With Coupling Means (e.g., Attenuator, Shunt) Patents (Class 324/126)
  • Patent number: 7634442
    Abstract: A system, method, software, and portfolios for managing risk in markets relating to a commodity delivered over a network are described, in which a market participant constructs portfolios of preferably liquid price risk instruments in proportions that eliminate the Spatial Price Risk for the market participant's underlying position. Techniques are also disclosed for constructing and evaluating new price risk instruments and other sets of positions, as well as identifying arbitrage opportunities in those markets. In particular, a “deltas vector” is calculated concerning a portfolio of future positions and derivative contracts, wherein the “deltas vector” is the partial derivative of the market participant's net market position taken with respect to the forward shadow prices ? of the network which depend upon congestion in the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co.
    Inventors: Fernando L. Alvarado, Rajesh Rajaraman
  • Patent number: 7633287
    Abstract: A core is divided by alternately arranging plural magnetic material portions and plural non-magnetic material portions in a circumferential direction of the core through which a primary conductor penetrates. A conductor is wound around the core under conditions in which each core cross section of the core intersects the magnetic material portion and the non-magnetic material portion, each core cross section including a cut end surface of each conductor of a secondary winding wound around the core, and a ratio of a magnetic material portion cross-sectional area of the magnetic material portion to a non-magnetic material portion cross-sectional area of the non-magnetic material portion at the core cross section is kept constant at each core cross section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Ryuichi Nishiura, Yo Makita, Hiroshi Nishizawa, Tadahiro Yoshida, Tae Hyun Kim
  • Patent number: 7626378
    Abstract: A self-powered alternating current measuring and power generating circuit is designed to be connected across the terminals of the secondary winding of a current transformer. The circuit includes a current to voltage transformer, the primary winding of which is connected in series at a junction with a resistor across the terminals of the secondary winding of the current transformer. The junction of the resistor and the primary winding of the current to voltage transformer is supplied to a measuring circuit to produce an output coupled to a measuring instrument. Operating power for the measuring circuit is obtained from the secondary winding of the current to voltage transformer through a rectifier; so that the circuitry is energized without requiring additional internal or external power sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Inventor: Otto P. Fest
  • Publication number: 20090289694
    Abstract: At least one embodiment of the invention specifies a current-sensing apparatus and/or a method for its operation which is based on the current sensor provided being a GMR sensor in the form of a gradient sensor and on the gradient sensor, or a component which includes this gradient sensor, itself including a conductor section of a compensating circuit. As such, the current in the measurement circuit can be compensated for by a current in the compensating circuit and the compensating current can be evaluated as a measure of the electrical variable to be detected for the measurement circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Inventors: Gotthard Rieger, Richard Schmidt, Roland Weiss
  • Patent number: 7622909
    Abstract: A magnetic field sensor comprises a magnetic field sensing cell and a magnetic shield comprising at least two parts separated by an air-gap and surrounding the magnetic field sensing cell positioned in a cavity of the magnetic shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: LEM Heme Limited
    Inventor: Wolfram Teppan
  • Publication number: 20090284248
    Abstract: In order to extend the measurement range of a current sensor, a current divider is formed by a first conductor formed in a current sensor that is mounted on a printed circuit board and a second conductor on the printed circuit board that electrically shorts at least one input terminal of the current sensor to at least one output terminal of the current sensor. The input terminal of the current sensor supplies the current to be measured to the first conductor and the output terminal supplies the measured current back to the printed circuit board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventors: Brett E. Etter, Donald E. Alfano, Timothy J. Dupuis, Donald K. Coffey
  • Publication number: 20090284249
    Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system for measuring the magnetic field produced by phase conductors in multi-phase power lines. The magnetic field measurements are used to determine the current load on the conductors. The magnetic fields are sensed by coils placed sufficiently proximate the lines to measure the voltage induced in the coils by the field without touching the lines. The x and y components of the magnetic fields are used to calculate the conductor sag, and then the sag data, along with the field strength data, can be used to calculate the current load on the line and the phase of the current. The sag calculations of this invention are independent of line voltage and line current measurements. The system applies a computerized fitter routine to measured and sampled voltages on the coils to accurately determine the values of parameters associated with the overhead phase conductors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventors: Steven J. Syracuse, Roy Clark, Peter G. Halverson, Frederick M. Tesche, Charles V. Barlow
  • Publication number: 20090278527
    Abstract: A more precise and cost effective means than previously commercially available for measuring alternating currents up to 100 amperes in the frequency range from direct current to 100 kilohertz can be measured with precision approaching 0.001% employs a shield around a resistive network. The shield is electrically isolated from the resistive network, but acts as a heat sink to draw heat generated by the resistive network away, promoting fast stabilization times. The shield also provides electrical shielding from outside interference allowing the geometric arrangement of elements in the resistive network to minimize induced inductance and capacitance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: GUILDLINE INSTRUMENTS LIMITED
    Inventor: Andre PERRAS
  • Patent number: 7615987
    Abstract: A device for determining electrical variables, having a housing and an electrical main conductor, which is provided for conducting a load current, and which has a measuring section, having an electrical evaluation unit which is connected to the electrical main conductor in an electrically conductive manner, the measuring section being directly sealed and held by the housing, which is developed as an injection molded housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Gerhard Koelle, Stephan Mazingue-Desailly, Alexander Lerich
  • Patent number: 7606298
    Abstract: Methods to test the operation of the pick-up coil without having to de-energize the power line serving as the power line carrier in order to perform testing on the pick-up coil. A series of test frequencies are introduced and parameters of the pick-up coil can be measured to detect the presence or absence of resonant behavior indicative of the health of the pick-up coil. Testing capabilities may be incorporated into a power line carrier receiver and use the connections between the pick-up coils and the receiver to perform the pick-up coil test. Various methods are disclosed for evaluating the pick-up coil response to a series of test inputs of different frequencies. These methods could be incorporated in a pick-up coil testing device that is independent of a receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: DGI Creations, LLC
    Inventors: John Robert Weber, Jr., Fritz Heistermann
  • Patent number: 7602169
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for isolating an input without adding significant distortion and without significantly adversely affecting the bandwidth of input circuits. In one embodiment, a single ended signal is substantially cancelled by an arrangement including an input resistance path in parallel with a negative resistance path wherein both paths substantially match in resistance. In another embodiment, a differential signal is substantially cancelled by a pseudo differential arrangement including two independent input resistance paths each in parallel with a corresponding negative resistance path, wherein the resistance paths substantially match the input resistance paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: William George John Schofield, Lawrence A. Singer
  • Patent number: 7583075
    Abstract: The present invention is a subtractive current measuring system for a power receptacle. The system may comprise one or more of the following features: (a) a power receptacle; (b) a current carrying input wire; (c) a current carrying output wire; (d) a current transformer; (e) an electrical measuring device; and (f) interconnecting circuitry linking the current transformer and the electrical measuring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignees: Geist Manufacturing, Inc., Aphel, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hugh G. Hutchison
  • Publication number: 20090184704
    Abstract: By subdividing the free layer of a GMR/TMR device into multiple sub-elements that share common top and bottom electrodes, a magnetic detector is produced that is domain stable in the presence of large stray fields, thereby eliminating the need for longitudinal bias magnets. Said detector may be used to measure electric currents without being affected by local temperature fluctuations and/or stray fields.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventors: Yimin Guo, Po-Kang Wang
  • Publication number: 20090177420
    Abstract: In order to detect, localize and interpret a partial discharge occurring in a partial discharge site along an electrical equipment, two measurement probes and a synchronization probe are installed along the electrical equipment. The measurement probes detect pulses travelling in the electrical equipment while the synchronization probe detects a phase angle in the electrical equipment and is usable for calibration purposes. A control unit receives the signals sensed by the probes and conditions them. Digital processings applied on the conditioned signals, involving their correlation, a time-frequency distribution and a form factor estimation, allows establishing a diagnosis indicating a detection of a partial discharge and its localization along the electrical equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2006
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventors: Daniel Fournier, Bruno Cantin, Jean-Marc Bourgeois, Francois Léonard, Yvan Roy
  • Publication number: 20090167292
    Abstract: A current measuring apparatus is disclosed. The current measuring apparatus comprises a power supply unit, an impedance setting module, and a current measuring unit. The power supply unit is adapted to provide an electric power to an electronic apparatus. The impedance setting module is adapted to provide at least one impedance value to the electronic apparatus so that the electronic apparatus is able to be activated in response to the electric power and the impedance value. The current measuring unit is adapted to show a current consumption value of the electronic apparatus under the activated state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: HTC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hung-Shen Yang
  • Patent number: 7554319
    Abstract: A voltage sensing circuit includes a voltage divider and a voltage rectifier. The voltage divider divides a first output voltage on a first output voltage line to a first divided output voltage. The voltage divider comprises a first metal foil and a first capacitor. The first metal foil and the first output voltage line can form a first capacitive component. The first capacitive component is coupled in series with the first capacitor. The first capacitive component and the first capacitor can generate the first divided output voltage. The voltage rectifier is coupled to the voltage divider and can rectify the first divided output voltage to a sensing voltage indicative of the first output voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Inventors: Youling Li, Yingpeng Hu, Xiaojun Wang
  • Patent number: 7550962
    Abstract: A wide bandwidth attenuator input circuit for a measurement probe has a Z0 attenuator circuit coupled in series with a compensated RC attenuator circuit. The series attenuator elements of the Z0 and the compensated RC attenuator circuits are coupled via a controlled impedance transmission line to the shunt attenuator elements of the Z0 and the compensated RC attenuator circuits. The shunt element of the Z0 attenuator element terminates the transmission line in its characteristic impedance. The junction of the series and shunt attenuator elements are coupled to the input of a buffer amplifier. At low and intermediate frequencies, the compensated RC attenuator circuit attenuates an input signal while at high frequencies, the compensated RC attenuator circuit acts as a short and the Z0 attenuator circuits attenuates the input signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventors: Ira G. Pollock, Paul G. Chastain, William Q. Law
  • Patent number: 7545138
    Abstract: A current measurement device using a Rogowski coil having a generally toroidally shaped core with flattened faces, a first winding in one direction, a second winding forming a return loop, and a temperature compensation and scaling network coupled to the coil. The core has concentric cavities and a rough surface to restrain movement of the coil winding. A Faraday shield is wrapped over the coil. One shield is “serpentine,” having staggered (offset) lateral extensions from a central region. An alternate shield has a generally circular central region with extensions in generally radial directions. The shield is formed of three layers comprising a non-ferromagnetic metal central layer surrounded by insulative layers. At an end tab of the shield, the metal layer is exposed for connection to a ground lug or other connector. An insulative housing envelops the coil and electrical network. An output wire terminates in an industrial connector. A resistive network may be implemented with the current measurement device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Donovan E. Wilkerson, Veselin Skendzic, James R Kesler
  • Patent number: 7545137
    Abstract: A current detecting circuit includes a current detecting module includes a detecting resistor, a voltage transmitting module, and a current adjusting module including four field effect transistors, a transistor, and a operational amplifier. The first drain is connected to a power source via the detecting resistor. The first source is connected to a load. The second gate is connected to a signal control pin. The third gate is connected to the second drain. The fourth gate is connected to the third drain. The fourth source is connected to the power source via a first resistor and a collector. The first non-inverting input terminal is connected to the voltage transmitting module. An emitter is connected to the second non-inverting input terminal, and ground via a second resistor. The second non-inverting input terminal is connected to a cathode and the first standby power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Teng Lv
  • Patent number: 7538539
    Abstract: An ammeter for ATE instrumentation includes an amplifier, a first current measuring circuit coupled to the amplifier's power supply leads, and a second current measuring circuit coupled to the amplifier's output. The first current measuring circuit is used to select a desired current measurement range, away from the amplifier's output. Output transients caused by range changes are therefore avoided. The ammeter's response to load transients is also minimized, by providing smooth transitions between low current and high current operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Teradyne, Inc.
    Inventor: Christian Balke
  • Patent number: 7532000
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for simultaneously measuring current flows through fasteners in a multi-structure composite joint is provided. The method comprising inserting a printed circuit board between at least two structures, the printed circuit board being etched with at least one Rogowski coil sensory circuit the at least two structures being joined with at least one fastener extending through the at least one Rogowski coil sensory circuit in the printed circuit board; detecting current in the at least one fastener; transmitting the detected current from each fastener to a corresponding passive integrator circuit for capturing transient pulses and integrating the pulses into an output; and transmitting the output to a processing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Daniel J. Kovach, Andrew M. Robb
  • Publication number: 20090115402
    Abstract: A voltage detecting circuit detects a voltage between first and second wirings, and comprises at least first and second transistors connected in series between the first and second wirings, wherein a first reference voltage is supplied to a gate of the first transistor, a gate and a drain of the second transistor are short-circuited, and a detection signal is output from a connection point between a drain of the first transistor and a source of the second transistor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicant: ELPIDA MEMORY, INC.
    Inventors: Koichiro HAYASHI, Hitoshi TANAKA
  • Publication number: 20090115401
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system which comprises an automotive fuse and an A/D converter. Conventional systems comprising an automotive fuse and an A/D converter are designed such that a measured value is generated at the automotive fuse, which value is then amplified and passed on to the A/D converter via a long signal line. The novel space-saving system is characterized in that the A/D converter is located in close vicinity to the automotive fuse. The automotive fuse supplies the non-amplified, analog measured value for the input of the A/D converter. Signal transmission is carried out digitally via a bus system. It is especially advantageous if all components are housing in a common housing. Signal transmission is then carried out digitally via a bus system. The inventive system is suitable for use in data bus systems of vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicant: Audi AG
    Inventors: Dietmar Hoch, Christian Biberger, Hardo Tumm
  • Patent number: 7525423
    Abstract: An automated meter reading power line communications system is provided, which may include, in one embodiment, measuring the utility usage of a first customer premises to provide first utility usage data, storing the first utility usage data in memory of a first device, wirelessly transmitting the first utility usage data from the first device, receiving the wirelessly transmitted first utility usage data at a second device coupled to a medium voltage power line, and transmitting the first utility usage data over the medium voltage power line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Current Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: William H. Berkman, Paul A. Kline
  • Patent number: 7525300
    Abstract: A current measuring device measures the current flowing through each conductor which connects a power supply with a motor. Coreless current sensors are arranged between pairs of the conductors. Coefficients which represent a relationship between a fixed standard current flowing through a conductor and the output signal from coreless current sensors for the fixed standard current are obtained in advance from known measurements. A calculator then determines the current flowing through each conductor based upon the corresponding output signals from the coreless current sensors, the measured coefficients and formula Iu+Iv+Iw=0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki
    Inventors: Satoshi Watanabe, Seiki Sakata
  • Patent number: 7521917
    Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, the present technique provides a testing apparatus for testing material integrity in an object. The testing apparatus includes an electrical conductor and a sensing device. In the exemplary testing device, the electrical conductor extends in a generally linear direction and is configured to route current in a direction generally transverse to a longitudinal axis of the object being tested. Routing of current through the electrical conductor creates remote field eddy current effect, which, in turn, affects a magnetic field around the test object. The testing apparatus also includes a sensing device located at a distance from the electrical conductor and configured to detect magnetic fields generated in response to current routed through the electrical conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Gopichand Katragadda, Manoj Kumar Koyithitta Meethal, Slvaramanivas Ramaswamy, Amitabha Dutta
  • Patent number: 7518354
    Abstract: An electronic circuit includes a first substrate having a first substrate surface and a device supported by the first substrate surface. The device is selected from among a passive electronic component and an active electronic component. The electronic circuit also includes a second substrate having a second substrate surface and a conductor proximate to the second substrate. The electronic circuit also includes a magnetic field transducer disposed over the conductor and coupled to the device and an insulating layer disposed between the conductor and the second substrate. The conductor is adapted to carry an electrical current to generate a first magnetic field. The electronic circuit is responsive to the first magnetic field. In some embodiments, the conductor is a secondary conductor and the circuit further includes a primary conductor disposed proximate to the magnetic field transducer and an insulating layer disposed between the primary conductor and the second substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Allegro Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Stauth, Richard Dickinson, Glenn Forrest, Ravi Vig
  • Patent number: 7518529
    Abstract: A monitoring device (1) for monitoring the electrical properties of a medium voltage overhead line (3) in a medium voltage network comprises three separate measurement sensors (2a, 2b, 2c), each being adapted for direct connection onto a medium voltage overhead line. Each of the measurement sensors has means to draw operating power from the medium voltage overhead line. The measurement sensors measured results may be combined for accurate measurement analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: FMC Tech Limited
    Inventors: Charles Brendan O'Sullivan, Michael Martin Quinlan
  • Publication number: 20090079416
    Abstract: An electric energy monitor or meter for efficient measuring and recording electrical energy usage data relating to a particular appliance or circuit. One embodiment comprises a thin-profile monitoring device through which an electrical conductor, for example the normal line cord plug of an appliance or the output wire from a circuit breaker to the load, is inserted. A display may be provided to show the accumulated energy usage. In other embodiments a device of the invention can be installed in a light switch, appliance, plug, or receptacle. Data can also be transmitted by various means to a computing device such as a personal computer or the like. The device of the invention allows for interaction with Internet-based information dissemination or gathering, meter distribution by means of incentive or promotional give-away, and control of energy usage through connection to an energy management system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventors: Jonathan Philip VINDEN, John Alan GIBSON
  • Patent number: 7508189
    Abstract: A micro-electromechanical system current and magnetic field sensor is presented. The micro-electromechanical system current and magnetic field sensor is configured to sense a magnetic field produced by a current carrying conductor. The sensor includes a structural component comprising a substrate and a compliant layer, a magnetic-to-mechanical converter coupled to the structural component to provide a mechanical indication of the magnetic field. The sensor further includes a strain responsive component coupled to the structural component to sense the mechanical indication and to provide an indication of the current in the current carrying conductor in response thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ertugrul Berkcan, Shankar Chandrasekaran, Christopher James Kapusta, Laura Jean Meyer, Glenn Scott Claydon, Debbie Gahaton Jones, Anis Zribi
  • Publication number: 20090066317
    Abstract: The present invention is a meter for recording voltage and current on a transformer. The device has a housing with a body portion and a lever portion, the lever portion being movable between a closed position wherein the lever portion abuts the body portion and an open position wherein the lever portion is positioned away from the body portion. The device includes a pair of current sensors each current sensor being divided into two corresponding sensor fractions with one fraction of each sensor formed on the body portion of the housing and the other corresponding fraction formed on the lever portion of the housing. The fractions of each sensors are constructed such that each of the current sensors have a central opening dimensioned to receive one of the transformer terminals when the lever portion of the housing is in its first position. The current sensors are positioned on the housing such that the meter can be mounted to the terminals of the transformer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventor: Eric de Buda
  • Publication number: 20090058398
    Abstract: A printed board, includes: a first shield portion, configured to reduce an influence of an electric field in combination with a casing accommodating the printed board, at least a part of the first shield portion being formed with a plurality of through holes; and a second shield portion, configured to reduce the influence of the electric field in combination with the casing, at least a part of the second shield portion being formed with a plurality of through holes, wherein the second shield portion is arranged alongside of the first shield portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: DAIHEN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yoshifumi IBUKI
  • Patent number: 7495430
    Abstract: A micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) current sensor is described as including a first conductor, a magnetic field shaping component for shaping a magnetic field produced by a current in the first conductor, and a MEMS-based magnetic field sensing component including a magneto-MEMS component for sensing the shaped magnetic field and, in response thereto, providing an indication of the current in the first conductor. A method for sensing a current using MEMS is also described as including shaping a magnetic field produced with a current in a first conductor, sensing the shaped magnetic field with a MEMS-based magnetic field sensing component having a magneto-MEMS component magnetic field sensing circuit, and providing an indication of the current in the first conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ertugrul Berkcan, Christopher James Kapusta, Glenn Scott Claydon, Anis Zribi, Laura Jean Meyer, Wei-Cheng Tian
  • Publication number: 20090045801
    Abstract: A current sensor system that uses a sensor resistor to sense current flow and in which the level of voltage drop across that resistor is used to control the current flow through another resistor, the input resistor, into a current integrator. The ratio of input resistor to sensor resistor resistance values determines the ratio of sense current to integrator input current level. By matching the temperature coefficients of the resistors the effects of temperature are reduced. The integrator output provides either directly or indirectly a voltage level, frequency, or duty cycle output signal to indicate the sensor resistor current level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventor: Fred Mirow
  • Publication number: 20090033314
    Abstract: A micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) current and magnetic field sensor for sensing a magnetic field produced by a conductor includes a magneto-MEMS component for sensing the magnetic field and an interference-MEMS component for sensing an interference, wherein the magneto-MEMS component and the interference MEMS component are used to provide an indication of the current in the conductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Ertugrul Berkcan, Shankar Chandrasekaran
  • Publication number: 20080309438
    Abstract: A current control device is disclosed. The current control device includes control circuitry and a current path integrally arranged with the control circuitry. The current path includes a set of conduction interfaces and a micro electromechanical system (MEMS) switch disposed between the set of conduction interfaces. The set of conduction interfaces have geometry of a defined fuse terminal geometry and include a first interface disposed at one end of the current path and a second interface disposed at an opposite end of the current path. The MEMS switch is responsive to the control circuitry to facilitate the interruption of an electrical current passing through the current path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Robert Joseph Caggiano, William James Premerlani, Marcelo Esteban Valdes, Kanakasabapathi Subramanian, Brent Charles Kumfer, Charles Stephan Pitzen, John Norton Park
  • Patent number: 7466121
    Abstract: A micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) current sensor is described as including a first conductor, a magnetic field shaping component for shaping a magnetic field produced by a current in the first conductor, and a MEMS-based magnetic field sensing component including a magneto-MEMS component for sensing the shaped magnetic field and, in response thereto, providing an indication of the current in the first conductor. A method for sensing a current using MEMS is also described as including shaping a magnetic field produced with a current in a first conductor, sensing the shaped magnetic field with a MEMS-based magnetic field sensing component having a magneto-MEMS component magnetic field sensing circuit, and providing an indication of the current in the first conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ertugrul Berkcan, Christopher James Kapusta, Glenn Scott Claydon, Anis Zribi, Laura Jean Meyer, Wei-Cheng Tian
  • Patent number: 7453257
    Abstract: Systems and methods of the present disclosure, in accordance with one or more embodiments, include a current source adapted to provides volts*sec at a fixed frequency, a magnetic core adapted to be saturated with energy, and a control winding around the magnetic core. The control winding is adapted to receive current from the current source to saturate the magnetic core. A control circuit is adapted to selectively provide additional volt*sec for at least one half of a cycle of the fixed frequency to the control winding. A second winding around the magnetic core provides a load current to a load through desaturation of energy stored in the magnetic core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Robert Atmur
  • Patent number: 7453256
    Abstract: A micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) current and magnetic field sensor for sensing a magnetic field produced by a conductor includes a magneto-MEMS component for sensing the magnetic field and an interference-MEMS component for sensing an interference, wherein the magneto-MEMS component and the interference MEMS component are used to provide an indication of the current in the conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ertu{hacek over (g)}rul Berkcan, Shankar Chandrasekaran
  • Patent number: 7449877
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for a system for measurement of a current in a conductor such that the conductor current may be momentarily directed to a current measurement element in order to maintain proper current without significantly increasing an amount of power dissipation attributable to the current measurement element or adding resistance to assist in current measurement. The apparatus and methods described herein are useful in superconducting circuits where it is necessary to monitor current carried by the superconducting elements while minimizing the effects of power dissipation attributable to the current measurement element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Reliance Electric Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Stephen D. Umans
  • Publication number: 20080265871
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for a system for measurement of a current in a conductor such that the conductor current may be momentarily directed to a current measurement element in order to maintain proper current without significantly increasing an amount of power dissipation attributable to the current measurement element or adding resistance to assist in current measurement. The apparatus and methods described herein are useful in superconducting circuits where it is necessary to monitor current carried by the superconducting elements while minimizing the effects of power dissipation attributable to the current measurement element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: Stephen D. Umans
  • Publication number: 20080265872
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a wiring substrate capable of accurately detecting a potential difference in a shunt resistor and a current to be detected without being influenced by soldering, and a current detection device. A land mounted with a rectangular surface at each end of a shunt resistor is configured by first and second lands each having a rectangular portion and being arranged at a predetermined interval with a central line as a center, and third and fourth lands each having an area smaller than those of the first and second lands and being arranged at one end of the first and second lands to be connected respectively to the first and second lands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: OMRON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Atsushi Nagashima
  • Patent number: 7402991
    Abstract: A wide bandwidth attenuator input circuit for a measurement probe has a Z0 attenuator circuit coupled in series with a compensated RC attenuator circuit. The series attenuator elements of the Z0 and the compensated RC attenuator circuits are coupled via a controlled impedance transmission line to the shunt attenuator elements of the Z0 and the compensated RC attenuator circuits. The shunt element of the Z0 attenuator element terminates the transmission line in its characteristic impedance. The junction of the series and shunt attenuator elements are coupled to the input of a buffer amplifier. At low and intermediate frequencies, the compensated RC attenuator circuit attenuates an input signal while at high frequencies, the compensated RC attenuator circuit acts as a short and the Z0 attenuator circuits attenuates the input signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventors: Ira G. Pollock, William A. Hagerup, Paul G. Chastain, William Q. Law
  • Patent number: 7397234
    Abstract: A current sensor includes an integrator for providing an output signal, responsive to a detected current, and a reset circuit. The reset circuit, responsive to a control signal, resets the integrator for a time period shorter than an assertion time of the supplied control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Silicon Laboratories Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Alfano, Timothy J. Dupuis
  • Patent number: 7388372
    Abstract: An electrical system includes a first monolithic circuit. The first monolithic circuit may include a first magnetoresistive sensor operable to sense magnetic flux and produce an output signal relating to the sensed magnetic flux. The first magnetoresistive sensor may be positioned to sense first control flux generated by control current in one or more electrical conductors of the first monolithic integrated circuit. Additionally, the first magnetoresistive sensor may be positioned to sense flux generated by sensed electric current flowing through one or more additional electrical conductors. The electrical system may also include a control circuit operable to receive the output signal of the first magnetoresistive sensor and adjust the control current that generates the first control flux in a manner to cause the output signal from the first magnetoresistive sensor to substantially coincide with a predetermined target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: David Gregory Marchand
  • Patent number: 7385402
    Abstract: A current sensing circuit for sensing a current flowing through a LED bank and a driver circuit for driving the LED bank are provided. The current sensing circuit includes: a matched transistor group, having a first current path coupled to the load device for sensing the load current and a second current path for generating a first current according to the load current; an operation amplifier, coupled to the first and second current paths; and a current source, having a third current path coupled to the second current path and a fourth current path for generating a second current according to the first current, the second current indicating conductive condition of the load device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Himax Display, Inc.
    Inventor: Cheng-Chi Yen
  • Publication number: 20080122431
    Abstract: A micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) based current & magnetic field sensor includes a MEMS-based magnetic field sensing component a structural component comprising a silicon substrate and a compliant layer comprising a material selected from the group consisting of silicon dioxide and silicon nitride, a magnetic-to-mechanical converter coupled to the structural component to provide a mechanical indication of the magnetic field, and a strain responsive component coupled to the structural component to sense the mechanical indication and to provide an indication of the current in the current carrying conductor in response thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: ERTUGRUL BERKCAN, SHANKAR CHANDRASEKARAN, CHRISTOPHER JAMES KAPUSTA, LAURA JEAN MEYER, GLENN SCOTT CLAYDON, DEBBIE GAHATON JONES, ANIS ZRIBI
  • Patent number: 7378837
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling a tunneling current between a first element and a second element of a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) sensor. The system includes a tunneling current excitation source for providing a tunneling current between the elements and a tunneling current monitor for monitoring a change in the tunneling current responsive to movement of at least one element. The system also includes a positioner for positioning at least one of the elements and a controller in communication with the tunneling current monitor for controlling the positioner to position at least one of the elements at a first spacing between the elements for configuring the system in a referencing mode; and to position the elements at a second spacing for configuring the system in a sensing mode, whereby the system is calibrated with respect to the referencing mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Emad Andarawis Andarawis, Ertugrul Berkcan
  • Publication number: 20080088299
    Abstract: The present invention is an attachment device and a method for fastening and removing an electrical cable monitoring instrument to an electrical cable. The attachment device comprises monitoring instrument sensor with opening for positioning electrical cable such that said electrical cable can be positioned to pass through the sensitive volume at least partially surrounded by said sensor, at least one elongated elastic member securely attached to said cable monitoring instrument such that, when elastically deformed to a shape characterized by high mechanical energy such that deformed elastic member allows said electrical cable access to and from the sensitive volume at least partially surrounded by said monitoring instruments sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Inventors: Gregory Robert Wolfe, William Eakins Ferguson, Andrew Paul Sagl, Jeffrey Lyn Stitt
  • Patent number: 7358717
    Abstract: An input by-pass circuit for a current probe has first and second switches coupled between current probe inputs and current sensing circuit inputs. A switch control is coupled to the switching circuit for selectively coupling and decoupling the current probe inputs to the current sensing circuit such that the current signal continuously flows in the device under test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan S. Dandy, Kerry A. Stevens, Michael J. Mende, Thomas J. Sharp