Magnetic Field Detection Devices Patents (Class 324/260)
  • Publication number: 20100219822
    Abstract: There has been a problem that a bridge circuit using magneto-resistive elements or transducer elements could output a signal including an offset voltage, which could result in lower measurement accuracy. In order to solve such a problem, half-bridges each having magneto-resistive elements or transducer elements are excited with different excitation voltages so that the offset voltage is eliminated and the measurement accuracy is improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Mutsumi SUZUKI, Nobuyasu Kanekawa, Masamichi Yamada
  • Publication number: 20100207625
    Abstract: A current sensor includes an annular magnetic core that includes a closed magnetic path including a void in a portion thereof, and a magnetic body for focusing flux of a magnetic field generated around a conductor that carries a measured current, and a magnetic detecting portion for detecting flux of a magnetic field generated in the void of the magnetic core. The magnetic core includes a plurality of pairs of stepped portions on a pair of opposing end surfaces that form the void, the stepped portions descending along a direction separating from the conductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI RIKA DENKI SEISAKUSHO
    Inventors: Hiroshi UENO, Kouichi ITOIGAWA
  • Patent number: 7772870
    Abstract: There is provided a detector for detecting a layer short of a field winding in operation by measuring, with a field detector, a magnetic field generated from a field winding of an electric rotating machine. In the present invention, a field detector is installed outside an electric rotating machine to measure a leakage flux at the installation point to detect layer short by detecting the increase in a leakage flux or asymmetry of waveform of the leakage flux at an occurrence of a layer short of a field winding thereof, simplifying installation and enabling installation without halting operations of an electric rotating machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shingo Inamura, Masami Sukeda, Ryoichi Shiobara
  • Patent number: 7768250
    Abstract: A method for locating a device, which produces a field, with a probe assembly affected by the field. The method may involve: placing a device on a first side of a work piece; producing a field with the device through the work piece; using a robot to hold and to place a probe assembly adjacent a second side of the work piece; providing information from the probe assembly to the robot that is used by the robot to move the probe assembly to substantially determine a position of the device; determining a location of a center field axis of the field with the probe assembly; and providing a physical confirmation of the center field axis to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Gary E. Georgeson, Joseph L. Hafenrichter, Raymond D. Rempt, Gregory L. Clark
  • Patent number: 7768249
    Abstract: A magnetic indexer for locating a device producing a magnetic field in a blind or inaccessible position of a work piece. A magnet is initially placed on a first side of the work piece such that a magnetic field produced by the magnet extends through the work piece and substantially perpendicular to a surface of the work piece. A device comprising a plurality of probes for sensing magnetic fields is then positioned over a second surface of the work piece. The probes are then moved over the second surface to determine the location of the axis of the magnet via the strength of the sensed magnetic field. Once the position of the axis of the magnet is determined, the work surface is either marked or worked on through the platform on which the probes are positioned. In particular, a hole may be accurately drilled or otherwise formed directly over the magnet even when the first surface of the work piece cannot be seen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Gary E. Georgeson, Joseph L. Hafenrichter, Raymond D. Rempt, Gregory L. Clark
  • Publication number: 20100188079
    Abstract: A magneto-impedance element used for detection of a magnetic substance has a structure that can trap magnetic substances locally in a predetermined band-like region on the lateral surface thereof or a structure that can detect the presence of a magnetic substance based on a change of the impedance in response to application of magnetic fields. The magneto-impedance element is used to provide a detection apparatus and a detection method that can easily detect a magnetic substance with high precision.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Miki Ueda, Takashi Ikeda
  • Patent number: 7759932
    Abstract: A magnetic field response sensor comprises an inductor placed at a fixed separation distance from a conductive surface to address the low RF transmissivity of conductive surfaces. The minimum distance for separation is determined by the sensor response. The inductor should be separated from the conductive surface so that the response amplitude exceeds noise level by a recommended 10 dB. An embodiment for closed cavity measurements comprises a capacitor internal to said cavity and an inductor mounted external to the cavity and at a fixed distance from the cavity's wall. An additional embodiment includes a closed cavity configuration wherein multiple sensors and corresponding antenna are positioned inside the cavity, with the antenna and inductors maintained at a fixed distance from the cavity's wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Stanley E. Woodard, Bryant Douglas Taylor
  • Publication number: 20100176808
    Abstract: An implantable medical device detects a strong static magnetic field associated with an MRI imaging instrument and operates in a safekeeping operating mode. The device (10) includes an electronic circuit for the detection/stimulation of a cardiac activity (16), a weak field sensor (22) detecting the presence of a first magnetic field of a permanent magnet being located in proximity to the device, a strong field sensor (20) detecting the presence of a second magnetic field of an MRI imaging instrument during the course of an MRI examination. The electronic circuit is placed in a safekeeping operating mode protected from the magnetic field of an MRI imaging instrument when the weak field sensor detects the first magnetic field and the strong field sensor detects the second magnetic field. The strong field sensor is a sensor that is selectively activated on detection of a magnetic field by the weak field sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventor: Thierry LEGAY
  • Patent number: 7755352
    Abstract: A magnetic sensor assembly (S) of the type having at least one capacitor (44) electrically connecting an output signal (70) from a magnetic sensor unit (24) to an output signal source (30) includes switch (14) for controllably electrically disconnecting the capacitor (44) from output signal (70) and alternatively connecting the capacitor (44). The capacitor (44) is disconnected from the magnetic sensor unit (24) by the switch (14) during times that transient signals may be generated by the magnetic sensor unit (24) thereby preventing the capacitor (44) from being charged. A magnetic sensor assembly (100) uses printed circuit boards (PCB) (102) having a conductive element (106) on or within the PCB (102) beneath a magnetic sensor element (104) for testing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation
    Inventors: George W. Waslo, Roger W. Dickerson
  • Patent number: 7746065
    Abstract: A magnetic field sensor comprises a reference magnetic field generator (8), a magnetic field sensing cell (6) including Hall effect sensing elements (12), and a signal processing circuit (4) connected to the output (11) of the magnetic field sensing cell and comprising one or more feedback lines (27, 28) for correcting error fluctuations in the transfer characteristic of the magnetic field sensor. The reference magnetic field generator is adapted to generate a frequency modulated reference magnetic field. The signal processing circuit further includes a modulator connected to the magnetic field sensing cell, adapted to modulate the output signal thereof at a frequency different from the modulation frequency of the reference magnetic field generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Liaisons Electroniques-Mecaniques LEM S.A.
    Inventors: Marc Pastre, Hubert Blanchard, Maher Kayal
  • Publication number: 20100156394
    Abstract: Embodiments related to magnetic current sensors, systems and methods. In an embodiment, a magnetic current sensor integrated in an integrated circuit (IC) and housed in an IC package comprises an IC die formed to present at least three magnetic sense elements on a first surface, a conductor, and at least one slot formed in the conductor, wherein a first end of the at least one slot and at least one of the magnetic sense elements are relatively positioned such that the at least one of the magnetic sense elements is configured to sense an increased magnetic field induced in the conductor proximate the first end of the at least one slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Udo Ausserlechner, Mario Motz
  • Patent number: 7741840
    Abstract: A magnetic probe includes a tubular container, the inside of which can be observed and at least one end of which is closed, a paramagnetic seed which is fixed to an end of the tubular container, and a paramagnetic colloidal particle dispersion liquid that is filled in the tubular container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Empire Technology Development LLC
    Inventor: Adarsh Sandhu
  • Patent number: 7737688
    Abstract: The magnetic field detecting apparatus is provided with: a magnetic field detecting unit for outputting one of two signals having different potential levels from each other in response to a perpheral magnetic field; an energizing control unit for producing a periodic energizing control signal indicative of timing at which the magnetic field detecting unit is energized by employing a clock signal and another signal obtained by frequency-dividing, or frequency-multiplying the clock signal, and for supplying the produced energizing control signal to the magnetic field detecting unit; a first inverting unit for inverting the potential level of the output signal of the magnetic field detecting unit; and an energizing time period control unit for supplying a time period control signal to the energizing control unit, the time period control signal controlling the time period of the energizing control signal in response to the potential level of the output signal of the magnetic field detecting unit, and the potentia
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Takuya Tomida, Tadata Hatanaka, Shigeo Masai
  • Patent number: 7733085
    Abstract: An in-line inspection tool comprising a sensor suite, a processor processing the signal generated by at least one sensor of the sensor suite, and a canister housing the processor is disclosed. The canister may comprise a canister body formed as a hollow cylinder extending along a central axis from a first end to a second end. The canister may further comprise a canister lid inserted within the first end of the canister body. An alignment mechanism may prevent rotation of the canister lid with respect to the canister body about the central axis. A retaining ring may threadedly engage the first end of the canister body to maintain the canister lid within the first end of the canister body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Electromechanical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip M. Hoyt, Arthur K. Fox
  • Publication number: 20100117638
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a magnetic sensor with a sensitivity measuring function and a method thereof. Magnetic sensitivity surfaces detect flux density, and a switching unit extracts magnetic field intensity information of each axis, and inputs it to a sensitivity calculating unit. The sensitivity calculating unit calculates the sensitivity from the magnetic field intensity information about the individual axes from the magnetic sensitivity surfaces. The sensitivity calculating unit includes an axial component analyzing unit for analyzing the flux density from the magnetic sensitivity surfaces into magnetic components of the individual axes; a sensitivity decision unit for deciding the sensitivity by comparing the individual axial components of the magnetic field intensity from the axial component analyzing unit with a reference value; and a sensitivity correction unit for carrying out sensitivity correction in accordance with the sensitivity information from the sensitivity decision unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: ASAHI KASEI EMD CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masaya Yamashita, Yo Yamagata
  • Publication number: 20100109663
    Abstract: A magnetic device comprises a magnetic element, a first magnetic field applying means, and a second magnetic field applying means. The first and second magnetic field applying means are disposed on mutually opposite sides of the magnetic element. The magnetic element is, for example, an element in which a soft magnetic film is formed in a meandering shape on a nonmagnetic substrate. The first and second magnetic field applying means create a magnetic field in one direction from the first magnetic field applying means toward the second magnetic field applying means. The bias magnetic field in one direction is thereby applied to the entire soft magnetic film in the magnetic element disposed between the first and second magnetic field applying means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: Fujikura Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhisa ITOI, Katsubumi Nagasu, Takuya Aizawa, Osamu Nakao, Shigekazu Kawai
  • Publication number: 20100109662
    Abstract: An arrangement and a method for influencing and/or detecting magnetic particles in a region of action is disclosed, which arrangement comprises: selection means for generating a magnetic selection field having a pattern in space of its magnetic field strength such that a first sub-zone having a low magnetic field strength and a second sub-zone having a higher magnetic field strength are formed in the region of action, drive means for changing the position in space of the two sub-zones in the region of action by means of a magnetic drive field so that the magnetization of the magnetic particles changes locally, wherein the selection means comprise at least one permanent magnet comprising a high resistive permanent magnet material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Bernhard Gleich, Jurgen Weizenecker
  • Patent number: 7710107
    Abstract: A device and method for disclosing position of a positionable input by positioning the input over a range of positions to cause the magnitude of the directional component of a vector representing a field or force produced by a source to change from a reference magnitude or reference direction as the input is being positioned while an electric circuit that contains a sensor for sensing the directional component is changing the value of an electric signal for restoring the magnitude of the directional component being sensed by the sensor to the reference magnitude or reference direction, and using the value of the electric signal to disclose the position of the input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventor: Gary Don Cochran
  • Publication number: 20100102810
    Abstract: A system for monitoring the condition of a conveyor belt having magnetically permeable cords, has a magnetic field generator for generating a magnetic field to magnetize the cords, in use, a magnetic field sensing unit for sensing the magnetic field provided, in use, by the cords, the sensing unit comprising an array of spaced magnetic field sensors, the spacing of the sensors being sufficiently close to discriminate between adjacent cords. The spacing of the sensors depends on the spacing of the cords, and may be less than half the spacing between cords of a conveyor belt. The sensors may be direction sensitive and the sensors may be oriented in more than one direction, to sense the perpendicular and other components of the magnetic field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: Advance Imaging Technologies (Proprietary) Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael John Alport, Frederick Jacques Basson, Thavashen Padayachee
  • Publication number: 20100102809
    Abstract: A three-dimensional real-time differential gradiometric magnetometer (DGM) array, system and method of use. The DGM exploits differential and gradiometric parametrics of an induced magnetic field anomaly surrounding an object interacting with an applied magnetic field. The DGM integrates differential magnetic field measurement with gradiometric magnetic field measurement into a single system. The DGM detects, locates and maps objects, while simultaneously measuring the distance between the DGM detection array and the object, axial orientation, apparent magnetic mass and magnetic moment. The DGM employs a signal processing technique to nullify source noise from the earth's magnetic field, external radio frequency transmissions and electromagnetic noise. A linear geometric architecture comprising a plurality of magnetometers forming the array enables the DGM to collect information directly in the spatial domain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventor: Wayne A. May
  • Publication number: 20100097056
    Abstract: A nano-SQUID (superconducting quantum interference device) method and system for detecting a magnetic field associated with a nano-sample. A magnetic field of a nano-sample (1130) is coupled through the nano-SQUID hole/loop (720), by placing the sample within the SQUID loop. A static field (Bp) is applied across the nano-SQUID, substantially perpendicular to a sensitivity axis of the nano-SQUID. A perturbation field (Bm) is applied across the nano-SQUID, substantially perpendicular to the sensitivity axis of the nano-SQUID and substantially perpendicular to the static field. A behaviour of the magnetic field of the nano-sample caused by the static field and perturbation field is monitored by monitoring an output of the nano-SQUID. The nano-SQUID can be operated in open loop mode without flux locked loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: COMMONWEALTH SCIENTIFIC AND INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH ORGANISATION
    Inventors: Simon Kwai Hung Lam, David Louis Tilbrook, Peter Frederick Vohralik
  • Publication number: 20100097236
    Abstract: Measuring device (1) for the electromagnetic field emitted by an apparatus being tested (11, 14), including a support (3) being mobile in relation to the apparatus being tested, at least one electromagnetic sensor (8) fixed to the support and driving elements (5,6) capable of rotating the support around the apparatus being tested, characterized in that it includes at least one light source (9) adjacent to the electromagnetic sensor and capable of emitting light according to the electromagnetic field measured by the electromagnetic sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: INRETS - INSTITUT NATIONAL DE RECHERCHE SUR LES TRANSPORTS ET LEUR SECURITE
    Inventors: Jean Rioult, Marc Heddebaut, Virginie Collins-Deniau
  • Publication number: 20100079135
    Abstract: In a magnetic detecting device, conductive patterns are formed on a substrate in a surrounding region outside chips, except for a region between the chips. Inner connection pads formed on each of the chips are wire-bonded to their corresponding conductive patterns, so that the chips are electrically connected to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideto Ando, Kiyoshi Sato
  • Publication number: 20100073796
    Abstract: A device for sensing a magnetic field is described. The device comprises first, second and third leads and a junction between the leads. The junction and leads are arranged in a plane and the junction is configured to exhibit quantum confinement in a direction perpendicular to the plane. The first lead is arranged on one side of the junction and the second and third leads are arranged on an opposite side of the junction. The first lead is configured to limit angle of spread of charge carriers entering the junction so that, when charge carriers flow into the junction from the first lead, the charge carriers form a substantially nondivergent beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventors: Aleksey Andreev, David Williams, Ernesto E. Murinero, Bruce A. Gurney, Thomas D. Boone, JR.
  • Publication number: 20100072992
    Abstract: A magnetic field array for measuring spatial components of a magnetic field is proposed, in which with at least one magnetic field sensor utilizing the XMR effect in a magnetoresistive film structure, a further component, perpendicular or nonparallel to the film structure of the magnetic field to be detected, is detectable in that at least one flux concentrator is disposed above the film structure in such a way that the magnetic field lines in the peripheral regions of the flux concentrator are deflectable in such a way that there, the field lines embody a horizontal component of the magnetic field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventor: Christian BAUER
  • Publication number: 20100066359
    Abstract: An integrated circuit is provided with two output terminals and a mode switch circuit which includes a pair of switch terminals. The mode switch circuit is allowed to switch the output mode between the 1-output mode for outputting the (+) magnetic field detection signal and the (?) magnetic field detection signal from the output terminal, and the 2-output mode for outputting the (+) magnetic field signal from the output terminal as one of the output terminals, and the (?) magnetic field detection signal from the output terminal as the other output terminal in accordance with the shortcircuit state or the non-shortcircuit state between the switch terminals. The switch terminals are exposed on the surface of the device, and the shortcircuit state and the non-shortcircuit state may be externally adjusted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Sato, Hideto Ando, Hideki Gochou
  • Publication number: 20100066358
    Abstract: Magnetic signature assessment apparatus for a vehicle comprising sensors for incorporation in the vehicle to measure the magnetic field normal to a closed surface at least approximately bounding the vessel and processing means for calculating from the normal field measurements a scalar magnetic potential outside the surface. Apparatus may be provided on the vehicle to generate a magnetic field to suppress the magnetic signature corresponding to the scalar potential. The invention also extends to corresponding methods and to programs for implementing those methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: ULTRA ELECTRONICS LIMITED
    Inventors: Roger Twelvetrees, Emily Cox, Carl Ganderton, Paul Rawlins, Stephen Miles Watson
  • Patent number: 7676341
    Abstract: A magnetic sensor control device has an input section, a selection section, a calculation section, and a setting section. The input section inputs a plurality of magnetic data each having 3 components sequentially output from a 3-dimensional (3D) magnetic sensor. The selection section selects 4 magnetic data satisfying a predetermined 4-point selection condition from the plurality of the input magnetic data. The calculation section calculates a center point equally distant from 4 points corresponding to the 4 selected magnetic data. The setting section sets 3 components representing the center point as an offset of the magnetic data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventor: Ibuki Handa
  • Patent number: 7672707
    Abstract: This invention relates to a super-multichannel MEG system comprising sensors produced by printing sensor coils on thin films in positions shifted from each other and by laminating multiple thin-film sensor coils together. Intended for use in a multichannel MEG system comprising a dewar, the sensors are arrayed in the dewar to detect biomagnetism and the Superconducting QUantum Interference Devices (SQUIDs) to detect signals coming from the sensors. These sensors are characterized by the sensor coils being printed on thin films in positions shifted from each other laterally and longitudinally and by their being laminated in the required number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Japan Science and Technology Agency
    Inventor: Tsunehiro Takeda
  • Publication number: 20100045286
    Abstract: The invention concerns a current detection apparatus for detection of a current flowing through a conductor (1) by detection of a magnetic field surrounding the conductor. The current detection apparatus includes at least one sensor element (3) provided on a carrier portion (4) for detection of the magnetic field, and a predetermined region (S) of the conductor (1), at which the at least one sensor element is arranged. The conductor (1) in the predetermined region (S) has a plurality of conductor portions (11, 12; La, Lb) which have the current to be measured flowing therethrough in the same direction and which are spaced from each other by a predetermined spacing and which form an intermediate space (2). The carrier portion (4) is fitted into the intermediate space in such a way that the at least one sensor element (3) is arranged outside the intermediate space in adjacent relationship therewith in the magnetic field of the conductor (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: Robert Sueffer GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Kai Hotz, Rainer Dudzik
  • Publication number: 20100045284
    Abstract: An actuator capable of flagellar motion is disclosed. The actuator comprises a carbon nanotube (CNT) rope and at least one metal/CNT composite part formed on the CNT rope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: SNU R&DB FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Yong Hyup Kim, Wal Jun Kim
  • Publication number: 20100045285
    Abstract: A magnetic sensor element has a hard magnetic film 2 formed on a nonmagnetic substrate 1, an insulating layer 3 covering the top of the hard magnetic film 2, and a soft magnetic film 4 formed on the insulating layer 3. The magnetization direction of the hard magnetic film 2 has an angle ? relative to the longitudinal direction of the soft magnetic film 4. It is preferable that, in plan view when viewing the nonmagnetic substrate 1 from above, the hard magnetic film 2 is broader than the region in which the soft magnetic film 4 is formed, and all of the region in which the soft magnetic film 4 is entirely overlaps with the region in which the hard magnetic film 2 is formed. According to the present invention, a magnetic sensor element for which a constant bias magnetic field is obtained can be provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicants: Fujikura Ltd, Akita Prefecture
    Inventors: Kenichi Ohmori, Takuya Aizawa, Osamu Nakao, Kenji Tan
  • Publication number: 20100035637
    Abstract: A mobile computing device includes a housing, a camera, a display, a memory, and a processing circuit. The housing is configured to be carried by a user while in use. The camera is configured to output image data. The memory is configured to store geographic element data representing one or more geographic elements. The processing circuit is configured to receive the geographic element data for the plurality of geographic elements. The processing circuit is configured to determine a camera orientation. The processing circuit is configured to concurrently display the image data and geographic element data for the plurality of geographic elements on the display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Inventors: Anantakrishna Varanasi, Yoon Kean Wong, Junius Ho
  • Publication number: 20100026291
    Abstract: A method for measuring the pole position of a magnetic levitation vehicle on a magnetic levitation track. The pole orientation angle between the stator magnetic field of a track side stator and the magnetic reference axis of the magnetic levitation vehicle is determined by way of measured values from magnetic field sensors. The measured values for the stator magnetic field are measured using at least three magnetic field sensors, arranged along the vehicle longitudinal direction, a field strength value is determined for each measured value from the magnetic field sensors for each magnetic field sensor position and the pole orientation angle determined from at least a subset of the measured values from the magnetic field sensors when the determined field strength values meet given minimum requirements and, if not, an error signal is generated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Robert Schmid
  • Patent number: 7656159
    Abstract: A technique for locating stationary magnetic objects comprises placing magnetic sensors on a movable platform; for each sensor, measuring a total magnetic field signal in an area of detection; using the sensors to identify a line upon which a target stationary magnetic object is located; and fixing a location of the object by moving the platform in substantially straight lines until the object is detected by at least two of the sensors; using the measured signals to determine a first path on which the object lies; positioning the sensors so that a line connecting two of the sensors intersects the first path on which the object lies; moving the platform along a second path substantially parallel to the first path; recording two positions at which at least two of the sensors detect a maximum total magnetic field signal from the object; and identifying a third path through the two positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Alan S. Edelstein
  • Publication number: 20100019763
    Abstract: A method for measuring the pole position of a magnetic levitation vehicle in a magnetic levitation railway, wherein a supporting magnetic field is generated on the maglev vehicle as a result of a supporting magnetic current on the vehicle side being fed to at least one supporting magnet. The voltage in the stator on the track is measured and the pole position angle between a reference axis of the stator and a reference axis of the maglev vehicle is determined. The magnitude of the supporting magnetic current on the vehicle side and thus the supporting magnetic field is temporally modified and a voltage induced in the stator by the temporal modification of the magnitude of the supporting magnetic field is detected. The pole position angle is formed using the measured values for the induced voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Robert Schmid
  • Patent number: 7651267
    Abstract: A sensor arrangement includes, in some embodiments, a magnetostrictive element configured to output magnetic signals in response to a magnetic field. A sensor is configured to sense a value of a property of a selected object, and to provide an electrical resistance that varies in response to variations in the sensed value. The sensor cooperates with the magnetostrictive element to vary the frequency of the signals output by the magnetostrictive element based on variations of the electrical resistance provided by the sensor. A transmitter provides an alternating magnetic field to the magnetostrictive element, and a receiver picks up the magnetic signals generated by the magnetostrictive element. The frequency of the signals received is correlated with the sensor resistance, and the resistance is correlated to a value of the property sensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Phillip Gonzales, Ronald Elder
  • Patent number: 7652572
    Abstract: Methods for detecting and locating ferromagnetic objects in a security screening system. One method includes a step of acquiring magnetic data that includes magnetic field gradients detected during a period of time. Another step includes representing the magnetic data as a function of the period of time. Another step includes converting the magnetic data to being represented as a function of frequency. Another method includes a step of sensing a magnetic field for a period of time. Another step includes detecting a gradient within the magnetic field during the period of time. Another step includes identifying a peak value of the gradient detected during the period of time. Another step includes identifying a portion of time within the period of time that represents when the peak value occurs. Another step includes configuring the portion of time over the period of time to represent a ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC
    Inventors: Lyle Gene Roybal, Dale Kent Kotter, David Thomas Rohrbaugh, David Frazer Spencer
  • Patent number: 7649350
    Abstract: A railcar presence detector including magnetic field sensors spaced along the length of a rail track for detecting magnetic field disturbances caused by ferromagnetic objects, such as railcars, passing along the rail track. Each of the magnetic field sensors generates an output signal that is received by a control unit. The control unit compares the output signal from each of the magnetic field sensors to a detection threshold and controls the position of a contact member dependent upon the comparison between the output signal and the detection threshold. Each of the magnetic field sensors includes a test device that is selectively operable to modify the magnetic field near the magnetic field sensor to test the operation of the magnetic field sensor. During operation of the system including the magnetic field sensor, the control unit can automatically activate the test device to assure that each of the magnetic field sensors are operating properly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: AAA Sales & Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Heyden, Lowell Ziese
  • Publication number: 20100007344
    Abstract: Presented herein is a shunted MTJ sensor formed of a plurality of electrically connected MTJ cells for measuring magnetic fields and currents and its method of fabrication. To provide stable single domain magnetic moments of the MTJ cells and to ensure that the magnetic moments return to a fixed bias point in the absence of external magnetic fields, the cells are formed of sufficiently small size and with elliptical cross-section of aspect ratio greater than 1.2. To eliminate the possibility of ESD damage to the cells, they are protected by a parallel shunt, formed as a trace of sufficiently high resistance that directs accumulated charges harmlessly to ground while bypassing the cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventors: Yimin Guo, Grace Gorman
  • Publication number: 20090322325
    Abstract: An embodiment of a magnetic-field sensor includes a magnetic-field sensor arrangement and a magnetic body which has, for example, a non-convex cross-sectional area with regard to a cross-sectional plane running through the magnetic body, the magnetic body having an inhomogeneous magnetization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventor: Udo Ausserlechner
  • Patent number: 7639006
    Abstract: A handheld detector gives a warning when a magnetic field exceeds the safety level for a particular medical implant that is magnetically activated. A front surface of the device corresponds approximately to a surface region of a patient's body in a vicinity of an implanted medical device. The magnetic detection element is located at substantially the same distance from the front surface as the control element of the medical device is from the surface region of the patient's body when the device is implanted. The detector element may be activated by a magnetic pressure, that is the vector cross product of the magnetic flux density (B) of a magnet and the applied magnetic field (H), which is less than the magnetic pressure that activates the control element of the implant device. An electronic circuit connected to the detection element may be used to indicate activation of the detection element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Inventor: Kenneth S. Deffeyes
  • Publication number: 20090315555
    Abstract: A method and apparatus to detect non-cancelled magnetic field produced when current flows through an electric conductor are provided. The sensor includes multiple coils, which allow the sensor to be arbitrarily oriented and attach to the outside of an electrical power cable. Arbitrary orientation provides for easy of field installation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventor: Charles E. Heger
  • Publication number: 20090315554
    Abstract: A three-axis magnetic sensing device included on a single chip. An example three-axis magnetic sensing device includes first and second sensing components that sense magnetic fields along two orthogonal axes planar to a surface of a substrate and a third sensing component that senses a magnetic field along an axis out of plane of the surface of the substrate. The third sensing component includes a carbon-based material. In one example, the first and second sensing components are anisotropic magnetoresistive sensors. In another example, the carbon-based material includes carbon nanotubes and the third sensing component includes a needle attached to the carbon-based material and electrodes that make contact with the carbon-based material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: William Witcraft, Thomas Keyser, Thomas Ohnstein
  • Publication number: 20090296258
    Abstract: An electromagnetic field detecting element 10 includes a lamination of three insulation layers 2, 3, and 4. The dielectric breakdown strength of the insulation layer 3 is greater than the dielectric breakdown strengths of insulation layers 2 and 4. The three insulation layers 2, 3, and 4 are disposed between a pair of electrodes 5 and 6. Boundaries 7 and 8 on both ends of an overlapping region of the opposing surfaces 5a and 6a in a Z direction are apart from the insulation layer 3 by thicknesses t1 and t3 of the insulation layers 2 and 4, respectively. Between the pair of electrodes 5 and 6, ballistic current paths interposing therebetween the insulation layer 3 are formed by applying, between the pair of electrodes 5 and 6, an electric field having a magnitude which causes dielectric breakdown in the insulation layers 2 and 4 while causing no dielectric breakdown in the insulation layer 3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shintaro Miyanishi, Yasushi Ogimoto, Yoshiteru Murakami, Kunio Kojima
  • Publication number: 20090295382
    Abstract: One embodiment relates to a sensor. The sensor includes a first magnet having a first surface and a second magnet having a second surface. A differential sensing element extends alongside the first and second surfaces. The differential sensing element includes a first sensing element and a second sensing element. In addition, a layer of ferromagnetic or paramagnetic material runs between the first and second magnets and spaces the first and second magnets from one another. Other apparatuses and methods are also set forth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: Infineon Technologies North America Corp.
    Inventor: James William Sterling
  • Publication number: 20090243597
    Abstract: A security device, according to various aspects of the present invention, secures an area accessible through a portal (e.g., doorway, window opening, hatch, vent) against unreported ingress or egress (e.g., access). A security device monitors a portal or a portal cover (e.g., door, window, screen, flap) to provide reports of access; a warning of unauthorized access; authentication of authorized users; and status of the security device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: Quixcode LLC
    Inventors: John Spenik, Brian Woodbury, Roc Lastinger
  • Patent number: 7595650
    Abstract: A magnetic field probe apparatus includes a loop-like conductor and feeder lines spaced at a distance from the loop-like conductor. The shape of the loop-like conductor and the arrangement of the feeder lines are adjusted in such a manner that the resonance frequency determined by the combination of the inductance of the loop-like conductor line and the capacitance formed between the looped-conductor and the feeder lines, is matched to the frequency of the magnetic field generated by and in the vicinity of a measurement object (e.g. electronic device) or the frequency of the electric signal which generates the magnetic field. With the magnetic field probe apparatus according to this invention, the magnetic field in the vicinity of the measurement object can be measured with high sensitivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroki Funato, Takashi Suga, Kouichi Uesaka
  • Patent number: 7595637
    Abstract: A Apparatus for Digital measurement of Quick break voltage and Magnetic pulse duration with microcontroller performs detection and measurement of both shot time (pulse duration) and quick break voltage, absolute value circuit makes detection polarity insensitive, allowing the magnetic pick up probe to be oriented either way in the customer's magnetizing unit coil, precision analog to digital convertor allows software peak detection of quick break voltage under software control of microcontroller, precision timebase of microcontroller allows accurate shot time (pulse duration) measurement, magnetic pick up probe serves as the input transducer for the for the noise free measurement of both shot time and quick break voltage, and microcontroller provides input blanking to ensure capturing the correct voltage spike for quick break voltage detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Inventor: Gregory James Falk
  • Publication number: 20090218163
    Abstract: The pressure detection device includes a buffer member deformable by a pressure change, including one or more magnets, and a sensor assembly including one or more magnetic sensors to detect a variation of a magnetic field accompanied by deformation of the buffer member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kesatoshi TAKEUCHI, Yojiro OKAKURA