Magnetometers Patents (Class 324/244)
  • Patent number: 10295617
    Abstract: A distribution analyzing device (20) includes: an obtaining unit (21) which obtains measurement data of a field measured, through a sensor sensing area, independently at each of rotation angles and at each of grid coordinate positions of the sensor sensing area; and a calculation unit (22) which calculates a distribution of the field from the measurement data, using an arithmetic expression obtained by deriving a target harmonic function, which indicates the distribution of the field, using a condition that a convolution of the target harmonic function and a shape function, which indicates a shape of a cross section of the finite sensor sensing area along a plane parallel to the measurement plane, is equal to a provisional harmonic function derived by solving the Laplace equation using the measurement data and a size of the sensor sensing area in a direction perpendicular to the measurement plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Inventor: Kenjiro Kimura
  • Patent number: 10274549
    Abstract: An atomic magnetometer includes a vapor cell, one or more pumping lasers, a probe laser, and a sensor. The one or more pumping lasers are disposed to direct one or more laser beams though the vapor cell to interact with atoms of an atomic vapor in the vapor cell. The atomic vapor periodically absorbs light of alternating circular polarization from the one or more laser beams. The probe laser is disposed to direct polarized light to pass through the vapor cell. The sensor is disposed to intersect the polarized light from the probe laser after passing through the vapor cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: AOSense, Inc.
    Inventors: Micah Ledbetter, Brian Patton
  • Patent number: 10267657
    Abstract: A method for automatic calibration of a camshaft sensor for a motor vehicle, allowing reduction of the fluctuations on the output signal of the sensor. The method proposes comparing, on each target rotation, the new maximum values of the magnetic field of each tooth to the maximum values of the same teeth from the preceding target rotation. The switching thresholds are only calculated with the new maximum values if these differ from the maximum values of the preceding target rotation. Moreover, the invention proposes using a single minimum value of the magnetic field, i.e. the absolute minimum value on a target rotation in order to calculate the switching thresholds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignees: Continental Automotive France, Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: David Mirassou, Marie-Nathalie Larue, Jérôme Burg
  • Patent number: 10267869
    Abstract: A MEMS triaxial magnetic sensor device includes a sensing structure having: a substrate; an outer frame, which internally defines a window and is elastically coupled to first anchorages fixed with respect to the substrate by first elastic elements; a mobile structure arranged in the window, suspended above the substrate, which is elastically coupled to the outer frame by second elastic elements and carries a conductive path for flow of an electric current; and an elastic arrangement operatively coupled to the mobile structure. The mobile structure performs, due to the first and second elastic elements and the arrangement of elastic elements, first, second, and third sensing movements in response to Lorentz forces from first, second, and third magnetic-field components, respectively. The first, second, and third sensing movements are distinct and decoupled from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: STMICROELECTRONICS S.R.L.
    Inventors: Giacomo Laghi, Giacomo Langfelder, Gabriele Gattere, Alessandro Tocchio, Dario Paci
  • Patent number: 10249213
    Abstract: A multi-node motion measurement and analysis system comprises at least one motion measurement module and a receiver unit. The motion measurement module is bound to a hand-held sports appliance through an adjustable fixture or being bound to a human body. A binding position on the human body is rearrangeable based on different measurement requirements. The motion measurement module comprises a sensor module configured to measure information of acceleration, angular velocity and magnetic force, a first microprocessor module connected to the sensor module and configured to generate information of orientation, and a first RF module configured to receive the information of acceleration, angular velocity, magnetic force and orientation and transmit the received information to the receiver unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Beijing Noitom Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Haoyang Liu, Ruoli Dai, Peter Gauthier
  • Patent number: 10241137
    Abstract: First and second magnetic detection units are disposed at positions where an S/N ratio, which is a ratio between the strength of a magnetic field generated by a current to be measured flowing through a current path and the strength of an external magnetic field, is the same. A processing unit determines a normal operation state in a case where the detection signal of the first magnetic detection unit and the detection signal of the second magnetic detection unit approximately match each other. The processing unit determines that either one of the first and second magnetic detection units has failed in a case where the detection signals do not match each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Alps Alpine Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Hebiguchi
  • Patent number: 10175306
    Abstract: An exemplary magnetic flux sensor in accordance with the present invention is characterized by an electrical output that is proportional to the total static and dynamic flux passing normally through a large area. An oscillating electrical current passing down a conducting area produces Lorentz forces, which are transferred to piezoelectric areas. The piezoelectric areas produce electrical voltage at the oscillation frequency whereby amplitude is proportional to the total magnetic flux passing normally through the conducting area. Demodulating the voltage provides an electrical signal with high sensitivity, dynamic range, and noise immunity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: John E. Miesner
  • Patent number: 10153634
    Abstract: A switch box includes a circuit substrate having a conductor pattern, a switching element that is mounted on the circuit substrate, a bus bar having a current input and output portion formed at one end thereof and a mounting portion formed at the other end thereof, the mounting portion being connected to the conductor pattern of the circuit substrate so as to be electrically conducted to the switching element through the conductor pattern, and a magnetic sensor that is mounted on the circuit substrate to detect a magnetic field generated due to a current flowing into the bus bar. The magnetic sensor is disposed in a gap formed between the circuit substrate and the bus bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Norihiro Tozawa, Takashi Sakabe, Akira Serizawa
  • Patent number: 10132879
    Abstract: A magnetic field sensor for sensing external magnetic fields on multiple axes comprises a coil structure and a gain equalization circuit. The coil structure generates reference fields on magnetic field sensing elements in each axis. The gain equalization circuit measures and compares reference fields to generate gain-equalized output signals responsive to the external magnetic fields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander Latham, Craig S. Petrie
  • Patent number: 10126378
    Abstract: A single-chip Z-axis linear magnetoresistive sensor is provided. The sensor comprises a substrate, magnetoresistive sensing elements, and flux guides, wherein the magnetoresistive sensing elements are mutually electrically connected to form push arms and pull arms of a bridge; the push arms and the pull arms are alternately arranged, and the magnetoresistive sensing elements on the push arms and the pull arms are respectively located at two sides beneath the flux guides; the magnetization direction of a pinning layer of each magnetoresistive sensing element is the same and is in an X-axis direction. An external magnetic field in a Z-axis direction is converted into a magnetic field with components in an X-axis direction by the flux guides, and thus the magnetoresistive sensing elements beneath the flux guides can detect this component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: MULTIDIMENSION TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
    Inventor: James Geza Deak
  • Patent number: 10095309
    Abstract: An input device for a finger touch interface includes a magnetic unit worn on a tip of a user's thumb for establishing a magnetic field, at least a first magnetic field sensing unit worn on the tip of any finger except the thumb and at least a second magnetic field sensing unit worn on a segment of any finger except the thumb. The first/second magnetic field sensing unit is used to detect magnetic flux density of the magnetic field so as to generate a corresponding signal as an input instruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: MEDIATEK INC.
    Inventors: Bing-Yu Chen, Da-Yuan Huang, Li-Wei Chan, Shuo Yang, Rong-Hao Liang
  • Patent number: 10077985
    Abstract: A wireless positioning system is provided which includes a point information transmitter and a wireless positioning terminal carried by a user to communicate wirelessly with the point information transmitter. The point information transmitter is installed at a predetermined installation position and transmits point information including at least magnetic correction information to correct a geomagnetic bias at the installation position. The wireless positioning terminal includes an orientation detector to detect an orientation based on geomagnetism and a correction section to correct the orientation detected by the orientation detector based on the magnetic correction information included in the point information received from the point information transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takayuki Matsunaga
  • Patent number: 10055521
    Abstract: In an approach for providing simulation results of an interaction between a transducer head and a magnetic medium, a computer identifies a first raster scan of a sample via a scanning probe microscope. The computer generates a topography image based on the first raster scan of the sample. The computer identifies one or more reference features within the created topography image. The computer calculates an average height based on the one or more reference features. The computer determines a lift distance associated with a probe of the scanning probe microscope. The computer defines a uniform plane based on the calculated average height and the determined lift distance. The computer performs a second raster scan of the sample based on the defined uniform plane. The computer generates a fly-height image based on the second raster scan. The computer provides simulation results based at least in part on the second raster scan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Ho-Yiu Lam, Jason Liang
  • Patent number: 10001529
    Abstract: A Graphene Hall sensor (GHS) is provided with a modulated gate bias signal in which the modulated gate bias signal alternates at a modulation frequency between a first voltage that produces a first conductivity state in the GHS and a second voltage that produces approximately a same second conductivity state in the GHS. A bias current is provided through a first axis of the GHS. A resultant output voltage signal is provided across a second axis of the Hall sensor that includes a modulated Hall voltage and an offset voltage, in which the Hall voltage is modulated at the modulation frequency. An amplitude of the Hall voltage that does not include the offset voltage is extracted from the resultant output voltage signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Arup Polley, Archana Venugopal, Luigi Colombo, Robert R. Doering
  • Patent number: 9983234
    Abstract: A non-contact, current sensor includes a gapped magnetic core configured to circumscribe a current carrying conductor. A magnetostrictive element is mechanically coupled to the gapped magnetic core. Current flowing in the current carrying conductor induces a magnetic field in the magnetic core that flows through the magnetostrictive element. The gapped magnetic core is provided with mounting sections to which the magnetostrictive element is mechanically coupled. The mounting sections have a geometry that increases magnetic flux in the magnetostrictive element. A strain gauge is mechanically coupled to the magnetostrictive element to measure displacement in the element induced by the magnetic flux.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: QorTek, Inc.
    Inventors: Gareth J. Knowles, William M. Bradley, Jonathan M. Zook, Ross Bird, Safakcan Tuncdemir
  • Patent number: 9983272
    Abstract: Provided is a magnetism detection device by which it is possible to achieve a reduction in size and an increase in accuracy. A magnetism detection device includes: a magneto-impedance element; a magnetic field direction changing body; and a substrate that is formed of a semiconductor material and has an element arrangement recessed portion bottom surface and a back surface that face mutually opposite sides in a thickness direction, and a through-hole that reaches the element arrangement recessed portion bottom surface and the back surface and has a cross-sectional dimension that increases toward the main surface starting from the element arrangement recessed portion bottom surface. The magneto-impedance element is mounted on the element arrangement recessed portion bottom surface, and the magnetic field direction changing body is accommodated in the through-hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: ROHM CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Isamu Nishimura, Yasuhiro Fuwa
  • Patent number: 9970999
    Abstract: One embodiment includes a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) sensor system. The system includes a pump laser configured to generate an optical pump beam at a first wavelength and a probe laser configured to generate an optical probe beam at a second wavelength that is different from the first wavelength. The system also includes beam optics configured to direct the pump laser and the probe laser along orthogonal axes through a sensor cell comprising an alkali metal vapor. The system further includes detection optics that include a photodetector assembly configured to measure at least one characteristic associated with the optical probe beam leaving the sensor cell for measurement of a polarization vector of the alkali metal vapor. The detection optics can include at least one filter configured to filter light having the first wavelength and to pass light having the second wavelength to the photodetector assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Michael S. Larsen, Henry C. Abbink, Thad G. Walker, Michael D. Bulatowicz
  • Patent number: 9964610
    Abstract: A zero-field paramagnetic resonance magnetometer (ZF-PRM) system and method for quickly and efficiently finding and optimizing the zero-field (ZF) resonance is described. In this system and method a magnetic coil is used to apply a magnetic bias field in the direction of the pump beam to artificially broaden the width and maximize the strength of the ZF resonance. By making the ZF resonance easy to detect, the ZF resonance may be found quickly found without the use of additional components and complex algorithms. Once the ZF resonance is found, a compensating magnetic field can be applied to null the magnetic field in the vicinity of the vapor cell in the ZF-PRM, thereby initializing it for operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: QuSpinc, Inc.
    Inventors: Vishal Shah, Kenneth Jeramiah Hughes
  • Patent number: 9958512
    Abstract: Disclosed in the present invention is a low-power magnetoresistive switch sensor, comprising an internal reference voltage circuit, a multiplexer, a magnetoresistive bridge circuit, a comparison circuit, a voltage stabilization circuit, a digital control circuit, and a digital output circuit; one end of the internal reference voltage circuit is grounded while the other end of the internal reference voltage circuit is connected to the output end of the voltage stabilization circuit; the comparison circuit comprises one or more comparators, one end of the comparison circuit is electrically connected with the voltage stabilization circuit while the other end is grounded, the comparison circuit is provided with one or more input ends and one or more output ends, and the one or more output ends of the comparison circuit are electrically connected with one input ends of the digital control circuit; one end of the magnetoresistive bridge circuit is electrically connected with the output end of the voltage stabilizat
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: MultiDimension Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Xiaojun Zhong
  • Patent number: 9952029
    Abstract: Systems and techniques are provided for guided installation feedback for an opening sensor. Detected magnetic field strengths of a magnetic field created by a magnet of an opening sensor as detected by a magnetometer sensor of the opening sensor may be received over a time period. It may be determined that there has been a change in the strength of the magnetic field created by the magnet as detected by the magnetometer sensor based on the received detected magnetic field strengths. Accelerometer data from an accelerometer disposed in the magnetometer sensor may be received. It may be determined from the accelerometer data that the magnetometer sensor was not moving and positive feedback may be provided to an installer of the opening sensor, or it may be determined from the accelerometer data that the magnetometer sensor was moving and negative feedback may be provided to the installer of the opening sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Yash Modi, Kenneth Louis Herman, Kristoffer John Donhowe, Lawrence Au, Kevin Charles Peterson
  • Patent number: 9943022
    Abstract: Yaw and center-of-rotation of a platform are determined using a single Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) device and an inertial measurement unit (IMU). A measurement center of the GNSS device is disposed on the platform away from the center-of-rotation and arranged in a known spatial relationship with the center-of-rotation. The platform is rotated about the center-of-rotation between a first orientation and a second orientation. The IMU is used to determine a change in pitch, roll, and yaw of the platform between the first orientation and the second orientation. The GNSS device is used to determine a change in position of the measurement center of the GNSS device between the first orientation and the second orientation. The yaw of the platform is determined at the second orientation and the position of the center-of-rotation of the platform is determined in a global coordinate frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Trimble Control Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Nima Alam
  • Patent number: 9941237
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes: a substrate including a base member having a main surface and a back surface facing opposite in a thickness direction; a semiconductor element mounted on the main surface of the substrate and having at least one element pad; a wire having a bonding portion bonded to the element pad; and a sealing resin formed on the main surface of the substrate for covering the wire and at least a portion of the semiconductor element. The semiconductor element has an element exposed side surface that faces in a direction crossing the thickness direction of the substrate and is exposed from the sealing resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: ROHM CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuto Nishiyama, Motoharu Haga
  • Patent number: 9934682
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for using magnetic signatures at predetermined positions along a roadway to monitor traffic travelling along the roadway by comparing the predetermined magnetic signatures with magnetic signatures being dynamically and continuously measured by each vehicle as they travel along the roadway. Magnetometers incorporated into mobile devices or otherwise incorporated within the vehicle measure magnetic signatures for comparison to the predetermined magnetic signatures that form a connection graph or database of points that correspond to possible paths along a roadway. When a magnetic signature match is made, the system recognizes that the vehicle has passed a particular point on a roadway and forwards that information to the appropriate entity for further processing, analysis, or toll assessment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: TollSense, LLC
    Inventors: Alex Baranga, Chris Georgieff, Michael Gilmore, Thomas Ward
  • Patent number: 9915551
    Abstract: A method for linearizing sensor signals in a magnetic strip length measuring system moves a sensor head between two magnetic poles of a measurement body. In particular, linearization takes place dynamically during operation of the magnetic strip length measuring system, and linearization deviations are compensated by extrapolation as the sensor head moves between the two poles of the measurement body from pole to pole or from pole pair to pole pair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Balluff GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Burkhardt, Achim Zern, Timm Eversmeyer
  • Patent number: 9901407
    Abstract: A technique for determining a transformation between a navigation reference coordinate system (302) for navigation of a surgical device (150) relative to patient image data and an image coordinate system (304) in which the patient image data define a shape of a patient surface is provided. A computer-implemented method implementation of that technique comprises receiving multiple data sets that have been taken from different perspectives of the patient surface. Feature coordinates of multiple features (170) identifiable in the picture data sets are determined from the picture data sets and in the navigation reference coordinate system (302). From the feature coordinates, a shape model of the patient surface in the navigation reference coordinate system (302) is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: STRYKER EUROPEAN HOLDINGS I, LLC
    Inventors: Jochen Breisacher, Jean Stawiaski, Tobias Reiff
  • Patent number: 9869729
    Abstract: Sensor devices, systems and methods are provided, including a sensor package, a first magnetic sensor, disposed within the sensor package, and configured to measure a first magnetic field in a first frequency range and output a first sensor signal based on the measured first magnetic field, a second magnetic sensor, disposed external to the sensor package, and configured to measure a second magnetic field in a second frequency range comprising frequencies higher than frequencies of the first frequency range and output a second sensor signal based on the measured second magnetic field, and a sensor circuit, disposed within the sensor package, and configured to receive the first and the second sensor signals, combine the first and the second sensor signals, and output a combined sensor signal. The first magnetic sensor and the second magnetic sensor are configured to share a cross-over frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Udo Ausserlechner
  • Patent number: 9864019
    Abstract: Magnetic sensor system including an assembly comprising first, second, and third scalar point-sensor magnetometers being fixedly mounted with respect to one another such that the position of each magnetometer's axis is invariable with respect to the other magnetometers' axes. When the sensor assembly is in operation, each magnetometer's axis forms an angle with ambient magnetic field lines. Each magnetometer has an operating range defined with respect to a range of values of the angle formed by its axis and the ambient magnetic field. The magnetometers are positioned such that at least one of magnetometers is within its operating range at any point in time. Each magnetometer has an output signal. Computer processor determines which of the output signals is to be used any particular point in time in the sensing of local variations in the ambient magnetic field. Method of operation of the magnetic sensor system/assembly is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: CAE INC.
    Inventor: Francis Lortie
  • Patent number: 9791522
    Abstract: A magnetic field detection sensor includes a magneto-impedance element configured to make use of the magneto-impedance effect, and a negative-feedback bias coil configured to apply a bias magnetic field to the magneto-impedance element. The magnetic field detection sensor is configured to detect an external magnetic field based on an output obtained by applying an alternating-current to the magneto-impedance element. The magneto-impedance element includes a non-magnetic substrate, and a magnetic thin-film that is provided on a surface of the non-magnetic substrate. The magnetic field detecting direction matches the longitudinal direction of the magneto-impedance element, and the magnetic thin-film is configured to have a magnetic anisotropy such that a direction of an axis of easy magnetization thereof matches the magnetic field detecting direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Junya Tanigawa, Makoto Ishii, Hiroki Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 9778323
    Abstract: A magnetic sensor device having a first magnetic core structure which is aligned along a first central longitudinal axis and has at least one first coil, and having a second magnetic core structure which includes at least one second coil, the second magnetic core structure extending from a first end face of the second magnetic core structure along a second central longitudinal axis to a second end face of the second magnetic core structure, the second central longitudinal axis lying in a plane aligned in a direction normal to the first central longitudinal axis, and the second magnetic core structure being positioned in relation to the first magnetic core structure in such a way that a clearance between the first end face of the second magnetic core structure and a first center of mass of the first magnetic core structure is less than 20% of a maximum extension of the first magnetic core structure along the first central longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Arne Dannenberg, Achim Breitling, Christian Patak, Volkmar Senz, Sevki Gencol, Tamer Sinanoglu
  • Patent number: 9753176
    Abstract: Adsorbed gas in a formation may be estimated. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data for a subsurface geological formation is obtained, and at least a portion of the NMR data is corrected to produce corrected NMR data. A NMR-based estimate of formation porosity is determined using the corrected NMR data. Dielectric permittivity data for the subsurface geological formation is obtained, and a dielectric permittivity-based estimate of the formation water-filled porosity is determined using the dielectric permittivity data. A gas volume is determined using the determined NMR-based estimate of the formation porosity and the determined dielectric permittivity-based estimate of the formation water-filled porosity. The gas volume may be determined by subtracting the determined dielectric permittivity-based estimate of the formation water-filled porosity from the determined NMR-based estimate of the formation porosity. The gas volume per unit volume of the formation may be determined using an equation of state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ashish Datey, Timothy Andrew John Hopper, Lalitha Venkataramanan
  • Patent number: 9733316
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a triaxial magnetoresistive sensor. It comprises a substrate integrated with a biaxial magnetic field sensor, a Z-axis sensor that has a sensing direction along Z-axis perpendicular to the two axes of the biaxial magnetic field sensor, and an ASIC. The biaxial magnetic field sensor comprises an X-axis bridge sensor and a Y-axis bridge sensor. The Z-axis sensor and the two-axis sensor are electrically interconnected with the ASIC. A single-chip implementation of the triaxial magnetic field sensor comprises a substrate, onto which a triaxial magnetic field sensor and an ASIC are stacked. The triaxial magnetic field sensor comprises an X-axis bridge sensor, a Y-axis bridge sensor, and a Z-axis bridge sensor. The above design provides a highly integrated sensor with high sensitivity, low power consumption, good linearity, wide dynamic range, excellent thermal stability, and low magnetic noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: MultiDemension Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xiaofeng Lei, Xiaojun Zhang, Wei Li, Songsheng Xue
  • Patent number: 9689904
    Abstract: An electrical bus bar system (10) is provided for mounting a plurality of current sensor devices (12) in close proximity to each other, each of the current sensor devices (12) having a sense axis (14). The system includes a plurality of elongate bus bars (16) extending along longitudinal axes (18) parallel to each other. The bus bars (16) are spaced from each other along a transverse axis (20) that extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axes (18). Each bus bar has a current sensor mount portion (22) configured to mount one of the current sensor devices (12) with the sense axis (14) extending parallel to the transverse axis (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Andy M. Peczalski, Kyle Vinnedge
  • Patent number: 9684040
    Abstract: A magnetic field probe and a probe head thereof are disclosed herein. The probe head includes an inner metal layer, a shielding unit, and a filtering unit. The inner metal layer receives a magnetic field to be measured. The shielding unit, including a first shielding metal layer and a second shielding metal layer, shields the inner metal layer. The first and the second shielding metal layer are respectively stacked above and below the inner metal layer. The filtering unit, including a first filtering metal layer and a second filtering metal layer, filters out an electric field interfering with the inner metal layer. The first filtering metal layer is stacked between the first shielding metal layer and the inner metal layer. The second filtering metal layer is stacked between the second shielding metal layer and the inner metal layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: NATIONAL TAIWAN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Yien-Tien Chou, Hsin-Chia Lu
  • Patent number: 9685178
    Abstract: A lateral spin valve reader includes a channel layer having a first end that is proximate to a bearing surface and a second end that is away from the bearing surface. The lateral spin valve reader also includes a detector structure disposed over an upper surface of a first portion of the channel layer that is proximate to the first end of the channel layer. A spin injection structure disposed below a lower surface of a second portion of the channel layer is proximate to the second end of the channel layer. An area of overlap between the spin injection structure and the second portion of the channel layer is substantially larger than an area of overlap between the detector structure and the first portion of the channel layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: David A. Deen, Taras G. Pokhil, Eric Singleton, Mohammed Shariat Ullah Patwari
  • Patent number: 9664749
    Abstract: Disclosed is a resonant magnetic field sensor, comprising a detector structure including a mass block and displacement detection electrodes; capacitance to voltage converter and amplifier to convert detection signals of the detection electrodes into voltage signals, as output signals of the magnetic field sensor; and a vibration driving circuit to provide the output signals to the mass block in the form of a current, to drive the mass block to vibrate. The vibration driving circuit may be a comparator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: SAGATEK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kuei-Ann Wen, Chia-Feng Chang
  • Patent number: 9581658
    Abstract: A hall effect sensor device implemented on a semiconductor body, having a first Hall effect sensor and a second Hall effect sensor, each of the two Hall effect sensors has at least four individual Hall effect elements and the four Hall effect elements are connected in series, and each Hall effect element has three contact terminals arranged in a row, and the series connection is implemented through a coupling or interconnection of the two outer contact terminals. Semiconductor well regions of the individual Hall effect elements are separated from one another, and the first Hall effect sensor and the second Hall effect sensor are connected in parallel, whereby a middle contact terminal of a Hall effect element of the first Hall effect sensor is connected in each case with a middle contact terminal of a Hall effect element of the second Hall effect sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Micronas GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Cornils, Christian Sander
  • Patent number: 9568563
    Abstract: A magnetic core flux sensor assembly may include a flux sensor core portion and at least one elongated opening for receiving a conductor winding through the flux sensor core portion. An electrical current flowing through the conductor winding generates a magnetic field about the conductor winding and a magnetic flux flow about the elongated opening. A plurality of pairs of sensor holes are positioned relative to the elongated opening for preventing significant disruption of the magnetic flux flow and for sensing the magnetic flux flow at different distances from an edge of the elongated opening. A sensor conductor winding passes through each pair of sensor holes. The magnetic flux flow generates an electrical signal in each sensor conductor winding. The electrical signal in a particular sensor conductor winding corresponds to the magnetic flux flow at a location of the particular sensor conductor winding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: James Leo Peck, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9568567
    Abstract: A distribution analysis device analyzes a distribution of a field having a property satisfying the Laplace equation, and includes: an obtainment unit that obtains measurement data indicating the distribution of the field measured through a sensor sensing area, the sensor sensing area being an area that moves in a measurement area where the distribution of the field is measured and being an area in which the field is sensed as an aggregate; and a calculation unit that calculates analysis data indicating the distribution of the field with a higher resolution than the measurement data, using an arithmetic expression that is obtained by deriving a solution of the Laplace equation using a boundary condition that an integral of the solution of the Laplace equation in a finite interval corresponding to a size of the sensor sensing area matches the measurement data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: NATIONAL UNIVERSITY CORPORATION KOBE UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Kenjiro Kimura
  • Patent number: 9535136
    Abstract: A detector of a magnetic field probe includes a first wiring pattern formed on a first surface of a multilayer substrate and having a predetermined inclination with respect to an axial line direction of the magnetic field probe, a second wiring pattern formed on a second surface and having the predetermined inclination with respect to the axial line direction, and a first penetrating via penetrating through the multilayer substrate in the thickness direction and connecting a front end portion of the first wiring pattern and a front end portion of the second wiring pattern. A rear end portion of the first wiring pattern is connected to a conductor pattern configuring a strip line and a rear end portion of the second wiring pattern is connected to ground patterns configuring the strip line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Noriko Shimizu, Takashi Ichimura, Takahiro Azuma
  • Patent number: 9536472
    Abstract: An organic light emitting device having a repair line connected to an organic light emitting element of a bad pixel. A first capacitor stores a voltage corresponding to a data voltage of the bad pixel, and a driving transistor outputs a current corresponding to the voltage stored in the first capacitor to an output terminal. A first transistor is connected between the output terminal of the driving transistor and the repair line, and is turned on or turned off in response to a first signal. A second transistor is connected between the repair line and a node, and is configured to be turned on or turned off in response to a second signal. A third transistor is connected between a node and a first voltage line for supplying a first voltage, and is turned on or turned off in response to a third signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyong Tae Park, Yu-Hyun Cho
  • Patent number: 9494619
    Abstract: A closed-loop current transducer comprising a magnetic circuit, a magnetic field detector, and a compensation coil assembly configured to generate a magnetic field opposing a magnetic field created by an electrical current to be measured flowing in one or more primary conductors extending through a central opening of the magnetic circuit. The magnetic circuit comprises a first branch, a second branch, and first and second end branches, interconnecting the first and second branches such that the branches surround a central passage through which the one or more primary conductors may extend, the second branch forming a receptacle that defines a cavity extending in an axial direction A for receiving a sensing portion of the magnetic field detector, the second branch comprising two second branch portions separated by an interface resulting from the bringing together of opposed ends of a single piece magnetic circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: LEM Intellectual Property SA
    Inventors: Wolfram Teppan, Stéphane Claeys
  • Patent number: 9492637
    Abstract: An interventional catheter for treating an artery includes an elongated body sized and shaped to be transcervically introduced into a common carotid artery at an access location in the neck. The elongated body has an overall length such that the distal most section can be positioned in an intracranial artery and at least a portion of the proximal most section is positioned in the common carotid artery during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Silk Road Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Michi E. Garrison, Scott D. Wilson
  • Patent number: 9472946
    Abstract: An electrical power distribution network may include a plurality of transformers and a local manager associated with a transformer. Each local manager may be configured to monitor and control a magnetic flux level in a magnetic flux core of the associated transformer. The electrical power distribution network may also include a central manager configured to receive magnetic flux level data from each local manager and control operation of each local manager in response to the magnetic flux level data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: James Leo Peck, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9459149
    Abstract: An evanescent wave microspectrometer includes a planar diopter separating two transparent media, an optical sensor with a pixel array, and disposed in the second transparent medium, and an interference device disposed such that at least a part of the interference device is in contact with evanescent waves generated at the surface of the diopter. The micro-spectrometer also includes a memory storing a map having a set of set of data grids including the optical response of said sensor for a set of quasi-monochromatic wavelengths of a calibration light source, and a calculator configured to determine the spectrum (?) of a test light source configured to generate evanescent waves at the surface of the diopter, on the basis of the map and the optical response of the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: UNIVERSITE DE TECHNOLOGIE DE TROYES
    Inventors: Laurent Arnaud, Yassine Hadjar, Mikael Renault, Aurelien Bruyant, Sylvain Blaize
  • Patent number: 9459124
    Abstract: An alternating current (AC) electromagnetic tracker system with increased operational range and an ability to compensate for electromagnetic distortion in the local operating environment. The system uses multiple “N” sources/transmitters located at known positions in a common reference frame. A sensor receives the generated signal of each of the sources and a processor computes a position and orientation of the sensor from each. The processor further uses the known relative position and orientation between the N sources to compensate for distortion in the operating environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Sixense Entertainment, Inc.
    Inventors: Igor Khalfin, Amir Rubin
  • Patent number: 9435829
    Abstract: A current sensor includes first and second current paths each including a first conductive portion and second and third conductive portions extending in the X direction from both ends of the first conductive portion, and being neighboring and apart in the Y direction; and first and second magnetoelectric conversion elements arranged with the first conductive portion of the first current path interposed therebetween, and having sensitive axes along the Y direction. The second and third conductive portions of each of the first and second current paths are apart in the Z direction. The second conductive portion of the second current path is arranged in the Y direction with respect to the first and second magnetoelectric conversion elements. Perpendicular lines from the center line of the second conductive portion of the second current path to the first and second magnetoelectric conversion elements have the same direction and equivalent lengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: ALPS GREEN DEVICES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Hebiguchi, Shinji Mitsuya, Manabu Tamura, Ryuji Mukaiyama
  • Patent number: 9381445
    Abstract: A distance detecting device is mounted on a user's vehicle to detect a distance between the user's vehicle and a leading vehicle moving in front of the user's vehicle. The distance detecting device communicates with a processing device, which applies race based distance rules to determine whether the user's vehicle is close to or incurring a penalty based at least on the distance between the user's vehicle and the leading vehicle. An indication can be given to the user regarding an impending penalty and/or when a penalty is incurred. Similarly, the device can be read to apply a penalty. Various modifications can be made to allow for recording, display, and transmission of racing and penalty statistics, enabling and disabling recordation of penalty occurrences, tailoring the penalty determinations to a given race, and mounting the distance detecting device to a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Zebra Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Robbie Ventura, Michael D. Paley, Robby Ketchell
  • Patent number: 9377314
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a navigation system and a processing device. The navigation system is configured to identify a current location of the vehicle, a destination location, and a distance between the current location and the destination location. The processing device is configured to identify a task, associate the task to the destination location, and schedule the task according to the distance from the destination location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Fling Tseng, Hsin-hsiang Yang, Kwaku O. Prakah-Asante, Imad Hassan Makki, William David Treharne, Dimitar Petrov Filev
  • Patent number: 9366537
    Abstract: A compass system configured to compensate for electromagnetic interference in a vehicle is provided that includes an electronic device that is sensitive to electromagnetic interference (EMI), wherein the electronic device is positioned in a vehicle such that the electronic device receives EMI from another accessory in the vehicle, and wherein the electronic device is configured to compensate for the EMI, such that the EMI field caused by the accessory can be detected and added to existing calibration point while the accessory is powered on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark D. Bugno, John C. Peterson
  • Patent number: 9366460
    Abstract: A method for refrigeration through voltage-controlled entropy change includes applying a voltage signal to a piezoelectric material to generate strain in the piezoelectric material, generating strain in a magnetic material attached to the piezoelectric material, and generating a change in a temperature of the magnetic material in response to the strain in the magnetic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: NUtech Ventures
    Inventor: Christian Binek