Electrical Speed Measuring Patents (Class 324/160)
  • Publication number: 20100201350
    Abstract: A device (10) for the detection of quadrature signals of a signal unit (11; 21) has a common power supply line (VBATT_ A & B) and a common ground wire (GND), and emits at least two out-of-phase square wave signals (IA, IB; IS, ID) during operation for analyzing the same in an analysis unit (16), wherein both out-of-phase square wave signals (IA, IB; IS, ID) are applied to the common power supply line (VBATT _A & B) at different amplitudes, wherein the two out-of-phase square wave signals (IA, IB; IS, ID) are modulated onto the supply current (I0)), and wherein the analysis unit (16) is or can be connected to the power supply line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventors: Andreas Egger, Wolfgang Köllner, Peter Stephan Mulacz, Caroline Renault
  • Publication number: 20100176797
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a device for determining the rotational speed of a transmission shaft (12), which comprises a rotational speed indicator (3) connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the transmission shaft (12) and at least one rotational speed sensor (2) comprising at least one sensor element (10), such that by means of the sensor element (10) the speed of the transmission shaft (12) can be detected at the speed indicator (3). According to the invention, the speed sensor (2) is attached to a shifting element (5) for actuating a sliding sleeve (4) of a clutch device (1) that is connected axially movably but in a rotationally fixed manner to the transmission shaft (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventor: Kim Fuhrer
  • Patent number: 7741838
    Abstract: A rotation detecting device that includes an electric power generator having a stator and a rotor, said rotor having a plurality of alternating opposite magnetic poles in a circumferential direction of the rotor, at least a first magnetic sensor mounted on either the stator or a support member for supporting the stator and operable to detect the alternating opposite magnetic poles in the rotor; and an electric power supply circuit for utilizing an electric power generated by the electric power generator as an electric power source for the at least first magnetic sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Toru Takahashi, Koichi Okada, Kenichi Iwamoto, Hiroaki Ohba
  • Patent number: 7729871
    Abstract: An airflow detecting apparatus for a fan includes an amplifier circuit (100), a comparator circuit (200), a micro control unit (MCU) (U1), and an indicating circuit (300). The amplifier circuit has an input terminal receiving a voltage signal from a piezoelectric film (H1) disposed at an airflow path of the fan, and outputs an amplified voltage signal at an output terminal. The comparator circuit has an input terminal receiving the amplified voltage signal from the amplifier circuit and compares the amplified voltage signal with a reference voltage signal received at another input terminal of the comparator circuit, and outputs a voltage level signal at an output terminal. The MCU receives the voltage level signal from the comparator circuit and processes it to output an indicating signal. The indicating circuit receives the indicating signal from the MCU and indicates status of airflow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ming-Chih Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20100131231
    Abstract: A method of identifying a faulty vehicle speed sensor on a vehicle comprises the steps of determining whether or not a wheel of a vehicle is rotating using an alternative sensor attached to that wheel, and in the event that the alternative sensor indicates that the wheel is rotating and the speed sensor does not, indicating that the speed sensor is faulty, in which the alternative sensor comprises at least one pressure sensor associated with a tyre of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: TRW LIMITED
    Inventor: Kevin Graham Rushgrove
  • Patent number: 7714738
    Abstract: A method and arrangement for detecting rotational movement. The method comprises the steps of arranging a sensor at the end of a rotation axle of a rotating object and at a distance from the rotation axle, arranging a detector external to the end of the rotation axle of the rotating object in such a manner that the distance between the sensor and detector changes as the object turns around its rotation axle, transmitting an poll to from the detector to the sensor, receiving the poll at the sensor, and in response to receiving the poll, transmitting a reply from the sensor to the detector, determining the power used in signaling, and detecting rotational movement on the basis of the change in signaling power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: ABB Oy
    Inventor: Heikki Joensuu
  • Patent number: 7714571
    Abstract: A method estimates variations of position of the rotor of a motor having a plurality of uniformly spaced sensors that generate a position pulse at every rotation by a pre-established angle of the rotor. The method may include generating a first clock signal at a first frequency, generating a second clock signal at a second frequency multiple than the first frequency by a first factor, in each interval between two consecutive position pulses, counting the number of pulses of the first clock signal comprised in the interval, counting the number of pulses of the second clock signal comprised in the interval. The method may also include that each time the number of counted pulses of the second clock reaches the number of pulses of the first clock counted in an interval that precedes the currently considered interval, signaling that the position of the rotor has varied of an angle equal to the ratio between the pre-established angle and the factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.R.L.
    Inventors: Francesco Pirozzi, Maurizio Di Meglio, Stefano Baratto
  • Patent number: 7708460
    Abstract: A method for measuring temperature on a silicon device includes activating a heat source on the silicon device. A value of a parameter of an electronic component on the silicon device is measured. A temperature associated with the electronic component is determined from the value of the parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey T. Watt, Shuxian Chen
  • Patent number: 7679298
    Abstract: A method for controlling a wheel speed of a locomotive includes determining an estimated wheel speed (52) for a desired wheel set of a locomotive responsive to a locomotive operating parameter indicative of an actual wheel speed of the desired wheel set. The method also includes generating a first adjustment parameter (e.g., 46) based on an operating condition of the locomotive, and then applying the first adjustment parameter to the estimated wheel speed for generating a first adjusted estimated wheel speed signal (54) used as a first input for controlling a wheel speed of at least one of the desired wheel set and the other wheel sets of the locomotive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Ajith Kuttannair Kumar
  • Patent number: 7646195
    Abstract: An apparatus for sensing rotation of a wheel includes a sensor and a detector. The sensor is disposed in a wheel, and is operable to detect the earth magnetic field. The detector is operable to detect a change of a sensed earth magnetic field in order to sense rotation of the wheel based on the detected change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Anton Salfelner
  • Patent number: 7626382
    Abstract: An input shaft rotating speed detector detects an input shaft rotating speed Nin of an automatic transmission based on output signals from a resolver within a predetermined time period ?t1. An output shaft rotating speed detector calculates the number of pulse signals output from an electromagnetic pickup sensor within the predetermined time period ?t1, to detect an output shaft rotating speed Nout of the automatic transmission based on the time length of pulse intervals in the calculated number of pulse signals. With this configuration, the number of pulse signals used for calculating the output shaft rotating speed Nout can be changed, to thereby make a detection period of the output signals from the resolver used for calculating the input shaft rotating speed Nin be consistent with that of the pulse signals used for calculating the output shaft rotating speed Nout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroatsu Endo, Kentaro Kakuse
  • Publication number: 20090289619
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring muzzle velocity (V0) of a projectile, which apparatus includes a smooth weapon barrel or firing barrel as a waveguide, a signal generator which is electrically connected via a signal supply line to at least one transmission coupler in order to energize the weapon barrel or firing barrel, and a receiving line for passing on the signals measured at at least one receiving coupler to an evaluation device. If the velocity is measured after the projectile has passed through, the receiving coupler is located between the projectile base and the transmission coupler, while the receiving coupler is between the projectile nose and the transmission coupler when the velocity (V0) is measured before the projectile passes through. The electromagnetic field of the empty weapon barrel is measured without a projectile, in front of the projectile or behind the projectile, or in combination. The muzzle velocity (V0) is then determined from the measured signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Applicant: RHEINMETALL AIR DEFENCE AG
    Inventor: Henry Roger FRICK
  • Patent number: 7617431
    Abstract: The apparatus for analyzing a delay defect of the present invention obtains the RC of the maximal incidence among region codes (RCs) to which check circuits detecting errors caused with gradual increase in the frequency of an operational clock pulse fed to an integrated circuit belongs. The apparatus obtains information on latch in which an error is caused with the RC of the maximal incidence, with reference to a mapping table that describes the mapping relationship between an RC and a latch. The apparatus extracts a circuit portion in which an error can be captured with the region code of the maximal incidence by exhaustively tracing back circuit portions connected with each obtained latch, from the latch to the latch described in the mapping table. The apparatus gives delay defects to the input and the output pin of each of logic elements included in the extracted circuit portion, generates test patterns for detecting the given delay defects, and performs delay tests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Noriyuki Ito
  • Publication number: 20090267591
    Abstract: Systems and methods for determining the relative velocity of a subscriber station with respect to a basestation are provided. In one embodiment, the method comprises sending a query message from a basestation to a subscriber station, the query message requesting a current modulation frequency used by the subscriber station to modulate transmissions; receiving a response to the query message, the response including the current modulation frequency; determining an offset between the current modulation frequency and a target carrier frequency value; and calculating a velocity of the subscriber station based on the offset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Applicant: ADC TELECOMMUNICATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Harold A. Roberts
  • Patent number: 7578185
    Abstract: A method of determining a speed of a wheel that involves providing a resolver having a rotor and a stator which resolver produces at least one output signal, operatively connecting the rotor to a wheel such that the resolver is rotated by the rotation of the wheel, producing digital signals indicative of a position of the rotor relative to the stator based on the at least one output signal, and calculating a velocity of the wheel from the digital signals. The digital signals may be used alone or in conjunction with analog wheel speed signals. Also a speed sensor for practicing this method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Russ Ether, Mark B. Hanson
  • Patent number: 7560918
    Abstract: An electronic circuit configuration for optionally connecting an active rotary speed sensor or a passive rotary speed sensor to an electronic control unit of a commercial vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: KNORR-BREMSE Systeme für Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventor: Günther Gschossmann
  • Patent number: 7534045
    Abstract: To provide an IC-tagged bearing device, in which the IC tag can easily and assuredly fitted to the bearing device and can easily be protected from an environment of elevated temperature. A sealing member 5 for sealing a bearing space delimited between inner and outer races 1 and 2 has the IC tag 9 attached thereto. The sealing member 5 includes a core metal 6 provided with an elastic element 7, which is made of rubber or resin, and the IC tag 9 is held embedded in this elastic element 7. The IC tag 9 may be fixedly either bonded by vulcanization or engaged in a groove defined in the elastic element 7.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Tatsuo Nakajima, Kazutoyo Murakami
  • Patent number: 7502280
    Abstract: A position indicator comprises: a first indicator pattern composed of a plurality of substantially identical first partial patterns periodically arranged in a direction of extension, and a second indicator pattern composed of a plurality of substantially identical second partial patterns periodically arranged in the direction of extension. The first partial patterns may extend, along a first line extending transversely to the direction of extension, and the second partial patterns may extend along a second line extending transversely to the first line and the direction of extension The first and second partial patterns may be each composed of plural sub-patterns disposed adjacent to one another in the direction of extension. The sub-patterns of each pair of sub-patterns of the respective partial pattern are different from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Inventor: Stephan Johannes Mueller
  • Publication number: 20090021241
    Abstract: A method for measuring a velocity of a conductor pressing on a capacitive sensor. The method includes: sampling a capacitance of a sensing electrode at each preset time; providing a threshold value; and determining the velocity of the conductor pressing on the capacitive sensor according to a specific period, wherein the specific period is defined as a period of time ranging from the time when the capacitance reaches the threshold value to the time when the capacitance reaches a peak value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventors: Tung-Tsai Liao, Li Sheng Lo
  • Publication number: 20080303513
    Abstract: A wireless rotational speed sensor system that includes a coil wound around a permanent magnet, the coil co-operating with a rotating ferrous target to induce a voltage for powering an active speed sensor element. The active speed sensor generates an output signal that is a function of the rotational speed of the target. The output signal is supplied to a wireless transmitter and antenna for transmission to other electronic components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventor: Jason D. Turner
  • Publication number: 20080306636
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention are directed at an enhanced display for presenting tachometer information. In accordance with one embodiment, a method is provided that causes an electronic control unit associated with a dashboard display to present the current engine speed (e.g. RPM) relative to an optimal range in which fuel efficiency is maximized. More specifically, the method includes obtaining a set of tachometer data at the electronic control unit that defines the lower and upper limits of the optimal range in which fuel efficiency is maximized. Periodically, the current engine speed may be obtained by the electronic control unit associated with the dashboard display. Then, the method causes the current engine speed to be presented on the graphical display relative to the lower and upper limits of the optimal range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Applicant: PACCAR INC
    Inventors: Martin Jay Caspe-Detzer, Andrew Joseph Ressa, Phu Vi Tran, Ian David O'Connor, John William Espinosa, Paul Stephen Crowe
  • Patent number: 7460974
    Abstract: A multiple-point smoothing method for motor-speed estimation. The output of an encoder is over-sampled to obtain over-sampled position differences according to an over-sampling factor M. The over-sampled position differences are averaged to obtain an initial speed estimation. The initial speed estimation is low-pass filtered to obtain a final speed estimation. The final speed estimation is sent to a speed controller to control the speed of a motor. Alternatively, in a composite multiple-point smoothing scheme, the initial speed estimations based on two over-sampling factors are obtained. One of the initial speed estimations is selected based on an average of the two estimations, and the selected initial speed estimation is further processed to obtain a final speed estimation. The method of the present invention can reduce ripple in estimated speed of motor when the motor is operated at high speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jia-Ming Wu, Po-Ming Chen, Dong-Hai Wang
  • Publication number: 20080252038
    Abstract: A bicycle frame having a cavity constructed to receive a sensor device. The cavity has a shape and a contour that generally matches a shape and a contour of the sensor device. Such a configuration maintains the aerodynamic contour of the frame when the sensor device is positioned in the cavity. An optional plug occupies the cavity when the sensor device is not positioned therein. Preferably, the sensor device is constructed to wirelessly communicate bicycle operation information to a receiver that is remotely located relative to the sensor device. More preferably, the cavity is formed in a fork of the bicycle and the sensor device is configured to monitor operation of a front wheel and wirelessly communicate the operation information to the remote receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: David J. Blomme, Dan Dacko, Barry Lewis
  • Patent number: 7421212
    Abstract: Detecting a pulse of a signal includes receiving the signal and a light beam. The signal drives a spatial light modulator to modulate the light beam, where the complex amplitude of the modulated light beam is proportional to the signal current. The modulated light beam passes through an optical system and is detected by an optical detector array. A processor identifies a portion of the signal comprising the pulse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: John B. Allen
  • Patent number: 7405554
    Abstract: Systems and/or methods for detecting a rotating wheel's speed and/or acceleration are provided. A sensor is attached to the rotating wheel. The sensor includes a circuit (e.g. a Wheatstone bridge circuit) having a plurality of resistors (e.g. 4 resistors). Each resistor includes a giant magnetoresistance (GMR) element and has a resistance changeable based at least in part on a change in magnetic field intensity with respect to an external magnetic field. The sensor generates a signal based at least in part on the resistors' resistances. A processor is operable to calculate the rotating wheel's speed and/or acceleration based at least in part on the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: SAE Magnetics (H.K.) Ltd.
    Inventor: MingGao Yao
  • Publication number: 20080169782
    Abstract: A method for sensorless estimation of rotor speed and position of a permanent magnet synchronous machine, when the permanent magnet synchronous machine is fed with a frequency converter, the method comprising the steps of forming a stator voltage reference for the permanent magnet synchronous machine, injecting a high frequency signal (uc) into the stator voltage reference, measuring a DC-link current (idc) of the frequency converter when the permanent magnet synchronous machine (4) is fed with a voltage (Us,ref) corresponding to a sum of the stator voltage reference and the injected signal, calculating a stator current estimate (îs), calculating a current error (?s) as a difference between the stator current estimate and the measured DC-link current, and estimating a rotor speed ({circumflex over (?)}m) and position ({circumflex over (?)}m) of the permanent synchronous machine based on the current error.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Applicant: ABB OY
    Inventor: Antti PIIPPO
  • Patent number: 7392713
    Abstract: A sensing system for monitoring a property of an electrically conductive moving element of turbomachinery. The sensing system includes a sensing system housing. A magnetic core is contained within the sensing system housing. A coil is positioned about at least a portion of the core. The coil is electrically connectable to a property data analysis device. A first magnet and a second magnet are positioned about the coil and positionable proximate a moving element of turbomachinery to be monitored. A primary magnetic field is generated by the first and second magnets. When the moving element enters the primary magnetic field a current is induced in the moving element, thus generating a time-variable magnetic field and commensurate voltage signal generated in the coil. The voltage signal is amplified by the magnetic core and provides an indication of a property of the moving element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Sarkis Barkhoudarian
  • Publication number: 20080143322
    Abstract: A circuit arrangement for obtaining an output signal (Va) form a signal (Vs) containing at least one alternating component comprises a signal source (1) that supplies this signal (Vs), a first peak value detection device (2) for determining a maximum value (Vmax) of the signal (Vs), a second peak value detection device (3) for determining a minimum value (Vmin) of the signal (Vs), a first signal linking device (4, 5, 6, 71) for obtaining a first resulting signal (V1) by additive linking of the signal (Vs), the maximum value (Vmax) and the minimum value (Vmin) in accordance with the rule: V1=K1*{Vs?(Vmax+Vmin)/2}, in which K1 is a freely selectable first constant factor, a second signal linking device (7, 72) for obtaining a second resulting signal (V2) by additive linking of the maximum value (Vmax) and a minimum value (Vmin) in accordance with the rule: V2=(Vmax?Vmin)*K2, in which K2 is a freely selectable second factor, a first squaring device (8) for squaring the first resulting signal (V1), a second squar
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventor: Reinhard Buchhold
  • Patent number: 7382118
    Abstract: A device for detecting a wheel speed includes a comparator that converts a sine-wave output signal Sp of a wheel speed sensor into a binary wheel speed signal Sb. Here, the threshold value Vth of the comparator is continuously increased in response to a period in which the sine-wave output signal Sp is greater than the threshold value Vth, and is continuously decreased in response to a period in which the sine-wave output signal Sp is smaller than the threshold value Vth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Shin Kosaka
  • Patent number: 7378721
    Abstract: A sensor package apparatus includes a lead frame substrate that supports one or more electrical components, which are connected to and located on the lead frame substrate. A plurality of wire bonds are also provided, which electrically connect the electrical components to the lead frame substrate, wherein the lead frame substrate is encapsulated by a thermoset plastic to protect the plurality of wire bonds and at least one electrical component, thereby providing a sensor package apparatus comprising the lead frame substrate, the electrical component(s), and the wire bonds, while eliminating a need for a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) or a ceramic substrate in place of the lead frame substrate as a part of the sensor package apparatus. A conductive epoxy can also be provided for maintaining a connection of the electrical component(s) to the lead frame substrate. The electrical components can constitute, for example, an IC chip and/or a sensing element (e.g., a magnetoresistive component) or sense die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence E. Frazee, Wayne A. Lamb, John S. Patin, Peter A. Schelonka, Joel D. Stolfus
  • Patent number: 7377160
    Abstract: A sensor arrangement (1) for a tachometric sensor of an automatic transmission (4) of a motor vehicle, which encompasses a module carrier (2) in which a part of a sensor housing (3) is integrated. The sensor housing (3) is secured in the module carrier (2) or in the transmission housing (4) by way of a guide in the plane and is so affixed as to prevent turning and an apparatus (5) for the generation of a prestress force by way of which the sensor housing (3) is pressed in the direction of the signal disk by way of a projection (8, 8?) acting against the sensor housing (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Ralph Böhm, Gerhard Birkenmaier, Jörg Kurth
  • Patent number: 7375602
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for transmitting a waveform having a controllable attenuation and propagation velocity. An exemplary method comprises: generating an exponential waveform, the exponential waveform (a) being characterized by the equation Vin=De?ASD[x?vSDt], where D is a magnitude, Vin is a voltage, t is time, ASD is an attenuation coefficient, and vSD is a propagation velocity; and (b) being truncated at a maximum value. An exemplary apparatus comprises: an exponential waveform generator; an input recorder coupled to an output of the exponential waveform generator; a transmission line under test coupled to the output of the exponential waveform generator; an output recorder coupled to the transmission line under test; an additional transmission line coupled to the transmission line under test; and a termination impedance coupled to the additional transmission line and to a ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Robert H. Flake, John F. Biskup, Su-liang Liao
  • Patent number: 7375406
    Abstract: A sensor package apparatus includes a lead frame substrate that supports one or more electrical components, which are connected to and located on the lead frame substrate. A plurality of wire bonds are also provided, which electrically connect the electrical components to the lead frame substrate, wherein the lead frame substrate is encapsulated by a thermoset plastic to protect the plurality of wire bonds and at least one electrical component, thereby providing a sensor package apparatus comprising the lead frame substrate, the electrical component(s), and the wire bonds, while eliminating a need for a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) or a ceramic substrate in place of the lead frame substrate as a part of the sensor package apparatus. A conductive epoxy and/or solder can also be provided for maintaining a connection of the electrical component(s) to the lead frame substrate. The electrical components can constitute, for example, an IC chip and/or a sensing element (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne A. Lamb, Scott E. Michelhaugh, Peter A. Schelonka, Joel D. Stolfus
  • Patent number: 7360421
    Abstract: A system for sensing velocity of a wheeled vehicle has a flexible arm connected to a speed sensor and wireless transmitter at one end and to an adjustable strap or clamp at the other end. The strap is attached near the wheel to be measured. The sensor can then be positioned via the flexible arm to a location immediately adjacent the wheel. There is also a display unit connected to another strap or clamp. The display unit contains a wireless receiver that receives the data transmitted by the transmitter on the sensor, and a microprocessor that calculates the data and displays it for the user to view. A magnetic strip is attached directly to one of the wheels of the device. As the wheel rotates, the magnetic strip passes by the sensor positioned adjacent the wheel, and this passage is recorded by the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Inventors: Adi Weber, Daniel Weber
  • Patent number: 7343261
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus for measuring water speed and water temperature then periodically transmitting said data during controlled depth fishing wherein an underwater probe is secured to and insulated conductive downrigger cable and gathers and relays data though the cable to a remote receiver/display unit disposed on the watercraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Inventor: Curtis Kell
  • Publication number: 20080030187
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for estimating the rotational speed ? of an electric motor when freewheeling, the method being carried out in a variable speed drive for controlling the motor by generating reference alternating voltages Va, Vb. The method comprises a step for measuring the measured flux and torque currents Id and Iq of the motor in an orthogonal two-phase marker d,q, a step for determining said reference voltages Va, Vb, by carrying out a current regulation on the basis of said measured currents, and on the basis of zero reference currents Idref and Iqref in said marker d,q, and a step for calculating the rotational speed ? by evaluating the angle of rotation of the voltage vector, the components of which are said voltages Va, Vb in a fixed orthogonal two-phase marker a,b.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Applicant: Schneider Toshiba Inverter Europe SAS
    Inventor: Vinh Tung Nguyen Phuoc
  • Publication number: 20080018326
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a multifunctional detector wherein two sensors, for detecting the rotational speed of the transmission gear and for detecting the temperature of the transmission oil are disposed in proximity in a single unit so that they can be connected easily to a control ECU through a single connector. The multifunctional detector for an engine according to the present invention is configured such that a sensor for detecting the rotational speed of the gear within a transmission for a vehicle and a sensor for detecting the temperature of the surrounding transmission oil are mounted on the same circuit board and provided in a single case, and such that a housing chamber therefor is filled with a resin having high thermal conductivity, and the outputs of both sensors are performed from a single connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Applicant: TOYO DENSO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sadayoshi Ohshima, Toru Sugawara
  • Patent number: 7295000
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary encoder and to a method for detecting disturbances in such a rotary encoder. In this case, vibrations or other disturbances are detected by means of the phase difference between a rotational speed signal, which represents a rotational speed of a rotor, and a direction of rotation signal, which represents a direction of rotation of the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Tobias Werth
  • Patent number: 7275013
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described for a system for obtaining information regarding a flow. These methods and systems comprise a signal generator configured to generate an alternating current signal at a carrier frequency and a transformer arranged to receive the generated signal, wherein the transformer and carrier frequency are selected so that the generated signal resonates at the carrier frequency. The alternating signal is then used to cause plasma to form across a gap between two electrodes, wherein the voltage drop across the gap is directly proportional to the flow's velocity. This voltage may then be measured to determine the flow velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: University of Notre Dame DuLoc
    Inventors: Eric Matlis, Thomas Corke, Sivaram Gogineni
  • Patent number: 7218223
    Abstract: The present technology involves a method and apparatus for detecting and reporting magnetic fields in the proximity of a utility meter as an approach to determining tampering of such meter. The sensitivity level of the magnetic field sensors may be adjustable allowing either remote or local sensitivity adjustments to a magnetic field sensor to compensate for variations in the electromagnetic environments of different meter installation sites. Alternatively, the output of each magnetic field sensor may be connected to the input of an adjustable threshold circuit. When the output voltage of the magnetic field exceeds a predetermined threshold voltage, a magnetic event signal is generated. Threshold adjustments to the adjustable threshold circuit may be performed locally at the meter site or remotely from a station. The output of each magnetic field sensor may be monitored by a locally or remotely programmable magnetic sensor output monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Itron, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Keith Seal, Brent Martin
  • Patent number: 7076352
    Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus includes a first resolver whose pole pair number is ‘m’ and a second resolver whose pole pair ‘n’. The electric power steering apparatus further includes a torsion calculating means which calculates the a torsion angle of the torsion bar from a difference between the rotating angle detected by the first resolver and the rotating angle detected by the second resolver. The torsion calculating means compensates the angle difference by a compensation value obtained by a table on the basis of the value obtained by multiplying an electrical angle of the first resolver by ‘n’ and the value obtained by multiplying an electrical angle of the second resolver by ‘m’.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Toyoda Koki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshio Kohno, Atsuhisa Asada
  • Patent number: 7071834
    Abstract: A device for monitoring the operating conditions of a rolling bearing, has the rolling bearing including: an outer ring of a metal with outer raceway; an inner ring of a metal with an inner raceway; and a plurality of rolling elements; a first member electrically connected to the outer ring; a second member electrically connected to the inner ring; and a lubricant presented on the area at which the outer raceway and the inner raceway come in contact with the rolling surface of the rolling elements; wherein, the electrical characteristics between the outer ring or first member and the inner ring or second member are monitored in order to monitor the operating conditions of the rolling bearing operating with a lubricant and when the electrical characteristics thus monitored fall outside a predetermined range, the lubricating conditions are judged poor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoki Matsuyama, Sumio Sugita, Yasushi Morita
  • Patent number: 7069133
    Abstract: A wheel speed calculation method wherein, when both rising and falling edges occur, the wheel speed is calculated using both the edges, when either of the edges does not occur, the wheel speed is calculated using both the edges in such a manner that for the edge not occurring, the preceding calculation value or the calculation value provided by assuming that one occurred within the temporary time, whichever is the lower, is selected. Further, neither of the rising and falling edges occurs, the minimum value of the two calculation values provided by assuming that only one edge occurred within the temporary time and the calculation value provided by assuming that only one rising edge and only one falling edge occurred within the temporary time or the calculation value of the preceding wheel speed, whichever is the lower, is selected as the wheel speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Nissin Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masashi Kobayashi, Manabu Hiroya
  • Patent number: 7055394
    Abstract: There can be obtained a handlebar stem ensuring that a speed indicator provides a readily observable indication and in addition thereto capable of achieving a reduction in size and weight. A handlebar stem attaching a bicycle's handlebar includes a rod attaching the handlebar stem to the bicycle; a speed indicator receiving a signal from a speed sensor to display speed; and an indicator housing located at a front protrusion extending in a forward direction to traverse the rod to house the speed indicator, the indicator housing, as seen along the rod, overlapping or being adjacent to the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Cateye Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Osamu Kinoshita
  • Patent number: 7031872
    Abstract: An equilibrium state analyzing apparatus, equilibrium state analysis method, program thereof and recording medium are provided that place few constraints on the degree of freedom in the area of motion or posture of the examinee. An equilibrium state analyzing apparatus includes acceleration information detector, attached to the trunk of the human body, of detecting accelerations generated in at least one direction within the horizontal plane, motion information storing device of storing the detected accelerations, and equilibrium state analyzer of analyzing the equilibrium state of the human body using the stored acceleration information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinji Tanaka, Shigeyuki Inoue, Hirosi Yamamoto, Sachio Nagamitsu, Yoshitaka Kawasaki
  • Patent number: 7016798
    Abstract: The present invention provides for determining gate speed parameters in a circuit. A first delay is selected. A second delay is selected, wherein the second delay is longer than the first delay. A clock signal is delayed as a function of the first delay. The clock signal is combined with the first delayed clock signal. A first pulse signal is produced from combining the clock signal with the first delayed clock signal. A clock signal is delayed as a function of the second delay. The clock signal is combined with the first delayed clock signal. A second pulse signal is produced from combining the clock signal with the second delayed clock signal. The first delayed clock signal is integrated. The second delayed clock signal is integrated. The first delayed integrated clock signal is compared with the second delayed integrated clock signal. When the first delayed integrated clock signal is greater than the second integrated clock signal, the gate delay is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: David Boerstler, Eskinder Hailu
  • Patent number: 7012514
    Abstract: A performance enhancement system incorporating a controller, an engine tachometer and a visual indicator light which illuminates within a predetermined range of engine RPMs and which may be separately mounted as required in the driver's visual focal plane to reduce visual distractions, aiding the driver in optimizing torque transference to the tires of a drag racing vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Auto Meter Products, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Scholl, Todd C. Westberg
  • Patent number: 7002579
    Abstract: This invention teaches an inventive method for tracking trip data in relation to geographic position for a vehicle. The first steps in the method involve recording trip data periodically and recording geographic position periodically. Each trip data recording is time stamped. Each geographic position recording is time stamped. The next step is saving the recorded trip data and geographic position to a database. The final step in the inventive method is graphically displaying the trip data and the geographic position, as a function of time, from the database. This invention also covers an apparatus and a system for carrying out the inventive method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Cadec Corporation
    Inventor: Bruce Olson
  • Patent number: 6898550
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method involves determining at least one calculated parameter based upon at least one determined performance parameter of the user and at least one determined variable physiological parameter of the user. In another embodiment, a method involves identifying at least one of an existence of a non-zero grade of a surface and a value of the grade of the surface based upon at least one determined variable physiological parameter of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: FitSense Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas P. Blackadar, Jesse Darley
  • Patent number: RE39843
    Abstract: An apparatus for attaching sensors to rotating shafts on equipment includes a cup magnet and a housing for receiving the cup magnet. A target rotor is displaced within the housing which rotates when attached to a rotating shaft for the purpose of sensing the shaft rotation. Alternately, the cup magnet may be permanently attached to a rotating couple rather than a non-rotating housing. A preferred embodiment may have a dust cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Inventor: Gary W. Wineland