Magnetometers Patents (Class 324/244)
  • Patent number: 9329019
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a magnetically conductive object in a detection area has an electrical coil and at least one sensor element. The apparatus is intended to be as free of degradation processes as possible and thus requires little maintenance and is configured and set up with the highest possible degree of redundancy and measurement reliability. For this purpose, the coil is set up to form a magnetic field in the detection area and the sensor element is configured to detect a magnetic field with a field strength, the magnitude of which is greater than a predefined threshold value. The threshold value is set to be higher than the field strength present in the detection area when the magnetically conductive object is absent and lower than the field strength present therein when the object is present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Areva GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Reymann, Naeel Muhamad Ali
  • Patent number: 9299485
    Abstract: The invention is a novel class of materials made by combining the best qualities of both lead iron tantalate (PFT) and lead iron titanate (PZT) to synthesize (PbZr0.53Ti0.47O3)(1-x)—(PbFe0.5Ta0.5O3)x (PZTFT) (0.1?x?0.9) compositions that have multiferroic (ferroelectric and ferromagnetic) and magnetoelectric properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: University of Puerto Rico
    Inventors: Ram S Katiyar, Ashok Kumar, Nora Patricia Ortega, Dilsom Alberto Sanchez, James Floyd Scott, Donald Malcolm Evans, John Martin Gregg
  • Patent number: 9265512
    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: December 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Silk Road Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Michi E. Garrison, Scott D. Wilson
  • Patent number: 9245547
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for a magnetic sensor device having a magnetic field sensing element to generate an output signal and a signal processing module coupled to the magnetic field sensing element, the signal processing module including a linearization module to apply a third order Taylor expansion term to the output signal generated by the magnetic field sensing element. An output module can receive the linearized signal from the linearization module and provide a device output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: ALLEGRO MICROSYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander Latham, Michael G. Ward
  • Patent number: 9222914
    Abstract: A magnetic profile measuring device which scans a space where an alternating-current magnetic field exists by a magnetized probe on a tip of a driven cantilever, detects vibration of the cantilever, and generates an image of magnetic field distribution of the space, the device including: the cantilever having the probe equipped on the tip thereof; a driver driving the cantilever; a vibration sensor detecting vibration of the probe wherein the driven vibration of the cantilever is frequency-modulated by the alternating-current magnetic field; a demodulator demodulating from a detection signal of the vibration sensor a magnetic signal corresponding to an alternating-current magnetic field; a scanning mechanism; a data storage storing an initial data for each coordinate of the space; a modified data generator recalling the initial data from the data storage and generating a plurality of data by modifying the phase of the initial data; and an image display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: AKITA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Hitoshi Saito, Satoru Yoshimura
  • Patent number: 9213024
    Abstract: The present technology relates generally to microfluidic devices for measuring platelet coagulation, and associated systems and methods. In some embodiments, a fluidics device includes an array of microstructures including pairs of generally rigid blocks and generally flexible posts. The fluidics device further includes at least one fluid channel configured to accept the array. The fluid channel is configured to induce fluid flow of a biological sample, such as whole blood, through the array. The fluidics device can further include a detection component configured to measure a degree of deflection of one or more of the flexible posts in the array. In some embodiments, the fluidics device comprises a handheld device and usable for point of care testing of platelet forces and coagulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: University of Washington
    Inventors: Nathan J. Sniadecki, Lucas H. Ting, Shirin Feghhi, Kevin S. Bielawski, Nathan J. White
  • Patent number: 9215826
    Abstract: Multi-purpose cowling structures are provided to minimize spacing impact within an electronic device, while maximizing functional utility. In one embodiment, an electromagnetic interference shield may provide one or more anchors for enabling a logic board cowling to apply sufficient downward force to one or more board connectors to prevent inadvertent disconnects. In another embodiment, a cowling can electrically connect the ground plane of a logic board to the ground plane of a housing member and provide a pre-load force to a conductor connection existing on logic board. A compass mounted on a flexible printed circuit board is also provided. Mounting the compass on a flexible printed circuit board enables the compass to be mounted remote from ferrous object that may affect the compass's performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Shayan Malek, Jared M. Kole, Nicholas Ian Lubinski
  • Patent number: 9209746
    Abstract: The invention provides MEMS oscillator designs in which the thermal actuation and piezoresistive detection signals are separated. A first approach splits the frequency of the loop into two distinct components, an actuation frequency and a detection frequency. A second approach modifies the design of the MEMS resonator such that the actuation signal follows a different path through the MEMS resonator than the detection signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: NXP, B.V.
    Inventors: Kim Phan Le, Jozef Thomas Martinus van Beek, Martijn Goossens
  • Patent number: 9134383
    Abstract: By restricting the concentration and the depth of an n-type impurity region which is a magnetosensitive portion of a Hall device to appropriate ranges, it is possible to improve linearity of temperature characteristics in detecting a magnetic field intensity with high accuracy. In order to obtain linearity of the temperature characteristics of the constant-current sensitivity, there is provided a Hall device including a p-type impurity region 1 and an n-type impurity region 2 that is disposed on the p-type impurity region 1 and that serves as a magnetosensitive portion, wherein an n-type impurity concentration N and a distribution depth D of the n-type impurity region 2 satisfy relational expressions of N<1.0×1016 and N>3.802×1016×D?1.761.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corporation
    Inventors: Taisuke Fujita, Makoto Kataoka, Tatsuhiko Yayoi
  • Patent number: 9116201
    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: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: QuSpin Inc.
    Inventors: Vishal Shah, Kenneth Jeramiah Hughes
  • Patent number: 9105793
    Abstract: An embodiment of a graphene device includes a layered structure, first and second electrodes, and a dopant island. The layered structure includes a conductive layer, an insulating layer, and a graphene layer. The electrodes are coupled to the graphene layer. The dopant island is coupled to an exposed surface of the graphene layer between the electrodes. An embodiment of a method of using a graphene device includes providing the graphene device. A voltage is applied to the conductive layer of the graphene device. Another embodiment of a method of using a graphene device includes providing the graphene device without the dopant island. A dopant island is placed on an exposed surface of the graphene layer between the electrodes. A voltage is applied to the conductive layer of the graphene device. A response of the dopant island to the voltage is observed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Vincent Bouchiat, Caglar Girit, Brian Kessler, Alexander K. Zettl
  • Patent number: 9069031
    Abstract: A magnetic-field sensor that provides an output signal in response to an external magnetic field is described. This magnetic-field sensor includes a pair of cantilevers separated by a horizontal gap, which is displaced vertically over an open cavity by applying a time-varying voltage having a fundamental frequency across piezoelectric layers in the pair of cantilevers. The pair of cantilevers also includes magnetic-flux concentrators that convey the external magnetic field to the horizontal gap between the pair of cantilevers. A stationary magnetoresistive sensor in the horizontal gap transforms the external magnetic field into an output signal. Because the pair of cantilevers is displaced vertically at the fundamental frequency, the output signal includes a modulation signal corresponding to the external magnetic field centered around twice the fundamental frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Andre Guedes, David Horsley, Gerardo Jaramillo
  • Patent number: 9041400
    Abstract: An apparatus that includes two non-coinciding arrangements disposed in an two axes Cartesian coordinate system such that each arrangement having a non-zero projection on a respective axis from among the two axes. Each one of the arrangements includes a pair of oppositely directed, spaced apart, co-axial radiating-capable elements, each of the elements being hollow with internal space, and being slotted throughout its entire extent. A first circuitry coupled to the arrangement and being configured to sense an electric field projection along the axis and to convey it to a first feeding terminal. A second circuitry coupled to a slot of the arrangement and being configured to sense a magnetic field's projection along said axis and to convey it to a first feeding terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: ELTA SYSTEMS LTD.
    Inventor: Benyamin Almog
  • Patent number: 9041388
    Abstract: A non-contact current censor includes a spin valve structure (2), an electrical unit (4) that applies a varying current to the spin valve structure (2), and a resistance reading unit that electrically reads out a resistance value of the spin valve structure (2). When a current-induced magnetic field is detected, a coercive force of a free layer (14) is configured to be larger than the current-induced magnetic field as a detection target, and the electrical unit (4) allows the magnetization directions of a pinned layer (12) and the free layer (14) to transition between a mutually parallel state and a mutually anti-parallel state by applying the current to the spin valve structure (2). The resistance reading unit (5) detects a threshold value corresponding to the transition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: III HOLDINGS 3, LLC
    Inventor: Yasushi Ogimoto
  • Patent number: 9041392
    Abstract: There is provided a current sensor capable of performing malfunction determination with high accuracy even under the influence of an adscititious magnetic field. A current sensor includes first and second current sensor units, a computation unit, a storage unit, and a determination processing unit. The first current sensor unit measures a target current. The first and second current sensor units have almost the same sensitivity. The computation unit calculates and outputs an addition value and a difference value of outputs of the first and second current sensor units. In the storage unit, the addition and difference values output from the computation unit are stored. The determination processing unit determines whether a malfunction has occurred by using the addition and difference values stored in the storage unit. The determination processing unit determines that a malfunction has occurred, in a case where there is a correlation between the addition and difference values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: ALPS GREEN DEVICES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasuo Kotera, Manabu Tamura, Hisanori Kiyomatsu
  • Publication number: 20150137804
    Abstract: A magnetic field sensing module including a plurality of magnetic flux concentrators and a plurality of sensing elements is provided. Each of the magnetic flux concentrators extends along a first extension direction, and the magnetic flux concentrators are arranged along a second direction. The sensing elements are respectively disposed at a position corresponding to a position between the magnetic flux concentrators and positions corresponding to two sides of the magnetic flux concentrators arranged along the second direction. Sensing directions of the sensing elements are substantially the same. A measurement method and a manufacturing method of a magnetic field sensing module are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: iSentek, Inc.
    Inventors: Fu-Te Yuan, Meng-Huang Lai, Jen-Tzong Jeng
  • Patent number: 9035648
    Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems of a magnetic sensor self-characterizing its magnetic properties are disclosed. One embodiment of the magnetic sensor apparatus includes a magnetic sensor and a current source for applying a current to the magnetic sensor. The magnetic sensor apparatus further includes control circuitry configured to control the current source, and characterize a magnetic property of the magnetic sensor based on the applied current. One method of a magnetic sensor self-characterizing its magnetic properties includes applying, by the magnetic sensor, an electrical signal, and characterizing a magnetic property of the magnetic sensor based on the applied electrical signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: PNI Sensor Corporation
    Inventors: Davy J. Figaro, Joseph F. Miller, Andrew T. Taylor, George Hsu
  • Publication number: 20150122018
    Abstract: Biometric monitoring devices, including various technologies that may be implemented in such devices, are discussed herein. Additionally, techniques for utilizing altimeters in biometric monitoring devices are provided. Such techniques may, in some implementations, involve recalibrating a biometric monitoring device altimeter based on location data; using altimeter data as an aid to gesture recognition; and/or using altimeter data to manage an airplane mode of a biometric monitoring device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2015
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventor: Shelten Gee Jao Yuen
  • Patent number: 9024631
    Abstract: An apparatus, method and computer-readable medium configured to transport a constituent of fluid sample that binds to a functionalized magnetic particle. The apparatus includes a substrate connected to an input port, a magnetic nanowire, and either a temporally changing magnetic field generator or a spin-polarized current source. The magnetic nanowire is disposed in a surface of the substrate. The width and thickness of the magnetic nanowire are configured so that a domain wall propagating along the nanowire in response to the temporally changing magnetic field continuously couples to a superparamagnetic particle introduced into the input port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Geoffrey Stephen Beach, Elizabeth Ashera Rapoport
  • Publication number: 20150115946
    Abstract: An omnipolar magnetic sensor system includes an input stage and a behavior component. The input stage is configured to receive a source signal and to selectively chop the source signal. Further, the input stage is configured to balance the source signal using behavior parameters and generate a balanced source signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Mihai Alexandru Ionescu
  • Publication number: 20150115947
    Abstract: The object is to avoid degradation of magnetic detection precision arising due to magnetization of transport rollers used for transporting a paper sheet. A paper sheet magnetic detection apparatus that detects a magnetic material in the paper sheet by using a magnetic sensor includes a transport path that transports paper sheets one by one; at least one magnet that is used in the detection of the magnetic material by the magnetic sensor; and a plurality of transport rollers that are arranged near the magnetic sensor and that transport the paper sheet in the transport path. Outer peripheral surfaces of the plurality of transport rollers that face the transport path are made of a non-magnetic material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: GLORY LTD.
    Inventors: Takahiro YANAGIUCHI, Masafumi CHIKAMORI, Jun HISANAGA
  • Patent number: 9018947
    Abstract: A pixel includes an organic light emitting diode, a first transistor that is connected to a first power source and that supplies a driving current according to a corresponding data voltage to the organic light emitting diode, a second transistor that is connected to a scan line and that transmits the corresponding data voltage from a data line to a driving transistor according to a scan signal transmitted from the scan line, and a first capacitor including one electrode connected to a gate electrode of the first transistor. The first capacitor stores the corresponding data voltage as a first voltage and a size of the first capacitor is in a range of about 2 times to about 4 times a size of a gate insulating layer of the first transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Guang hai Jin, Jae-Beom Choi, Kwan-Wook Jung, June-Woo Lee, Moo-Jin Kim, Jee-Hoon Kim
  • Publication number: 20150108967
    Abstract: Accurate measurements of electrical power at various points of a power grid is becoming more important and, at the same time, is getting more difficult as the old power distribution model of a few, large power generating stations and a multitude of relatively linear loads is replaced by a newer model containing a multitude of smaller, and to some degree unpredictable power sources, as well as a multitude of not always linear and often smart (essentially also unpredictable) loads. Embodiments of the invention provide for management of AC current measurements in the presence of a DC current. Such current measurement management including at least alarms, feedback, and forward correction techniques exploiting magnetic field measurements from within the magnetic core or upon the surface of magnetic elements and/or shields within the current transducer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: Guildline Instruments Limited
    Inventor: Tomasz Barczyk
  • Patent number: 9007077
    Abstract: A flexible current and voltage sensor provides ease of installation of a current sensor, and optionally a voltage sensor in application such as AC branch circuit wire measurements, which may require installation in dense wiring conditions and/or in live panels where insulating gloves must be worn. The sensor includes at least one flexible ferromagnetic strip that is affixed to a current sensing device at a first end. The second end is secured to the other side of the current sensing device or to another flexible ferromagnetic strip extending from the other side of the current sensing device to form a loop providing a closed pathway for magnetic flux. A voltage sensor may be provided by metal foil affixed to the inside of the flexible ferromagnetic strip. A clamp body, which can be a spring loaded handle operated clamp or a locking fastener, can secure the ferromagnetic strip around the wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Wael El-Essawy, Alexandre Peixoto Ferreira, Thomas Walter Keller, Karthick Rajamani, Juan C. Rubio, Michael A. Schappert
  • Publication number: 20150097560
    Abstract: Provided is a magnetic sensor device capable of attenuating the intensity of the magnetic field to be applied to the magnetic sensor. A magnetic sensor device includes a magnetic sensor element which detects the intensity of a magnetic field in a predetermined detection axis direction, and a magnetic field attenuation body which includes a first magnetic field attenuation unit and a second magnetic field attenuation unit, each of the attenuation units having a surface and the surfaces being opposed to each other with the magnetic sensor element therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: HITACHI METALS, LTD.
    Inventors: Makoto Kawakami, Yasunori Takaki
  • Publication number: 20150097559
    Abstract: A loss prevention device includes a magnetometer and a processor operatively coupled to the magnetometer. The magnetometer is configured to measure intensities and directions of one or more maxima in a magnetic field, the one or more maxima including at least a first maximum from magnetic north of the Earth, wherein a first intensity and a first direction are associated with the first maximum. The processor is configured to ignore the first intensity and the first direction associated with the first maximum and to determine whether the one or more maxima includes a second maximum distinct from the first maximum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventor: Vincent W. Baker
  • Patent number: 9000760
    Abstract: A method and apparatus eliminate magnetic domain walls in a flux guide by applying, either simultaneously or sequentially, a current pulse along serially positioned reset lines to create a magnetic field along the flux guide, thereby removing the magnetic domain walls. By applying the current pulses in parallel and stepping through pairs of shorter reset lines segments via switches, less voltage is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Everspin Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Lianjun Liu, Phillip Mather
  • Publication number: 20150084623
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing near field magnetic fields of electronic devices. The method comprises measuring a magnetic field using a loop antenna that is oriented in a first direction. The loop antenna is swept through a desired range of azimuth angles while measuring the magnetic field. Once the first direction testing is completed, the loop antenna is changed to a second orientation direction. The magnetic field is then measured in the second orientation direction and is swept through a desired range of orientation angles in the second direction. The apparatus provides a loop antenna connected to a coaxial probe, with the coaxial cable serving as the center conductor, and two outer conductors. An axle is mounted to the loop antenna and connected to a step motor. A servo motor is also provided for moving the arm assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Kyu-Pyung HWANG, Young K. SONG, Dong Wook KIM, Changhan Hobie YUN
  • Publication number: 20150080710
    Abstract: A method of obtaining information about the position and/or orientation of a magnetic component relatively to a magnetometric detector, the magnetic component and the magnetometric detector being moveable independently from each other relatively to a static secondary magnetic field, the method comprising the steps of: measuring in the presence of the combination of both the magnetic field of the magnetic component and the static secondary magnetic field essentially simultaneously the strength and/or orientation of a magnetic field at at least a first position and a second position spatially associated with the magnetometric detector, the second position being distanced from the first position; and combining the results of the measurements to computationally eliminate the effect of the secondary magnetic field and derive the information about the position and/or orientation of the magnetic component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Rolf Henkel, Eliseo Ventura Sobrino Patino, Robert Von Offenberg Sweeney, Allan Dunbar
  • Patent number: 8981772
    Abstract: In a method of performing a cluster assay, a suspension (14) of superparamagnetic particles in a fluid to be analyzed is provided, wherein the superparamagnetic particles are coated with a bioactive agent. The particles are then allowed to form clusters due to an analyte present within the fluid. Subsequently, clusters of superparamagnetic particles are selectively actuated by applying a rotating magnetic field, wherein the amplitude of the magnetic field varies over time. Finally, the selectively actuated clusters are detected. An apparatus for performing a cluster assay comprises means for accommodating a sample (12) and means for applying a rotating magnetic field (11), the magnetic field being adapted for selectively actuating clusters of superparamagnetic particles. The apparatus further comprises means for detecting the selectively actuated clusters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Andrea Ranzoni, Menno Willem Jose Prins, Mikhail Mikhaylovich Ovsyanko
  • Patent number: 8981800
    Abstract: A current sensor includes a core arranged around a conductor, a sensing element arranged on the core and configured to generate an output variable dependent on a magnetic field in the core, and a measuring unit configured to detect the output variable and to derive a measured value of the current. The current sensor further includes a test coil arranged around the core and a test current generator connected to the test coil. The test current generator is configured to generate a test current signal of a specified amplitude and to output the test current signal to the test coil. The current sensor further includes a testing unit connected to both the measuring unit and the test current generator and configured to output information regarding the current sensor. The information is output as a test signal dependent upon comparing a first and a second measured value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Chrysanthos Tzivanopoulos, Dirk Hasenkopf
  • Publication number: 20150070008
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to Hall effect sensor circuits and devices that provide improved performance, such as reduced residual offset errors and/or improved S/N ratios. In an embodiment, a Hall effect sensor circuit comprises two circuit portions, a first with a higher bandwidth for higher frequencies and having an improved S/N ratio, and a second with a lower bandwidth for lower frequencies and having low residual offset. First and second Hall plates or devices are incorporated in the first and second circuit portions. The first Hall plate can be operated with a larger bias voltage and a larger, high-pass-filtered signal bandwidth, while the second Hall plate can be operated with a smaller bias voltage and a smaller, low-pass-filtered signal bandwidth. Individual output signals from each of the first and second Hall plates can be scaled and combined to provide an overall output signal with the benefits of each circuit portion, including reduced residual offset error and negligible increased noise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: MARIO MOTZ
  • Publication number: 20150070600
    Abstract: A sensor device includes: a first base material and a second base material disposed apart to face each other; a plurality of first adhesion sections that are two-dimensionally arranged in a gap between the first base material and the second base material and have elasticity; and a mitigation section configured to mitigate an increase in contact area of each of the first adhesion sections to one of the first base material and the second base material, the contact area increasing as the gap narrows.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Hiroto KAWAGUCHI, Fumihiko IIDA, Tomoaki SUZUKI, Takayuki TANAKA, Shogo SHINKAI, Hayato HASEGAWA, Tomoko KATSUHARA, Taizo NISHIMURA, Hiroshi MIZUNO, Yasuyuki ABE
  • Publication number: 20150070006
    Abstract: Electric current transducer module comprising a magnetic circuit with a magnetic core and an air gap, the magnetic core having a central passage configured to receive a primary conductor carrying a primary current to be measured. The electric current transducer module further comprises a signal processing circuit including a circuit board and contact terminals for connection to external circuitry, and a magnetic field detector arranged at least partially in the air gap of the magnetic circuit. The electric current transducer module further comprises a magnetic core mounting support comprising a molded support and a grounding and fixing mechanism configured to hold and rigidly fix the magnetic core to the molded base to form a magnetic circuit unit. The magnetic circuit unit is configured to be fixedly assembled to the printed circuit board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Pierre Turpin, Philippe Sage, Frédéric Cattaneo
  • Publication number: 20150061660
    Abstract: A sensor device includes a power line and a semiconductor device. The semiconductor device includes an inductor. The inductor is formed using an interconnect layer (to be described later using FIG. 3). The power line and the semiconductor device overlap each other when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the semiconductor device. The semiconductor device includes two inductors. The power line extends between the two inductors when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the semiconductor device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Takatsugu NEMOTO, Yasutaka NAKASHIBA, Takasuke HASHIMOTO, Shinichi UCHIDA, Kazunori GO, Hiroshi OE, Noriko YOSHIKAWA
  • Patent number: 8970214
    Abstract: A current sensor includes a magnetic balance sensor including a feedback coil that is disposed in the vicinity of a magnetic sensor element whose characteristics are changed by an inducted magnetic field from a current to be measured and generates a cancellation magnetic field for offsetting the inducted magnetic field, a shunt resistant that is connected in series with a current line for circulating the current to be measured, and a switch circuit that switches to magnetic balance detection at the time of a small current and switches to shunt resistance detection at the time of a large current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: ALPS Green Devices Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Manabu Tamura, Masatoshi Nomura, Hiroyuki Hebiguchi
  • Patent number: 8970213
    Abstract: In a method for manufacturing the functional element, a protective film covering an underlayer, a patterned multilayer film, and a patterned cap layer are formed, and the underlayer is then processed without newly forming a resist. Thereby, an electrode can be formed in steps less than ever before. Since the protective film formed on the patterned multilayer film and the patterned cap layer is used as a mask, the problem of the misregistration can be prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Anelva Corporation
    Inventors: Tomohiko Toyosato, Mihoko Nakamura, Kazuhiro Kimura, Masayoshi Ikeda
  • Patent number: 8963535
    Abstract: An electronic system includes a Hall sensor to sense a controlled current. The Hall sensor is positioned proximate to a signal path and develops a voltage that includes a component corresponding to a controlled current. A controller generates a switch control signal to control conductivity of a switch, and the switch controls drive current for a load. The controller receives information either directly or indirectly from the Hall sensor corresponding to the controlled current and utilizes the information from the Hall sensor to control conductivity of the switch. Controlling conductivity of the switch controls the drive current for the load. The frequency of the switch control signal is sufficiently higher than a Hall sensor noise voltage to allow the controller to sufficiently cancel out the noise voltage for control purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.
    Inventor: John L. Melanson
  • Patent number: 8957676
    Abstract: An integrated magnetic field sensor includes a magnetic field sensing element configured to generate a magnetic field sensing element output signal in response to a magnetic field. The integrated magnetic field sensor also includes a threshold control node configured to receive a control signal from outside of the integrated magnetic field sensor, wherein the integrated magnetic field sensor is configured to provide an adjustable threshold signal in response to the control signal. The integrated magnetic field sensor also includes a comparator having a first input node coupled to receive a first signal representative of the magnetic field sensing element output signal, a second input node coupled to receive a second signal representative of the adjustable threshold signal, and an output node at which is generated an output signal responsive to the first and second signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Allegro Microsystems, LLC
    Inventors: Paul David, Andreas P. Friedrich, Gary T. Pepka, Nevenka Kozomora
  • Patent number: 8957677
    Abstract: A beam that passes through a plurality of gas cells a number of times is led to a deflection meter from a light ejecting section, detection of a deflected surface angle is performed and a strength of a magnetic field is measured by a structure in which the plurality of the gas cells is arranged along a light beam between two reflection units or light concentrating units that have a light beam incidence section and a light beam ejecting section and are opposite to each other, and a laser beam that is incident from the light beam incidence section passes through the plurality of the gas cells and then is multiply reflected by both reflection units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Kimio Nagasaka
  • Patent number: 8957679
    Abstract: The assembly for measuring at least one component (x, y, z) of an applied magnetic field (H) including a surface area made of soft-magnetic material that is applied in the chip plane and separated into two partial regions (5) by a gap (6). The gap (6) is composed of gap sections having different longitudinal directions, and magnetic field sensitive elements (2) are accommodated in one or more gap sections disposed parallel to each other. The sensitivity direction (4) of the magnetic field sensitive elements (2) and the connecting line (6?) of the outer gap openings can form angles of 45° or 90°, and several surface areas can be present in the chip plane in order to completely capture all magnetic field components (x, y, z). Magnetoresistive sensor elements can advantageously be utilized as magnet-sensitive elements (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Sensitec GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Loreit, Jochen Schmitt
  • Publication number: 20150042324
    Abstract: A current sensor includes a core including groove portions and a separation wall portion, a housing covering the core and including recessed grooves formed along the groove portions, respectively, conductors positioned in the groove portions, respectively, a circuit board fixed to the housing and including a through hole and a land, the through hole penetrating in a direction corresponding to an inserting direction of the conductor, a detection element detecting a magnitude of a magnetic field and positioned in each of recessed grooves to be closer to an opening end of the groove portion relative to the conductor, the detection element being arranged so that a detecting direction of the detection element is directed along a distance direction of the groove portions, the detection element including a connection terminal positioned in the through hole, the connection terminal electrically connected to the land, and a guide portion provided at the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Noriaki FUJITA, Manabu KATO, Kazuyoshi MORI
  • Publication number: 20150042318
    Abstract: Provided are a magnetic sensor test apparatus and a magnetic sensor test method. The magnetic sensor test apparatus includes a vertical coil configured to generate a magnetic field and at least one periphery coil. The magnetic sensor test apparatus and method may test a magnetic sensor on a semiconductor wafer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: MagnaChip Semiconductor, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ki-bog Youm, Young-bae Choi, Young-sug Seong, Kyung-seok Jin
  • Publication number: 20150040687
    Abstract: Provided is a sensor device capable of removing the influence of each offset voltage of a sensor element, a differential amplifier, and an amplifier of the sensor device, to thereby detect a physical quantity with high precision and respond to high-speed operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Minoru ARIYAMA, Daisuke MURAOKA, Tomoki HIKICHI, Kentaro FUKAI
  • Patent number: 8952687
    Abstract: A current sensor includes: a conductive member through which a current to be measured flows; first and second magnetic sensors which output signals having reversed phases to each other due to an induction magnetic field from the current to be measured; and a control unit which performs differential operation on the output signal of the first magnetic sensor and the output signal of the second magnetic sensor, wherein sensing axis directions of the first magnetic sensor and the second magnetic sensor are fixed in the same direction, form a predetermined angle with respect to an application direction of the induction magnetic field from the current to be measured applied to the first magnetic sensor and the second magnetic sensor, and are fixed so that the induction magnetic fields are applied to the first magnetic sensor and the second magnetic sensor in reverse directions to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Alps Green Devices Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Manabu Tamura
  • Publication number: 20150035524
    Abstract: A magnetic sensor includes a channel layer, a magnetization free layer placed on a first section of the channel layer, and a magnetization-fixed layer placed on a second section of the channel layer. A thickness of the channel layer of the first section is different from a thickness of the channel layer of the second section and a resistance of an interface between the channel layer and the magnetization free layer is lower than a resistance of an interface between the channel layer and the magnetization-fixed layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Tomoyuki SASAKI, Tohru OIKAWA
  • Publication number: 20150035525
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable detector (1) for metal detection, the detector including: a head (11) extending longitudinally and comprising an inductive transducer for measuring a variation in its inductance and/or for measuring parasite currents caused in the metals to be detected, and a body (13) including a controller programmed to control the activation or deactivation of a standby function of the detector, and a sensor for measuring displacement of the detector (1), and/or for measuring the orientation of the detector (1), the controller (20) controlling activation of the standby function as a function of signals received: of the inductive transducer on the one hand, and of the sensor on the other hand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventor: Alessandro Manneschi
  • Patent number: 8947080
    Abstract: A magnetometer for sensing a magnetic field may include a solid state electronic spin system, and a detector. The solid state electronic spin system may contain one or more electronic spins that are disposed within a solid state lattice, for example NV centers in diamond. The electronic spins may be configured to receive optical excitation radiation and to align with the magnetic field in response thereto. The electronic spins may be further induced to precess about the magnetic field to be sensed, in response to an external control such as an RF field, the frequency of the spin precession being linearly related to the magnetic field by the Zeeman shift of the electronic spin energy levels. The detector may be configured to detect output optical radiation from the electronic spin, so as to determine the Zeeman shift and thus the magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: President and Fellows of Harvard College
    Inventors: Mikhail Lukin, Ronald L. Walsworth
  • Publication number: 20150028863
    Abstract: A microfabricated magnetic field transducer uses a magnetically sensitive structure in combination with one or more permeable magnetic flux guides. The flux guides may route off-axis components of an externally applied magnetic field across the sensitive axis of the magnetically sensitive structure, or may shield the magnetically sensitive structure from off-axis, stray fields or noise sources. A combination of flux guides and magnetically sensitive structures arranged on a single substrate may enable an integrated, 3-axis magnetometer in a single package, greatly improving cost and performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: Innovative Micro Technology
    Inventor: Benedikt Zeyen
  • Publication number: 20150028871
    Abstract: The invention provides for a magnetic field probe (100, 2202) comprising a container (104, 702, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700, 1800) with a hollow cavity (106, 602). The hollow cavity comprises a duct (110, 700) connecting the hollow cavity with an exterior surface (109, 702) of the container. The container further comprises metallization (108, 800) surrounding the duct on the exterior surface. The container further comprises a metallic plug (400, 1000). The metallic plug at least partially fills the duct. The metallic plug forms a seal (402, 1002) with the metallization. The magnetic field probe further comprises a sample (300, 900, 1608) comprising fluorine 19. The sample at least partially fills the hollow cavity. The magnetic field probe further comprises an antenna (102) adjacent to the container for manipulating the magnetic spins of the fluid sample and for receiving magnetic resonance signals from the fluid sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Jan Frederik Suijver, Johannes Wilhelmus Weekamp