Indicating Transducer Patents (Class 29/595)
  • Patent number: 7823467
    Abstract: An electroactive polymer is used to produce a tactile sensor. The electroactive polymer (EAP) includes a sheet of an ion-exchange membrane having opposite surfaces on which are plated gold electrodes. The EAP is formed to have a dome-shape with a plurality of sensing electrodes circumferentially disposed around an outer surface of the dome. A flexible polymer underlying the EAP supports it and prevents a force applied to the tactile sensor from inverting the dome. The sensor electrodes produce separate output signals indicative of different vector components of an applied force acting on the tactile sensor, so that a direction of the force can be determined. Vias provided in the electrodes are electrically coupled to a flexible circuit that conveys the output signals externally from the sensing electrodes for use and further processing. A plurality of the tactile sensors can be formed as an array on an ion-exchange membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: University of Washington
    Inventors: Minoru Taya, Jin Wang, Chunye Xu, Yasuo Kuga
  • Publication number: 20100251537
    Abstract: A method for fabricating electrostatic transducers and arrays electrically separates the substrate segments of the transducer elements from each other using a technique involving two cutting steps, in which the first step forms a patterned opening in the substrate to make a partial separation of substrate segments, and the second step completes the separation after the substrate segments have been secured to prevent instability of the substrate segments upon completion of the second step. The securing of the substrate segments may be accomplished by filling a nonconductive material in the partial separation or securing the transducer array on a support substrate. When the substrate is conductive, the separated substrate segments serve as separate bottom electrodes that can be individually addressed. The method is especially useful for fabricating ID transducer arrays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: Kolo Technologies, Inc
    Inventor: Yongli Huang
  • Patent number: 7805983
    Abstract: A method for measuring the number of fine particles in ultrapure water includes subjecting the ultrapure water to internal pressure filtration through a hollow fiber membrane having a skin layer capable of trapping the fine particles in the ultrapure water at least on an inner surface thereof, exposing the inner surface of the hollow fiber membrane, and measuring the number of fine particles on the exposed inner surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignees: Nomura Micro Science Co., Ltd., Asahi Kasei Chemicals Corp.
    Inventors: Mutsuko Endou, Tooru Kusano, Kazunari Akahira, Takashi Ito
  • Patent number: 7797814
    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: September 21, 2010
    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: 7793394
    Abstract: A plurality of drive sections are defined by forming a plurality of slits in a plate-shaped member. Then, a plurality of piezoelectric layers are formed in the drive sections respectively by depositing particles of a piezoelectric material onto the plate-shaped member. Subsequently, after forming individual electrodes on the piezoelectric layers respectively, the drive sections are bent in a direction orthogonal to a plane direction of the plate-shaped member. Thus, there is provided a method of easily producing a piezoelectric actuator including the drive sections which are bent-shaped and on which the piezoelectric layers are formed respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroto Sugahara
  • Publication number: 20100223797
    Abstract: A nanowire magnetic sensor includes an array of magneto-resistive (MR) nanosensors with each MR nanosensor including a set of MR nanowires that are all aligned in the same position for one direction. The substrate can be a flexible substrate bent into a circular configuration for compass applications. A plurality of individual nanosensors can be connected into resistive Wheatstone bridge configurations by metallization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventor: Andrzej PECZALSKI
  • Patent number: 7774933
    Abstract: An ultrasonic catheter is manufactured by providing an inner tube having an inner diameter sufficient to accommodate a guidewire, and mounting a tubular ultrasound radiating member around a distal region of the inner tube. Two electrical conductors are positioned along the inner tube, such that one of the electrical conductors contacts an inner side of the ultrasound radiating member while the other electrical conductor contacts an outer side of the ultrasound radiating member. An outer tube is then concentrically translated over the inner tube and the ultrasound radiating member, and radially shrunken onto the inner tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Ekos Corporation
    Inventors: Richard R. Wilson, Tim Abrahamson, Leonard R. Oliver
  • Publication number: 20100146771
    Abstract: Method for producing a vacuum measuring cell having a pressure transducer diaphragm with housing plates sealed on opposite sides to form reference and measuring vacuum chambers. An opening in one plate communicates with the measuring vacuum chamber and has a sealed connection for joining to medium to be measured. The diaphragm and plates are aluminum oxide ceramic and at least one of the seals is aluminum with a thickness of 0.5 ?m to 30 ?m. The ceramic parts are pressed together at increased temperature of 600° C. to 680° C. in a process gas atmosphere including a reducing gas, during a time of 30 to 90 minutes, and subsequently a tempering step is carried out in a second process gas atmosphere including oxygen, tempering taking place at a temperature of 450° C. to 575° C. such that the metallic aluminum is oxidized into aluminum oxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventors: Dietmar Bertsch, Klaus Dietrich, Nico Onda, Martin Wüest
  • Publication number: 20100139081
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for producing an assembly of at least one transmission coil (B1) and one reception coil (B2) for eddy current testing, the reception coil receiving in the absence of fault a complex amplitude signal VR, subject to a variation ?VR in the presence of a characteristic fault to be detected. The method consists in selecting the distance ?ER between the axes of the transmission coil and the reception coil so as to maximize the ratio I?VR/VRI.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Decitre, Thierry Sollier
  • Publication number: 20100141955
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a sensor probe for fiber-based electric current sensors. The sensor probe includes a conductor of spiral shape and a relatively straight optical fiber being placed at a through-hole formed by the spiral shape conductor. An electric current conveyed by the spiral shape conductor causes polarization direction of a light traveling along the optical fiber to rotate. By detecting the amount of rotation that the light experiences at the ends of the optical fiber, the amount of current carried by the spiral shape conductor is determined. Method of making the sensor probe is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventor: Yong Huang
  • Patent number: 7730602
    Abstract: A method for producing a magnetostrictive torque sensor which detects steering torque applied to a steering shaft. A magnetostrictive film is formed on the steering shaft and then subjected to heat treatment, which decreases a weight ratio of hydrogen included in the magnetostrictive film. Thermal desorption gas analysis is performed on at least a portion of the magnetostrictive film undergoing the heat treatment step. A portion of the magnetostrictive film having a thickness of 40 ?m or less is heated at a temperature rise rate of 5° C. per minute. A weight ratio of a total amount of hydrogen desorbed from the portion of the magnetostrictive film due to the heat treatment to a weight before the heat treatment is no more than 3 ppm up to 150° C., wherein the weight ratio is no more than 10 ppm up to 300° C., and no more than 15 ppm up to 400° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuo Shimizu, Nagatsugu Mukaibou
  • Patent number: 7721412
    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: August 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    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: 7712203
    Abstract: A sensor apparatus and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The sensor apparatus includes: a sensor chip; a housing receiving the sensor chip; an electric conductive member connected with a terminal of the sensor chip; and a molded member covering a covered portion including a connection portion where the terminal and the electric conductive member are connected. The sensor chip is bonded to a bonding member of the housing via an adhesive member. A surface of the housing, a surface of the adhesive member, and a front surface of the sensor chip are in the same plane at a boundary part of the covered portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Inao Toyoda
  • Publication number: 20100107780
    Abstract: A sensor element material web for selectively cutting an operable sensor from the web includes a sensor film. A first electrode film is disposed on a first side and includes metallic electrodes in a first repeating pattern. A second electrode film is disposed on a second side and includes a plurality of second metallic electrodes in a second repeating pattern. A dielectric film is disposed on the first or the second electrode films. The first and the second repeating patterns permit the sensor to be cut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventor: Heikki RÄISÄNEN
  • Patent number: 7685696
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the manufacture of a sensor element and to a sensor element. In the method, both surfaces of a sensor film are provided with metallic electrodes. The sensor element is produced by cutting it from a larger amount of sensor element material. In the manufacture of the sensor element material, the electrodes are produced as a continuous process from roll to roll and the sensor element material is formed by laminating as a continuous process from roll to roll. At least the signal electrode consists of repeated electrode patterns (41) which are at least partially connected to each other via one or more narrow connecting strips (42), and a sensor element of a desired length and/or shape is produced by cutting the material across the region of the connecting strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Emfitech Oy
    Inventor: Heikki Räisänen
  • Patent number: 7676901
    Abstract: A producing method of producing a solid state pickup device is provided. Imaging elements are formed on a wafer in a matrix form. Each of the imaging elements has a light receiving surface and plural contact points. Receiving surface border portions are formed on a glass plate to protrude therefrom in a matrix form by etching. The receiving surface border portions are attached to the wafer to surround the light receiving surface in each of the receiving surface border portions. The light receiving surface is spaced from the glass plate. The glass plate is diced outside respectively the receiving surface border portions, to form shield glass for covering the light receiving surface. The wafer is diced for each of the imaging elements, to obtain the solid state pickup device having the shield glass and one of the imaging elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Misawa, Akihisa Yamazaki, Atsushi Misawa
  • Publication number: 20100052672
    Abstract: An integrated circuit including a first magneto-resistive sensing element, magnetic material and a spacer. The magnetic material is situated laterally to the first magneto-resistive sensing element. The spacer is situated between the first magneto-resistive sensing element and the magnetic material. The magnetic material is magnetically coupled to the first magneto-resistive sensing element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Raberg, Juergen Zimmer
  • Patent number: 7665196
    Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing a multi-frequency surface acoustic wave (SAW) device on a common piezoelectric substrate. The method features varying the resonant frequency of waveguide elements of the SAW device using a single etch step. The etch step removes a sub-portion of multiple layers of conductive film disposed on the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Inventors: David M. Lee, Paul Lindars, Christopher Ellis Jones, James E. Flowers, Martin P. Goetz
  • Patent number: 7658000
    Abstract: A method for attaching a proximity probe offset to an axis defining an extension cable. The method includes a sensing element; a cylindrical part molded with a moldable material; a recess configured in one of two opposing ends defining the cylindrical part to receive the sensing element; a first and a second ferrule each extending from opposing surfaces defining an exterior of the cylindrical part, a first axis defining the first and second ferrules being offset from a second axis defining the cylindrical part; and an extension cable operably attached to the sensing element via the first and second ferrules, the sensing element being disposed offset relative to the extension cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Stephen James Sufka, Thane Fleming Tahti, David Ray Price, Steven Francis Roy, Kristoffer Wayne Wickstead
  • Patent number: 7640647
    Abstract: Projecting elongate stub walls are provided on the planar surfaces of a substrate at positions where bonding of the substrate to a clamping lid or base is to be carried out. On firing of the substrate, the surfaces thereof are mechanically processed but since the stub walls protrude from the substrate, the grinding and polishing tools make contact with the surfaces of these stub walls, rather than with the entire substrate surface. As a result, the area of the substrate to be processed is minimised and problems with dishing and erosion are alleviated. This allows the clamping lid, or frame to be bonded, using conventional conductive adhesive processes, avoiding the cracking and stress problems associated with non-uniformity of the surface of the ceramic substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Astrium Limited
    Inventor: Simon Leonard Rumer
  • Publication number: 20090301205
    Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor, in particular for a vehicle, including a housing, includes the following: a transducer element which is attached to the bottom of the housing for generating ultrasonic oscillations; a first damping element situated in the housing for damping oscillations of the bottom; and a cover for sealing the housing, the cover being provided with a second damping element and having continuous tapering of the cover thickness in the region of the second damping element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventor: Martin Reiche
  • Publication number: 20090301210
    Abstract: A dry, front-flush, pressure measuring transducer, which enables reliable measurements over a large temperature range. The transducer includes: a process connection made of a stainless steel and serving for securing the pressure measuring transducer to a measuring site; and a pressure sensor module, including a holder of stainless steel, into which a metal separating diaphragm is set front-flushly by means of a purely metal connection. A pressure to be measured acts on the separating diaphragm during measurement operation. The holder is set front-flushly by means of a purely metal connection into the process connection. The pressure sensor module further includes a titanium disk which is carried by the holder. A sapphire carrier with integrated silicon sensors is secured to the titanium disk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: ENDRESS & HAUSER GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Raimund Becher, Sergej Lopatin, Axel Humpert
  • Patent number: 7627936
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing piezoelectric transducers that improves performance by reducing the mechanical losses in the component interfaces. The method involves the epoxy impregnation and encapsulation of the components within the piezoelectric stack assembly. Impregnation is achieved by capillary action that results in a chemical bond. The encapsulation method results in an epoxy conformal coating that provides a high degree of protection from harsh operational environments and reduces the risk of high voltage electric breakdown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: PiezoInnovations
    Inventor: George Bromfield
  • Patent number: 7624494
    Abstract: An inertial sensor includes a mesoscaled disc resonator comprised of micro-machined substantially thermally non-conductive wafer with low coefficient of thermal expansion for sensing substantially in-plane vibration, a rigid support coupled to the resonator at a central mounting point of the resonator, at least one excitation electrode within an interior of the resonator to excite internal in-plane vibration of the resonator, and at least one sensing electrode within the interior of the resonator for sensing the internal in-plane vibration of the resonator. The inertial sensor is fabricated by etching a baseplate, bonding the substantially thermally non-conductive wafer to the etched baseplate, through-etching the wafer using deep reactive ion etching to form the resonator, depositing a thin conductive film on the through-etched wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignees: California Institute of Technology, The Boeing Company
    Inventors: A. Dorian Challoner, Kirill V. Shcheglov
  • Patent number: 7621036
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a sensor for in vivo applications includes the steps of providing two wafers of an electrically insulating material. A recess is formed in the first wafer, and a capacitor plate is formed in the recess of the first wafer. A second capacitor plate is formed in a corresponding region of the second wafer, and the two wafers are affixed to one another such that the first and second capacitor plates are arranged in parallel, spaced-apart relation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: CardioMEMS, Inc.
    Inventors: Florent Cros, David O'Brien, Michael Fonseca, Matthew Abercrombie, Jin Woo Park, Angad Singh
  • Patent number: 7614135
    Abstract: Methods are provided for making a reservoir-based sensor device. The method may include fabricating a first substrate portion which comprises an upper surface, an opposed lower surface, a plurality of through holes defining reservoirs between said upper surface and said lower surface, and a plurality of reservoir caps closing off one end of said through holes at said upper surface; fabricating a plurality of sensors on an upper surface of a second substrate portion; aligning the first and second substrate portions such that each of said plurality of sensors is in alignment with each of said plurality of reservoirs; and bonding together the lower surface of said first substrate portion and the upper surface of said second substrate portion to seal each of said sensors inside the reservoir with which it is aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: MicroCHIPS, Inc.
    Inventors: John T. Santini, Jr., Norman F. Sheppard, Jr., Robert S. Langer, Chung Chang Young
  • Patent number: 7607213
    Abstract: A method of making a device for measuring deformation includes a step of depositing a silicon adhesion underlayer on a silicon carbide surface by chemical vapor spraying, and a step of depositing a coating on the silicon adhesion underlayer by atmospheric thermal spraying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Pierre Bertrand, Christian Coddet, Sophie Costil, Frederic Leman, Sebastien Lukat
  • Patent number: 7594313
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a microwave antenna assembly includes the step of providing a proximal portion having an inner conductor and an outer conductor. Each of the inner and outer conductors extend through the proximal portion and the inner conductor is disposed within the outer conductor. The method also includes the step of placing a junction member adjacent to a distal end of the proximal portion such that the inner conductor extends through a channel defined in the junction member. The method also includes the step of placing a proximal end of a distal portion adjacent to a distal end of the junction member such that the inner conductor extends within a channel defined within the distal portion. The method also includes the step of affixing the inner conductor to the distal portion such that the proximal portion and the distal portion apply a compressive force on the junction member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Vivant Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Mani Prakash, Francesca Rossetto, Anthony Lee, Steven Kim, Ted Su, Jonathan Glassman
  • Publication number: 20090223578
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a method of monitoring particulates may include one or more of the following steps: (a) receiving the particulates in a particulate flow restrictor, (b) collecting a particulate sample in a body section of the flow restrictor, (c) sensing moisture content of the particulate with a flush mounted capacitive sensor, (d) allowing the particulate to empty out of the flow restrictor through a narrowed opening in a discharge section of the flow restrictor, (e) concentrating the particulate sample at a sensor surface, (f) shielding the sensor from stray electric fields, and (g) inputting the particulate at the funnel opening of the flow restrictor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventor: Joel Gulbranson
  • Patent number: 7571533
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a micro flux gate sensor and a micro flux gate sensor manufactured according to the method are provided. The method includes operations of forming a lower coil portion of an excitation coil and a magnetic field detecting coil on a wafer, forming connection portions with a certain height at predetermined positions of the lower coil portion, forming a first insulation layer to cover the lower coil portion and the connection portions, forming a magnetic core on the first insulation layer, forming a second insulation layer to cover the magnetic core and forming an upper coil portion electrically connected to the connection portions to form the excitation coil and the magnetic field detecting coil, and forming a third insulation layer to cover the upper coil portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyoung-won Na, Jingli Yuan
  • Publication number: 20090188321
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor with a transducer unit, which is located at a measurement end in a housing sleeve, with connection means at a connection end of the housing sleeve opposite to the measurement end, with a module carrier received in the housing sleeve and on which is placed a sensor electronics and which extends along an axis of the housing sleeve, with illuminants for the optical signaling to the outside of operating and/or switching states of the sensor. The sensor is characterized in that there is a separate, plate-like illuminant carrier, that a plurality of illuminants are placed on the illuminant carrier and that the illuminant carrier is positioned transversely to the module carrier in the vicinity of the transducer unit. The invention also relates to a method for the manufacture of a sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventor: Dierk Schoen
  • Patent number: 7565723
    Abstract: A piezoelectric material layer is easily formed on a partial region of the substrate surface. By forming a different hardness material layer that has a different hardness from that of the substrate in the form of a pattern on the surface of the substrate, a film-deposition permitting region A to which particles of a piezoelectric material in a carrier gas adhere in a form of a film and a film-deposition inhibiting region B which inhibits the formation of a film are provided. Further, when a carrier gas containing particles of a piezoelectric material are ejected onto the surface of the substrate by means of AD, a film-like piezoelectric material layer is formed as a result of the adhesion of the particles in the film-deposition permitting region A. As a result, the piezoelectric material layer can be formed easily in a partial region of the surface of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignees: Brother Kogyo Kabushik Kaisha, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology
    Inventors: Hiroto Sugahara, Kazuo Kobayashi, Motohiro Yasui, Jun Akedo, Sou Baba
  • Publication number: 20090183558
    Abstract: A vehicle camshaft/crankshaft sensor has a plastic terminal assembly defining a connector and a plastic housing and bracket assembly engaged with the terminal assembly and defining a plastic bracket. Various structures are disclosed for establishing one of plural discrete orientations between the bracket and the connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventors: Xin Houjie, Samuel Roland Palfenier, Luis A. Flores-Mena
  • Patent number: 7552522
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing the integrity of an implantable sensor. Voids formed between an outer tubing and a sensor substrate or spacing element may be back-filled with a curable, implantable material, minimizing the extent to which unwanted fluids diffuse within the sensor. An enzyme or protein matrix pellet below the sensor window may be pre-treated with a reducing agent to enhance its bond stability, and to reduce undesired swelling that may cause the sensor window to detach or leak. The bonding between the enzyme pellet and a hydrogel layer may be reinforced by application of an intervening bonding layer of a protein material, such as human serum albumin (HSA). The size of the window may be minimized by minimizing the size of an underlying electrode, providing reduced flux and lengthening sensor. A coating may be deposited on the surface of the sensor leads, providing stiffening and lubrication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Rajiv Shah, Yanan Zhang, Rebecca Gottlieb, Bahar Reghabi, Michael Miller
  • Patent number: 7535333
    Abstract: A method for monitoring a the contact resistance (Rs) of the wiper of a sensor for a variable quantity, with a potentiometer (2), in which the position of the center tap (3) determines the value of the quantity, is improved in such a way that, first, when the sensor is used in an automatic control circuit, no control deviations occur and, second, the contact resistance of the wiper can be monitored with precision. This is achieved by the cyclic switching-on of a load (RLast), so that the contact resistance (Rs) of the wiper can be determined on the basis of the change in the voltage divider ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Samson AG
    Inventors: Stefan Flentge, Fausto Crespo Vidal
  • Publication number: 20090116537
    Abstract: A transducer sensor is positioned within a hollow of the body of a housing. The housing has an extending alignment pin, which pin coacts with a corresponding slot or aperture in the wall of a vessel whose pressure or temperature is to be monitored. The transducer body is associated with a connector where the alignment pin is placed and extends from the housing in a fixed relation to the connector. A suitable aperture or slot in the wall of the vessel to be monitored accommodates the extending pin whereby when the transducer is placed in the vessel aperture the connector associated with the transducer is always located in proper position. Positioned on the housing is a sliding nut which can move in a direction parallel to the central axis of the housing and either to the right or left.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicant: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony D. Kurtz, Richard J. Martin
  • Patent number: 7528682
    Abstract: In an electronic apparatus comprising a digital display portion and first and second oscillators comprising first and second oscillating circuits, each of the first and second oscillating circuits having a resonator, an amplifier, a plurality of capacitors, and at least one resistor, a mode of vibration of the resonator of the first oscillating circuit being the same as that of the resonator of the second oscillating circuit, an output signal being output from each of the first and second oscillating circuits, the output signal of one of the first and second oscillating circuits being a clock signal for use in operation of the electronic apparatus to display time information at the digital display portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Piedek Technical Laboratory
    Inventor: Hirofumi Kawashima
  • Patent number: 7523539
    Abstract: In a probe manufacturing method, after a metal material for a probe is deposited on a base table, the probe can be detached from the base table relatively easily without damaging the probe. A recess corresponding to a flat surface shape of a probe is formed by a resist mask on a sacrificial layer on a base table, and a probe is formed by depositing a probe material in the recess. Thereafter, the resist mask is removed, and further the sacrificial layer is removed by an etching process with a part of the sacrificial layer remaining. For the purpose of forming an opening for control of the remaining part of the sacrificial layer in the etching process in the probe so as to let the opening pass through the probe in its plate thickness direction, a hole-forming portion for the opening is formed in the resist mask. Etching of the sacrificial layer in the etching process is promoted from an edge of the opening formed in the probe by this hole-forming portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Nihon Micronics
    Inventors: Takayuki Hayashizaki, Hideki Hirakawa, Akira Soma, Shinji Kuniyoshi
  • Publication number: 20090095077
    Abstract: A disc resonator gyroscope (DRG) and method of manufacture. The DRG has a surrounding pattern of bond metal having a symmetry related to the symmetry of a resonator device wafer that enables more even dissipation of heat from a resonator device wafer of the DRG during an etching operation. The metal bond frame eliminates or substantially reduces the thermal asymmetry that the resonator device wafer normally experiences when a conventional, square bond frame is used, which in turn can cause geometric asymmetry in the widths of the beams that are etched into the resonator device wafer of the DRG.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventors: Jeffrey F. DeNatale, Philip A. Stupar
  • Patent number: 7490404
    Abstract: An improved manufacturing method for a gas sensor is provided which is capable of establishing a required hermetic seal in a body of the gas sensor. The method includes preparing a sensor assembly including a housing, an air cover, an insulation porcelain, and a sensor element, pressing the air cover against the housing to fit an end of the air cover on an end of the housing to form an overlap thereof, and welding the air cover to the housing over the overlap. The welding is accomplished while pressing the air cover against the housing, thereby compressing an elastic member in the air cover to establish a hermetic seal between the sensor element and the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Hirokazu Yamada, Masato Ozawa
  • Patent number: 7492164
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a product sensor (2), and a product sensor (2). In the manufacturing method, a circuitry pattern is formed in the product sensor (2) for achieving an antenna circuit (L, C1, C2). In addition, the product sensor (2) is provided with at least one measuring means (13), whose at least one electrical property is affected by at least one condition. Product control is performed by measuring the at least one measuring means (13) formed in the product sensor (2), which means is affected by at least one condition, at least one electrical condition. In order to form a product sensor, at least a first (3) and a second module (5) are formed, the first of the modules (3) being provided with at least a part of said antenna circuit, and the second module (5) being provided with said at least one measuring means (13). Said at least two modules (3, 5) are connected to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: UPM-Kymmene Corporation
    Inventors: Marko Hanhikorpi, Samuli Strömberg
  • Publication number: 20090031552
    Abstract: A ferromagnetic thin-film based magnetic field detection system used for detecting the presence of selected molecular species. A magnetic field sensor supported on a substrate has a binding molecule layer positioned on a side thereof capable of selectively binding to the selected molecular species held on a magnetic particle. The magnetic field sensor can be substantially covered by an electrical insulating layer having a recess therein adjacent to the sensor in which the binding molecule layer is provided. A thin-film channel structure to the sensor is supported on the substrate that can be accompanied by a reservoir structure, and an electrical interconnection conductor is supported on the substrate at least in part between the sensor and the substrate, and is electrically connected to the sensor. The magnetic field sensor can be provided in a bridge circuit, and can be formed by a number of interconnected individual sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: NVE Corporation
    Inventor: Mark C. Tondra
  • Patent number: 7469462
    Abstract: An electronic control pedal assembly includes a fixed support structure and a pedal arm. The pedal arm has a lower end carrying a pedal and is pivotable relative to the support structure. A potentiometer is at least partly carried by the fixed support and operable to generate an electric control signal that varies in magnitude in proportion to the extent of movement of the pedal arm relative to the fixed support structure. The potentiometer has at least one resistive track trimmed after assembly of the potentiometer to the fixed support so that the potentiometer provides a first fixed electric control signal at a idle position of the pedal arm and the potentiometer has at least one resistive track trimmed after assembly of the potentiometer to the fixed support so that the potentiometer provides a second fixed electric control signal at a full throttle position of the pedal arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore Richardson, Kirk Nielsen, Richard Boatright, Jeffrey Gibson
  • Publication number: 20080314117
    Abstract: In a gas sensor, a seal member is filled in an annular space disposed between abutted inward and outward shoulder portions of a housing and a sensor member and an one open end of the housing. A tubular insulator is installed in the annular space to be mounted at its first end surface on the seal member. A ring member is installed in the annular space to be mounted at its first end surface on a second end surface of the tubular insulator. The one open end of the housing is configured to be inwardly crimped such that an edge of an inner circumference of the inwardly crimped one open end of the housing digs in a second end surface of the ring member to thereby fixedly press the seal member, the insulator, and the ring member to the abutted inward and outward shoulder portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Sato, Yoshiaki Hirono
  • Patent number: 7451537
    Abstract: Method for fabricating a microscale anemometer on a substrate. A sacrificial layer is formed on the substrate, and a metal thin film is patterned to form a sensing element. At least one support for the sensing element is patterned. The sacrificial layer is removed, and the sensing element is lifted away from the substrate by raising the supports, thus creating a clearance between the sensing element and the substrate to allow fluid flow between the sensing element and the substrate. The supports are raised preferably by use of a magnetic field applied to magnetic material patterned on the supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
    Inventors: Chang Liu, Jack Chen
  • Patent number: 7441322
    Abstract: A magnetic detection apparatus can be improved in its product yield. The magnetic detection apparatus includes a resin compact having a the magnet arranged in opposition to an object to be detected for generating a magnetic field, an IC chip with a magnetic detection part built therein for detecting a change in the magnetic field in accordance with movement of the object to be detected, and an IC package in which a lead frame having the IC chip installed thereon is sealed with a resin. A method for manufacturing such a magnetic detection apparatus includes a signal adjustment step for adjusting a signal generated from the magnetic detection part in a state in which the magnetic field is applied to the magnetic detection part to correct a deviation of the signal of the magnetic detection part generated in accordance with a relative displacement between the magnetic detection part and the magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Izuru Shinjo, Shigeki Tsujii, Yoshinori Tatenuma, Hiroshi Sakanoue, Masahiro Yokotani, Ryouichi Sasahara
  • Patent number: 7438823
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an imprint method for manufacturing micro capacitive ultrasonic transducer, which uses a mold with a particularly patterned surface to imprint into a flexible material thus forming the oscillation cavities of the ultrasonic transducer. Such imprint method not only realizes the volume manufacturing and reduces the cost, but also can precisely control the geometrical size of the oscillation cavities and thus shorten the distance between the upper and the lower electrodes to the micro/nano level, largely improving the sensitivity of the transducer. Moreover, the present invention further changes the procedure for manufacturing micro capacitive ultrasonic transducer of the prior art, which can both save the process steps and overcome the disadvantages in the prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Chin-Chung Nien, Hong Chen Ho, Ming-Wei Chang
  • Patent number: 7423511
    Abstract: There is provided a load sensor that can make accurate measurement without being affected by unnecessary external force and moreover has a simple construction. The load sensor includes a strain generating element (3) which is formed integrally with an installation section (9) attached to an object to be measured and is displaced according to the weight or load of the object to be measured, a sensor plate (13) which is connected to the strain generating element (3) and is distorted according to the displacement of the strain generating element (3), and a strain gauge attached to the sensor plate (13). The strain generating element (3) is placed on one end side of the installation section (9) with the center thereof aligned with the axis of the installation section (9). On the inside of the strain generating element, a reception section (5) for housing the sensor plate is formed, and the sensor plate (13) is housed in the reception section while being held by a holder (100).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Nagano Keiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirokazu Nakasone, Yasutaka Ide, Shuji Tohyama
  • Publication number: 20080196499
    Abstract: A transducer package 20 includes a substrate 32 having a first axis of symmetry 36 and a second axis of symmetry 38 arranged orthogonal to the first axis of symmetry 36. At least a first sensor 50 and a second sensor 52 each of which are symmetrically arranged on the substrate 32 relative to one of the first and second axes of symmetry 36 and 38. The first and second sensors 50 and 52 are adapted to detect movement parallel to the other of the first and second axes of symmetry 36 and 38. The first sensor 50 is adapted to detect movement over a first sensing range and the second sensor 52 is adapted to detect movement over a second sensing range, the second sensing range differing from the first sensing range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.
    Inventors: Gary G. Li, Todd F. Miller, David J. Monk
  • Publication number: 20080189932
    Abstract: A focused ultrasound transducer includes a first ultrasonic emitter and at least one metallic ultrasonic lens acoustically coupled thereto. The emitter generates ultrasonic energy that propagates along a beam path projecting therefrom. The at least one metallic ultrasonic lens is positioned at least partially in the beam path so that it can direct (e.g., focus, defocus, and/or collimate) in at least one direction (or along at least one plane) at least some of the ultrasonic energy propagating from the emitter. The metallic lens may be formed by extrusion, by molding (e.g., diecast molding or thermoforming), or by sintering (e.g., powder metallurgy). The metallic lens also advantageously functions as a heat sink, improving thermal performance of the ultrasound transducer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventors: JOHN W. SLIWA, John P. Goetz, Zhenyi Ma