a grounded outer conductive housing radially surrounding the dielectric region and electrically isolated from the central conductive pin by the dielectric region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventor: Ron Jay Barnett
  • Publication number: 20120152026
    Abstract: A gage pressure transducer comprising a first pressure sensing assembly exposed to a main pressure and a second pressure sensing assembly exposed to a reference pressure. The pressure sensing assemblies comprise half-bridge sensors and means for using an alignment glass plate with each sensor which reduces the amount of oil required for operation, which consequently reduces the back pressures caused by large volumes of oil. The pressure sensor assemblies are hermetically sealed using glass frits, therefore enabling the gage pressure transducer to robustly and accurately measure pressure in harsh environments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventors: ANTHONY D. KURTZ, Nora Kurtz
  • Publication number: 20120144921
    Abstract: Methods and devices for adhesively bonding a sensor die to a substrate are described. In some cases, a sensor assembly may include a pressure sensor die mounted to a substrate with an adhesive. The pressure sensor die may be fabricated to include a back-side having one or more adhesion features (e.g. recesses or indentations), which increase the surface area of the pressure sensor die that is in contact with the adhesive, to thereby increase the adhesion force therebetween. In some cases, the one or more adhesion features may define a non-planar interface between the pressure sensor die and the adhesive which, in some instances, may reduce the formation and/or propagation of cracks in the adhesive, which also may help increase the adhesion force therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Alistair David Bradley, Lamar Floyd Ricks, Richard Alan Davis
  • Publication number: 20120133921
    Abstract: A sporting device may include a proximity detector, and a housing for carrying the proximity detector. The proximity detector may comprise a single photon avalanche diode for measuring the speed of an object struck by the housing. For example, the housing may define a tennis racket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics (Research & Development) Limited
    Inventor: John Kevin MOORE
  • Patent number: 8186044
    Abstract: A sensor utilizing a non-leachable or diffusible redox mediator is described. The sensor includes a sample chamber to hold a sample in electrolytic contact with a working electrode, and in at least some instances, the sensor also contains a non-leachable or a diffusible second electron transfer agent. The sensor and/or the methods used produce a sensor signal in response to the analyte that can be distinguished from a background signal caused by the mediator. The invention can be used to determine the concentration of a biomolecule, such as glucose or lactate, in a biological fluid, such as blood or serum, using techniques such as coulometry, amperometry, and potentiometry. An enzyme capable of catalyzing the electrooxidation or electroreduction of the biomolecule is typically provided as a second electron transfer agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Feldman, Adam Heller, Ephraim Heller, Fei Mao, Joseph A. Vivolo, Jeffery V. Funderburk, Fredric C. Colman, Rajesh Krishnan
  • Patent number: 8181538
    Abstract: A magnestostrictive torque sensor detects rotating torque applied to a rod-shaped rotating shaft to work around the rotating shaft based on a change in magnetic characteristics of a magnetostrictive film formed on a surface the rotating shaft so as to extend around a full circumference thereof in a circumferential direction. The magnetostrictive film is formed continuously in an axial direction at a portion on the rotating shaft in the axial direction thereof. The magnetostrictive film has on the continuously formed area a first magnetostrictive film portion and a second magnetostrictive film portion having magnetic anisotropies which are opposite to each other and a third magnetostrictive film portion which is formed between the first and second magnetostrictive film portions. A first detection coil, a second detection coil and a third detection coil are provided for the first magnetostrictive film portion, the second magnetostrictive film portion and the third magnetostrictive film portion, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takuya Yamamura, Yuichi Fukuda, Nobuhiko Yoshimoto, Yukiya Kashimura
  • Patent number: 8176617
    Abstract: A method of making a resonating beam accelerometer (RBA). In an example process, a proof mass device and resonators are created from a quartz material. A direct bond is formed between the proof mass and the resonators by applying a predefined amount of pressure at a predefined temperature for a predefined amount of time. One or more damping plates are created from a quartz material. A direct bond is formed between the damping plates and the proof mass device. The proof mass device is created by applying a predefined amount of pressure at pressure at temperature to two bases, two proof mass portions, and a flexure. The proof mass bases are on opposite sides of the flexure. The proof mass portions are on opposite sides of the flexure. A gap is present between the proof mass bases and the proof mass portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: John S. Starzynski
  • Patent number: 8176618
    Abstract: A solid electrolyte body is placed on and fixed to an upper plate of a press jig such that a major surface (an upper surface) of the solid electrolyte body faces one major surface of a guide plate having an open space. The upper plate is rotated by a transfer mechanism to incline the solid electrolyte body in one direction, and the inclined solid electrolyte body is moved toward the other major surface of the guide plate such that a first edge of the solid electrolyte body protrudes from the open space. Then, a cutter is slid along the other major surface, so that the first edge is chamfered to form a first chamfered portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshio Suzuki, Kouji Tagawa, Kunihiko Nakagaki
  • Patent number: 8156632
    Abstract: According to the present disclosure, a system for sensing attributes of tissue in at least one direction is provided. The system includes a thermal conductivity probe having a sensor configured to measure thermal conductivity in the target tissue in at least one direction, and an electrical conductivity probe having a sensor configured to measure electrical conductivity in the target tissue in at least one direction, a power supply operatively coupled to the thermal conductivity probe and being configured to supply power to the thermal conductivity probe, an impedance analyzer operatively coupled to the electrical conductivity probe, and a computer operatively coupled to at least one of the power supply, the multimeter and the impedance analyzer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: TYCO Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: Roop L. Mahajan, Ming Yi, Ronald J. Podhajsky, Hrishikesh V. Panchawagh
  • Patent number: 8136220
    Abstract: A process for the manufacture of small sensors with reproducible surfaces, including electrochemical sensors. One process includes forming channels in the surface of a substrate and disposing a conductive material in the channels to form an electrode. The conductive material can also be formed on the substrate by other impact and non-impact methods. In a preferred embodiment, the method includes cutting the substrate to form a sensor having a connector portion and a transcutaneous portion, the two portions having edges that define one continuous straight line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.
    Inventors: James Say, Michael F. Tomasco, Adam Heller, Yoram Gal, Behrad Aria, Ephraim Heller, Phillip John Plante, Mark S. Vreeke
  • Patent number: 8127426
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus has a display portion, and first and second oscillating circuits each having a quartz crystal resonator, the quartz crystal resonator of each of the first and second oscillating circuits vibrating in a different mode from each other. One of the quartz crystal resonators is a quartz crystal tuning fork resonator having first and second tuning fork tines. Electrodes are disposed on side surfaces of each of the first and second tuning fork tines so that the electrodes of the first tuning fork tine have an electrical polarity opposite to an electrical polarity of the electrodes of the second tuning fork tine. The capacitance ratio r1 of a fundamental mode of vibration of the quartz crystal tuning fork resonator is less than a capacitance ratio r2 of a second overtone mode of vibration thereof. An output signal of the oscillating circuit having the quartz crystal tuning fork resonator is a clock signal used to display time information at the display portion of the electronic apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Piedek Technical Laboratory
    Inventor: Hirofumi Kawashima
  • Patent number: 8122587
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a quartz crystal unit comprises the steps of adjusting an oscillation frequency of a quartz crystal tuning fork resonator that is vibratable in a flexural mode of an inverse phrase and that has first and second quartz crystal tuning fork tines, forming at least one groove in each of two of opposite main surfaces of each of first and second quartz crystal tuning fork tines, disposing an electrode on a surface of the at least one groove formed in each of two of the opposite main surfaces and each of two of opposite side surfaces of each of the first and second quartz crystal tuning fork tines so that the electrodes of the grooves of the first quartz crystal tuning fork tine are connected to the electrodes of the side surfaces of the second quartz crystal tuning fork tine and the electrodes of the grooves of the second quartz crystal tuning fork tine are connected to the electrodes of the side surfaces of the first quartz crystal tuning fork tine, the quartz crystal tuning fork resonat
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Piedek Technical Laboratory
    Inventor: Hirofumi Kawashima
  • Patent number: 8122589
    Abstract: There is provided a method of manufacturing an electric motor. To begin with, a stator is provided by fixing a stator winding on a stator core. The stator winding has a coil end projecting from one end face of the stator core. Subsequently, a lead wire is drawn out from the coil end radially outward thereof. A connecting terminal is fixedly mounted to a distal end of the lead wire. A terminal block is provided such that the terminal block is held at a position to be finally fixed relative to the stator. The lead wire is bent toward the terminal block. The connecting terminal is electrically connected to the terminal block. An insulator is coated on the lead wire and the coil end by impregnating the lead wire and the coil end with liquid insulating material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki
    Inventor: Tomohiro Kosaki
  • Patent number: 8117734
    Abstract: A process for the manufacture of small sensors with reproducible surfaces, including electrochemical sensors. One process includes forming channels in the surface of a substrate and disposing a conductive material in the channels to form an electrode. The conductive material can also be formed on the substrate by other impact and non-impact methods. In a preferred embodiment, the method includes cutting the substrate to form a sensor having a connector portion and a transcutaneous portion, the two portions having edges that define one continuous straight line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.
    Inventors: James Say, Michael F. Tomasco, Adam Heller, Yoram Gal, Behrad Aria, Ephraim Heller, Phillip John Plante, Mark S. Vreeke
  • Patent number: 8109125
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing ultralow-resistance current sensors of size 0402 to 4518 of IEEE specifications includes the steps of: a raw metallic strip being pressed to roll over a first tension roller, a cutting tool over the first tension roller being fed to cut the raw metallic strip so as to form a deep groove thereof along the moving metallic strip, an insulating material being filled into and along the deep groove so as to form an lengthwise insulating portion of the metallic strip, and the metallic strip with the insulating portion being segmented into a plurality of ultralow-resistance current sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Inventor: Jen-Huan Pan
  • Publication number: 20120017683
    Abstract: An exposed end o a micromechanical system having at least one beam-shaped element is connected to a further element of the micromechanical system at the other end thereof. To optimize the mechanical properties of the micromechanical system, recesses are provided in the beam-shaped element in such a way that the mass of the beam-shaped elements decreases toward the exposed end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventors: Marco Dienel, Roman Forke, Dirk Scheibner
  • Patent number: 8101874
    Abstract: A watertight junction box includes a box body, a lower floating plate, an upper floating plate, a lock cap, a modular cable inserted into the box body and kept in contact with sharp copper contacts, a holding down plate for holding down an external power wire on the upper floating plate to cause electric contact between the external power wire and the sharp copper contacts, and a predetermined amount of silicon rubber filled in between the lower and upper floating plate that is deformed to wrap about the connection area between the sharp copper contacts and the external power wire when the lock cap is tightly fastened to the box body to force down the holding down plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Smart Electric Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jerry S. C. Yang
  • Patent number: 8099854
    Abstract: A groove is formed on a handling member, on a face to be fixed to an element, the groove making up a portion of a channel that externally communicates in the state of being fixed to the element. In the fixing process of the substrate and then handling member, the handling member is fixed so that the edge direction of the vibrating membrane supporting portion and the edge direction of the groove of the handling member intersect. Thus, the probability that a membrane will break during handling or processing of the substrate is reduced, and the handling member can be quickly removed from the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Ayako Kato, Chienliu Chang