For Insulation Fault Of Noncircuit Elements Patents (Class 324/557)
  • Patent number: 11644499
    Abstract: A device, a system, and a method for testing a PCB are provided. The PCB includes a first electrical contact and is applied to a display panel. The device includes a test board, a display assembly, a circuit unit, an aligning portion, and a pressing portion. The PCB and the display assembly are positioned on the test board. One end of the circuit unit defines a second electrical contact, and the other end of the circuit unit defines a third electrical contact. The aligning portion is configured to align the first and the second electrical contacts. The third electrical contact is electrically communicated with the display assembly via an electrically conductive adhesive. The pressing portion is configured to press the circuit unit, so that the second electrical contact is electrically connected with the first electrical contact and the display assembly is electrically communicated with the PCB.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignees: HKC CORPORATION LIMITED, CHONGQING HKC OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Guang Hui Zhang
  • Patent number: 11506633
    Abstract: A defect inspection system includes a storage. The defect inspection system also includes a corrosion enhancing defect manager that obtains a circuit card including a trace that is to be encapsulated by a protective layer adapted to reduce corrosion of the trace; applies a voltage potential to the trace while the circuit card is disposed in a visual indicator bath; obtains an image of the trace while the voltage potential is applied; makes a determination, based on the image, that a visual indicator generated by the visual indicator bath is included in the image; and based on the determination: identifies a portion of the trace corresponding to the visual indicator; and applies encapsulant to the portion of the trace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Steven Embleton, Jon Taylor Fitch
  • Patent number: 11397126
    Abstract: A leak detection system includes a high voltage leak detection (HVLD) testing system configured to inspect a package using a HVLD apparatus that includes an inspection electrode and a detection electrode. The leak detection system includes a grounding system that includes a grounding element. The grounding system is configured to remove, significantly reduce, or conduct away electric charge accumulation on the package. The leak detection system also includes a controller configured to operate and coordinate the operation of the grounding system with the operation of the HVLD testing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: Packaging Technologies and Inspection, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew William O'Sullivan, Heinz Wolf, Ross Treloar, Sandipan Saha
  • Patent number: 11226281
    Abstract: Techniques for non-invasive diagnosis and/or monitoring of corrosion in high temperature systems using specialized sensors that produce multi-mode acoustic signals in situ for accurate determination of wall loss and/or physical property changes for a vessel in contact with a high temperature, highly corrosive substance are disclosed. Sensitivity of a few microns (or about 0.1%) of wall loss, detection of changes in physical properties of vessel contents (e.g., approximately 1%), or both, at temperatures of 500° C., 600° C., or higher may be realized. Corrosion may be identified and/or monitored using time domain, frequency domain, or mixed time domain and frequency domain analysis of signal characteristics, signal delay, or both, for relatively short circumferential acoustic wave propagation (e.g., a few inches), as well as relatively long axial acoustic wave propagation (e.g., tens of feet).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: Triad National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Alp Tugrul Findikoglu, George Scott Goff
  • Patent number: 11131566
    Abstract: An electrostatic sensor detecting a position of an object being approaching the electrostatic sensor includes a first electrode group including electrodes, a second electrode group including electrodes adjacent to the electrodes of the first electrode group, detection circuits connected to electrodes selected from among the electrodes of the first and second electrode groups and having first alternating-current sources and current measurement units, a second alternating-current source connected to unselected electrodes among the electrodes of the first and second electrode groups, and a controller. The controller successively selects electrodes to be connected to the detection circuits from among the electrodes of the first and second electrode groups, causes the selected electrodes to be connected to the detection circuits, and detects a position of the object based on current detected by the current measurement units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: Alps Alpine Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tatsumi Fujiyoshi
  • Patent number: 11016127
    Abstract: An apparatus and method measures and analyzes DC current passing through a substantially insulating member or dielectric material that is electrically connected to, or otherwise conductive, between an energized DC electrical transmission line and an Earth potential or ground. An apparatus may utilize a DC current measuring device, a DC voltage level selection switch, a DC display, a graphical display of momentary leakage current, and an audio speaker. A process may entail extending a substantially insulating member or dielectric material between an energized DC electrical transmission line and an Earth potential, detecting a DC momentary leakage current, using a DC momentary leakage current meter to measure DC current through the member or material, and a computer to analyze and compare the DC current, and deliver results or a warning that the DC current has reached a threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Quanta Associates, L.P.
    Inventors: David James Ball, Donald William McLennan
  • Patent number: 10712229
    Abstract: A first embodiment of a detection apparatus arranged to detect defects within a flexible pipe body comprises a signal generator, a receiver, a correlator and a processor. A second embodiment of a detection apparatus arranged to detect defects within a flexible pipe at least partially surrounded by seawater comprises an impedance monitor and a processor. Methods of detecting defects within a flexible pipe body, a pipeline apparatus and methods of forming pipeline apparatuses are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: GE Oil & Gas UK Limited
    Inventors: Geoffrey Stephen Graham, Phillip Edward Harley, William James Shephard
  • Patent number: 10539467
    Abstract: A container system includes a flexible bag, a probe port, and a probe. The probe port includes an elongated tubular member having an interior surface bounding a first passageway extending between a first end and an opposing second end, the tubular member being made of a polymeric or elastomeric material and being flexible. The probe port also includes a flange coupled to the tubular member and radially outwardly projecting therefrom, the flange being secured to the flexible bag so that the first end of the tubular member projects into a chamber of the flexible bag while the second end of the first passageway of the tubular member is accessible from outside of the flexible bag. The probe can be received within the first passageway of the probe port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Life Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Michael E. Goodwin
  • Patent number: 10197530
    Abstract: A method and a device for testing for the presence of micro-holes or microcracks in a bottom surface of test objects includes an upper electrode arranged above a transport level and a lower electrode arranged below the transport level. The magnitude of a test voltage generated by two voltage sources connected in series is controlled at the electrodes so that the test voltage is greater than or equal to the breakdown voltage between the electrodes in air, and smaller than the breakdown voltage through a test object without holes or cracks. The test voltage is controlled temporally and synchronously with the movement of the test objects, so that the test voltage is only applied when one of the test objects is located between the electrodes. A hole or crack is recognized by a breakdown to the discharge path between the electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: INTRAVIS GESELLSCHAFT FÜR LIEFERUNGEN UND LEISTUNGEN VON BILDGEBENDEN UND BILDVERARBEITENDEN ANLAGEN UND VERFAHREN MBH
    Inventors: Klaus Schönhoff, Holger Zirnig, Olaf Koziessa, Gerd Fuhrmann
  • Patent number: 10132714
    Abstract: A first embodiment of a detection apparatus arranged to detect defects within a flexible pipe body comprises a signal generator, a receiver, a correlator and a processor. A second embodiment of a detection apparatus arranged to detect defects within a flexible pipe at least partially surrounded by seawater comprises an impedance monitor and a processor. Methods of detecting defects within a flexible pipe body, a pipeline apparatus and methods of forming pipeline apparatuses are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: GE Oil & Gas UK Limited
    Inventors: Geoffrey Stephen Graham, Phillip Edward Harley, William James Shephard
  • Patent number: 10096896
    Abstract: A diaphragm is described, wherein the diaphragm includes at least two layers, wherein at least one of the two layers is made of an elastomer, and wherein an electric circuit is provided between the two layers. In at least one of the two layers of the diaphragm, a conductive insert is provided, by means of which an electrical connection of the electric circuit to or from the outside of the diaphragm can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: GEMUE Gebr. Mueller Apparatebau GmbH & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft
    Inventors: Gert Mueller, Werner Floegel
  • Patent number: 9895187
    Abstract: A scanning cannula for scanning an electrosurgical instrument for electrical insulation defects includes an elongated sleeve having a receiving end, an opposite exit end, and a passageway extending from the receiving end to the exit end. At least one sweeping contact is disposed in the passageway. A circuit in the sleeve is electrically connected to the at least one sweeping contact. A communication device is connected to the circuit to transmit signals from the circuit to a switchbox of a surgical instrument. An electrosurgical instrument inserted into the receiving end of the sleeve passes through the at least one sweeping contact, and any electrical defect of the electrosurgical instrument detected by the at least one sweeping contact is relayed as an error signal to the circuit, which communicates the error signal to the switchbox. The switchbox cuts current to the electrosurgical instrument and signals an alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: RF KINETICS INC.
    Inventor: Steve Livneh
  • Patent number: 9771703
    Abstract: A complete decreased mistake-proof high-reliability waterproofing system is revealed that integrates the waterproofing membrane, drain panel, and abrasion-protected filter fabric, using a factory-controlled process; furthermore, the system incorporates intrinsic devices for installation verification and leak-detection, and the potential for in situ mapping of the functional topography of the waterproofing installation over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: BuildTech Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Aaron Golding, Jr., George Baggs
  • Patent number: 9575110
    Abstract: An insulation detecting device includes a control unit configured to monitor a measurement voltage of a flying capacitor charged through a second path, and in a case where a measurement voltage is about 0 V (zero volt), control a switching of switches, control a charging of the flying capacitor through a third path and a measuring of a charged voltage of the flying capacitor charged through the third path, and measure a first measurement voltage in a first time after the switching to the third path and a second measurement voltage in a second time different from the first time, and a calculating unit configured to calculate a ground fault resistance formed between a direct-current power supply and a ground based on the first measurement voltage and the second measurement voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Kawamura
  • Patent number: 9182431
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for determining an actual insulation resistance RISO in IT systems grounded with a functional grounding resistance RHRG, comprising constant insulation monitoring. In one embodiment of the invention, the functional grounding resistance RHRG is determined during the initial inspection of the IT system, determining a total insulation resistance Rges is carried out during the constant insulation monitoring, and the actual insulation resistance RISO is determined during the operation of the IT system from the functional grounding resistance RHRG and the total insulation resistance Rges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: BENDER GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Wolfgang Hofheinz
  • Patent number: 9041413
    Abstract: An electric leakage detection apparatus may quickly detect an electric leakage. An electric leakage detection apparatus includes a pulse generator that supplies a pulse to a coupling capacitor, a voltage detector that detects a voltage at the coupling capacitor, an electric leakage determination unit that compares the voltage detected by the voltage detector to a first threshold and determines presence or absence of the electric leakage of a DC power supply based on a comparison result. The electric leakage detection apparatus also includes a discharge determination unit that compares the voltage detected by the voltage detector to a second threshold lower than the first threshold and determines whether the detection voltage becomes lower than the second threshold by a discharge of the coupling capacitor. The pulse generator generates a new pulse when the discharge determination unit determines that the detection voltage becomes lower than the second threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: OMRON AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hideaki Naruse, Satoru Miyamoto, Masaki Fujii, Kazushi Kodaira, Yoshihiro Ikushima
  • Patent number: 9033620
    Abstract: A geomembrane liner for a containment system including liner panels and connected by a seam at overlapped edges, with the top panel having a conductive lower surface which is non-conductive across the seam. Heat welding of the seams is accomplished by a welder having a heating unit with a projection which interrupts the conductive lower surface of the top panel before forming the seam. Such seams may be used separately or selectively with a lined containment system having a plurality of liner panels covering at least a portion of the containment system bottom. The liner panels have a conductive lower surface and overlap with adjacent panels, and conductive members underlie adjacent panels and contact the conductive lower surface of both adjacent panels to provide an electrical connection between the conductive lower surfaces of the adjacent panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: GSE Environmental, LLC
    Inventors: Jimmie Gordon Youngblood, Jr., David James Gallagher, Edward Joseph Zimmel
  • Patent number: 8890553
    Abstract: A method detects one or more cracks in a piezoelectric element interposed between a pair of electrodes and deforms according to a voltage applied thereto through the pair of electrodes. The method includes steps of applying a voltage at least at a resonance frequency of the piezoelectric element to the piezoelectric element through the pair of electrodes, measuring a dielectric tangent between the pair of electrodes under the applied voltage, and detecting if there are cracks in the piezoelectric element according to the measured dielectric tangent. The dielectric tangent of the piezoelectric element at the resonance frequency has a large peak or no peak depending on whether or not the piezoelectric element has cracks. Accordingly, the method easily and surely detects if the piezoelectric element has cracks according to the dielectric tangent of the piezoelectric element measured at the resonance frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: NHK Spring Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eijiro Furuta, Hajime Arai
  • Patent number: 8829915
    Abstract: The leakage resistance detection device includes a coupling capacitor having one terminal connected to an on-board high voltage device and another terminal connected to a repetitive signal output circuit, and measures a leakage resistance as a function of a transition time during which a monitoring voltage, which is a potential at the another terminal of the coupling capacitor to be charged/discharged in response to an operation of a charge/discharge switching element that operates in response to a repetitive pulse signal, changes from one predetermined voltage to reach another predetermined voltage. When the measured leakage resistance has become equal to or smaller than a predetermined limit leakage resistance, the leakage resistance detection device generates a resistance abnormality determination output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsunori Nishida, Yuji Zushi, Kouichi Yasukawa
  • Patent number: 8823412
    Abstract: An automated EL CID inspection technique for the stator core of an electrical machine is provided. The inspection device includes a rail, a pickup coil and a coil support assembly. The coil support assembly includes a first part movable along the rail, and a second part where the pickup coil is actually installed. The second part is movable jointly with the first part along the rail, while also being movable relative to the first part in a direction towards or away from the stator core. A motor actuates a motion of the coil support assembly. During inspection, the motor is activated, upon which the coil support assembly moves along the rail while a specified distance is maintained between the stator core and the pickup coil by the relative motion between the first and second parts. The technique is particularly applicable in a step-iron portion of the stator core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. Jaszcar, Mark W. Fischer
  • Patent number: 8810259
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of this invention relates to a method of inspection of a filled hard capsule sealed with a solvent sealing agent, including a process for determining the quality of the seal. The process may include: supplying a filled hard capsule sealed with a solvent sealing agent; supplying a microwave resonator wherein a measuring field having a resonance curve is generated; directing the capsule through the measuring field; measuring characteristics related to the modification of the resonance curve produced by the presence of the capsule in the measuring field, in comparison with a reference resonance curve corresponding to an empty state of the resonator; and using the measured characteristics to determine a value associated with the quality of the seal. Other exemplary embodiments of this invention relates to a method for sorting capsules on the basis of the result of the inspection method and to an associated equipment able to carry out such methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Capsugel Belgium NV
    Inventors: Hans-Rainer Herrmann, Tom Regina Augustinus Huysmans, Udo Schlemm
  • Patent number: 8786277
    Abstract: A magnetic signal noise reduction and detection system has inputs configured to receive data from a first total field scalar magnetometer, data from a vector magnetometer, and data from a position, velocity and heading sensor, a signal processor configured with a pre-processor system, an adaptive noise cancellation system and a detection system, the pre-processor system configured to carry out initial processing of data received. The pre-processor is configured to convert data to the frequency domain and pass the converted data to the adaptive noise cancellation system. The adaptive noise cancellation system is configured to carry out multivariate regression on the converted data to reduce detected noise. The detection system is configured to detect magnetic anomalies and output information in real time about the magnetic anomalies to a user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Raytheon Applied Signal Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Webb, Aaron C. White
  • Patent number: 8766645
    Abstract: A method for tracking the deterioration of the insulators in a rotating machine, a method for preventive maintenance of these machines using this tracking and devices using the tracking method is presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Gérard Friedrich, Marie Jaillet-Delclaud, Emilie Renouard-Mouren, David Laurent, Bernard Mineur, Emmanuel Odic
  • Patent number: 8736279
    Abstract: An electric leakage detection protective circuit comprises two normally closed switches. The live wire at the power output terminal is connected to the live wire output plug bush at the power output plug jack via a normally closed switch and constitutes a group of live wire conductors at the power output side; the neutral wire at power output terminal is connected to the neutral wire output plug bush at the power output plug jack via a normally closed switch and constitutes a group of neutral wire conductors at the power output side. When the outlet reset button is at either a trip position or a reset position, the power live wire output terminal is connected to the live wire output plug bush of the power output plug jack, and the power neutral wire output terminal is connected to the neutral output plug bush of the power output plug jack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventor: Huadao Huang
  • Patent number: 8692560
    Abstract: A method for testing a mask article includes the steps of electrically connecting the mask article to an electrical sensor, applying a bias voltage to a plurality of testing sites of the mask article with a conductor, measuring at least one current distribution of the testing sites with the electrical sensor, and determining the quality of the mask article by taking the at least one current distribution into consideration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Taiwan Mask Corporation
    Inventor: Ming-Chih Chen
  • Publication number: 20140009169
    Abstract: A method and a device for detecting defects in a packaging laminate having at least one conductive layer are provided. The method comprises the steps of grounding the conductive layer of the packaging laminate, arranging an electrode adjacent to the packaging laminate, applying a high voltage to the electrode by ramping the voltage from an initial value towards an upper predetermined value, and detecting a defect in the packaging material by registering dielectric breakdown between the electrode and the conductive layer of the packaging laminate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Philippe Langois, Hans Hallstadius
  • Patent number: 8604806
    Abstract: A method for testing a mask article includes steps of electrically connecting the mask article to an electrical sensor, applying a bias voltage to a plurality of testing sites of the mask article with a conductor, measuring at least one current distribution of the testing sites with the electrical sensor, and determining the quality of the mask article by taking the at least one current distribution into consideration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Taiwan Mask Corporation
    Inventor: Ming-Chih Chen
  • Patent number: 8502544
    Abstract: A method for testing a mask article includes the steps of electrically connecting the mask article to an electrical sensor, applying a bias voltage to a plurality of testing sites of the mask article with a conductor, measuring at least one current distribution of the testing sites with the electrical sensor, and determining the quality of the mask article by taking the at least one current distribution into consideration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Taiwan Mask Corporation
    Inventors: Ming-Chih Chen, Hsiang-Jen Yang, Chen-Rui Tseng
  • Patent number: 8456168
    Abstract: An overhead power transmission line system includes detector circuitry to detect a flashover event on a power line conductor in response to test over voltage excitations applied to the power line conductor applied. Processing circuitry establishes an operational voltage level for the power line conductor taking into account the lowest applied test over voltage excitation that causes a flashover event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8368406
    Abstract: An insulation measuring apparatus having a measuring circuit including a first capacitor; a control unit that reads a voltage set on the first capacitor to decide an insulation state of a power supply, and control a path configuration of the measuring circuit; a switching section provided in a path located between the measuring circuit and the control unit; and a second capacitor provided between a ground and a path located between the switching section and the control unit. The control unit controls the path configuration of the measuring circuit, by turning ON the switching section to set a voltage corresponding to the voltage that is set on the first capacitor on the second capacitor, and then by turning OFF the switching section to read the voltage set on the second capacitor and to discharge an electric charge corresponding to the voltage being set on the first capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Kawamura
  • Patent number: 8362784
    Abstract: A capacitor capacitance diagnosis device includes a power supply which is for charging a capacitor, a discharge circuit which is connected to the capacitor in parallel to discharge energy of the capacitor, a resistance dividing circuit which is for measuring voltage drop value during discharging, a measurement circuit which measures divided voltage, and a diagnosis circuit which determines adequacy of capacitor capacitance from a time change in voltage due to the discharge. This makes it possible to diagnose adequacy of capacitor capacitance of an electric power apparatus during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Yasushi Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 8350516
    Abstract: A control device controls a switching operation of a switching element such that an AC voltage allowing an AC motor to output torque in accordance with a torque command value is applied to a coil winding of each phase. The control device sets a gate resistance variably between a first pulse voltage at the time of reversal of polarity of the AC voltage and a remaining pulse voltage, in a drive circuit for turning on/off the switching element in response to a switching control signal. By making longer a time period for the first pulse voltage at the time of reversal of polarity to rise, occurrence of partial discharge in a gap between coil windings of respective phases is suppressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shigeto Takeuchi, Tomotsugu Taira
  • Patent number: 8248080
    Abstract: An electrical power transmission system includes electrical insulators arranged to electrically isolate live power lines. Measurement devices are physically incorporated or integrated in the insulator structures. The measurement devices measure and report insulator properties during live wire conditions. A method includes deploying a measurement device in physical contact with an insulator in use to electrically isolate a power transmission line. This method also includes measuring properties of the insulator in use with the measurement device at substantially within time intervals corresponding to voltage zero crossings in the power transmission line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLC
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jordin T. Kare, David B. Tuckerman, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Victoria Y. H. Wood
  • Publication number: 20120206153
    Abstract: An electric leakage detection apparatus may quickly detect an electric leakage. An electric leakage detection apparatus includes a pulse generator that supplies a pulse to a coupling capacitor, a voltage detector that detects a voltage at the coupling capacitor, an electric leakage determination unit that compares the voltage detected by the voltage detector to a first threshold and determines presence or absence of the electric leakage of a DC power supply based on a comparison result. The electric leakage detection apparatus also includes a discharge determination unit that compares the voltage detected by the voltage detector to a second threshold lower than the first threshold and determines whether the detection voltage becomes lower than the second threshold by a discharge of the coupling capacitor. The pulse generator generates a new pulse when the discharge determination unit determines that the detection voltage becomes lower than the second threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: OMRON AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hideaki Naruse, Satoru Miyamoto, Masaki Fujii, Kazushi Kodaira, Yoshihiro Ikushima
  • Publication number: 20120206152
    Abstract: An electric leakage detection apparatus may quickly detect an electric leakage. An electric leakage detection apparatus may include a pulse generator that supplies a pulse to a coupling capacitor, a voltage detector that detects a voltage at the coupling capacitor, an electric leakage determination unit that compares the voltage detected by the voltage detector with a threshold, and determines presence or absence of the electric leakage of a DC power supply based on a comparison result. The electric leakage detection apparatus may also include a discharge circuit that is operated for a constant time after the pulse falls and forcedly discharges a charge of the coupling capacitor. The pulse generator generates a new pulse when the constant time elapses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: Omron Automotive Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideaki Naruse, Satoru Miyamoto, Masaki Fujii, Kazushi Kodaira, Yoshihiro Ikushima
  • Patent number: 8242786
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for partial discharge testing of an insulation component, wherein at least one X-ray pulse is applied to the insulation component, an AC voltage is applied to the insulation component and the partial discharge induced by the at least one X-ray pulse is measured, wherein the dose rate of the at least one X-ray pulse is at least about 10?2 Gray/s. The disclosure relates further to a system for partial discharge testing of an insulation component which includes a flash X-ray source for generating at least one X-ray pulse, an AC voltage source, a voltage sensor, a partial discharge sensor and a partial discharge detection device for evaluating the measured partial discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd
    Inventors: Henning Fuhrmann, Andrej Krivda
  • Patent number: 8232806
    Abstract: An insulation state detector detects an insulation state with respect to a ground potential portion of a DC power source on the basis of a charging voltage of a flying capacitor. The insulation state connector includes a detecting section that detects the insulation state of the DC power source by defining the charging voltage of the flying capacitor in the ground fault state as a charging voltage, in an unbalanced state where voltages across both ends of the positive-side Y capacitor and the negative-side Y capacitor are not equal to voltages obtained by dividing the voltage of the DC power source according to a voltage division ratio of the positive-side ground fault resistor and the negative-side ground fault resistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Kawamura
  • Publication number: 20120187958
    Abstract: An electric leakage detection protective circuit comprises two normally closed switches. The live wire at the power output terminal is connected to the live wire output plug bush at the power output plug jack via a normally closed switch and constitutes a group of live wire conductors at the power output side; the neutral wire at power output terminal is connected to the neutral wire output plug bush at the power output plug jack via a normally closed switch and constitutes a group of neutral wire conductors at the power output side. When the outlet reset button is at either a trip position or a reset position, the power live wire output terminal is connected to the live wire output plug bush of the power output plug jack, and the power neutral wire output terminal is connected to the neutral output plug bush of the power output plug jack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventor: Huadao Huang
  • Patent number: 8198902
    Abstract: An insulation state detector includes a capacitor, a measurement section measuring a charging voltage of the capacitor, a measuring circuit that connects the capacitor, which is insulated from a DC power source after being charged by the DC power source, between the measurement section and a ground potential portion, a detector detecting an insulation state of a voltage boosting circuit, and a reversed-polarity measuring circuit that connects the capacitor to the measurement section and the ground potential portion with reversed polarity when a potential corresponding to a division ratio of a positive-side ground fault resistor and a negative-side ground fault resistor on a secondary side of the voltage boosting circuit exceeds a positive potential of the DC power source and the capacitor is charged with reversed polarity by a secondary-side positive potential at the time of charging of the capacitor using the positive potential of the DC power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Kawamura
  • Patent number: 8174270
    Abstract: A high voltage power transmission system includes an insulator arranged to electrically isolate a live power transmission line and a testing device in physical contact with the insulator, The teat device measures properties of the insulator by conducting electrical tests of and/or optical examination on the insulator while it is in-service to electrically isolate the live power transmission line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jordin T. Kare, David B. Tuckerman, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Victoria Y. H. Wood
  • Publication number: 20110291668
    Abstract: A monitoring system for connector pins exposed to conductive/corrosive fluids and/or corrosive environments includes a first sensing portion having a pin monitoring section configured to measure a pin current flow of at least one conductor pin, and transfer a first signal. A second sensing portion produces a second signal indicating by a contactless determination the presence of a fastener providing physical connection between an interface member and a component. A decision logic device receives the first and second signals, compares the pin current flow to a predetermined range of values, and isolates electrical power to the conductor pin when the first signal indicates the pin current flow is outside the predetermined range of values. A sensor body created of a non-ferrous material and connected to the component includes a first insert member having the conductor pin and a second insert member defining a sensor sensing proximal presence of the fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: Harris Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher D. Mackey, Scott E. Bartholomew, Duncan G. Harris
  • Patent number: 8040139
    Abstract: A method of detecting a ground fault condition between a direct current power system and the chassis ground of an electric or hybrid-electric vehicle is provided. The method includes sequentially opening and closing a first switch connected between a positive node of the direct current power system and the chassis ground of the vehicle and a second switch connected between a negative node of direct current power system and the chassis ground. The sequential opening and closing of the first and second switches charges and discharges an inherent capacitance present between the metal components of the direct current power system and the chassis. First and second currents are created as the inherent capacitance is charged and discharged. Measurements of the created first and second currents are then used to determine whether a ground fault condition exists between the direct current power system and the vehicle chassis ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Plagens, Brian Fritz
  • Patent number: 8030946
    Abstract: Systems, methods and program products of instructions stored on a computer readable medium related to a tether free piggable inspection tool capable of detecting holidays and able to read and store non-conductive internal coating thickness values in very long conductive pipes, along with distance values for further off-line analysis, are provided. The inspection tool includes a plurality of thickness probes, a data storage unit, a control unit, a plurality of navigation wheels and a holiday detector that uses an electrical conductive medium, such as a gas or fluid, as the ground connection. A closed loop configuration is adopted allowing the system to autocorrect itself for different coating thicknesses along the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: itRobotics, Inc.
    Inventors: Matias Brusco, Anour Jamoussi, Roderic K. Stanley, Fathi H. Ghorbel
  • Patent number: 8008932
    Abstract: A component made of electrically insulating material with a detection structure for mechanical damage such as cracks is disclosed. The detection structure is a conductor. The electrical properties of the detection structure are modified as more and more cracks are formed such that the component will be replaced in time before breaking. The electrical conductor is formed by particles that are in contact with each other and have a metallic surface such that an electrical conductor is created which is particularly sensitive to mechanical damage, thus rendering the detection structure highly sensitive. Furthermore, if the metallic surface is produced merely by cladding the particles while the inside of the particles is made of the same material as the component, a conductor featuring an adapted thermal expansion behavior is created for components that are subject to great thermal stress, e.g. heat shield panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Frank Arndt, Ursus Krüger, Oliver Stier
  • Patent number: 7852089
    Abstract: A ground-fault detection system and method for detecting loss of electrical isolation in a vehicle or other system that uses a high voltage (HV) power net. The loss of electrical isolation may be determined by charging HV capacitors, then connecting them at different times between the power-net HV wires and the ground (or vehicle chassis), and measuring their remaining charge after a fixed period. The HV system can be regarded as properly isolated from ground or not as a function of the energy lost by the aforementioned capacitors during their connection to the HV power net.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Miguel Angel Acena, Jordi Escoda
  • Patent number: 7847560
    Abstract: A defect in a horizontal or vertical seam at the edge of a roof membrane is detected by applying a DC voltage between the roof deck a probe in the form of a flexible wetted sponge and wiping the sponge probe over the seams. The current to the probe is detected and indicated to the operator so that the operator may determine a maximum current at the defect. The receiver provides an audible signal emitter to the operator and includes a calibration circuit arranged to automatically maintain, despite changes in voltage applied between the roof deck and the peripheral conductor, a “0” set calibration point so as to indicate at the calibration point when zero difference in voltage is detected. Conductors can be applied to the membrane to define an area to be tested within the conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Detec Systems LLC.
    Inventor: David E. Vokey
  • Patent number: 7847563
    Abstract: A test system includes a front bezel of an electronic device and a test device. The front bezel includes a plurality of positions defined in the front bezel, a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) located in the plurality of positions, and a female LED connector connected to the plurality of LEDs. The test device includes a male LED connector electrically connected to the female LED connector, and a programmable logic device (PLD) electrically connected to the male LED connector, and configured to control the LEDs to emit light in a sequence to determine if the plurality of LEDs are correctly located in the correct plurality of positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Xiang-Yun Kong
  • Patent number: 7808250
    Abstract: There is provided a test method for detecting the presence or absence of a defect in a spark plug insulator, including a reference voltage determination process, a test area determination process, a test voltage determination process and a current detection process. In the reference voltage determination process, a reference voltage VF is determined. In the test area and voltage determined processes, test area and voltage are determined so as not to incur a flashover on the basis of a reference insulator of the same material, shape and size as the spark plug insulator when the reference insulator is placed in position between first and second test electrodes. In the current detection step, the test voltage is applied between the first and second test electrodes to detect an electric current between the first and second test electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshitaka Honda, Hirokazu Kurono, Tomoaki Kato
  • Patent number: 7768270
    Abstract: Systems, methods and program products related to a tether free pigable inspection tool capable of detecting holidays and able to read and store non-conductive internal coating thickness values in very long conductive pipes, along with distance values for further off-line analysis, are provided. The inspection tool includes a plurality of thickness probes, a data storage unit, a control unit, a plurality of navigation wheels and a holiday detector that uses an electrical conductive medium, such as a gas or fluid, as the ground connection. A closed loop configuration is adopted allowing the system to autocorrect itself for different coating thicknesses along the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: itRobotics, Inc.
    Inventors: Matias Brusco, Anouar Jamoussi, Roderic K. Stanley, Fathi H. Ghorbel
  • Patent number: 7652481
    Abstract: A leak in a membrane on top of a horizontal roof deck is located by applying conductive wires on the membrane underneath the aggregate in a grid pattern. A measuring and switching circuit generates voltage having a positive attached to the roof deck and a negative attached to the wires. The circuit has a relay for each wire which can be switched between a current sensor system and the negative potential. The sensor system is arranged to sense at each of the wires in turn the current flowing from the roof deck through any leak in the membrane to the wire. A microprocessor operates the relays in turn to connect all the other wires to the negative as a shield while each wire is sensed. From the output of the grid the changes in current in the x and y directions are analyzed to locate the leak in the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Detec Systems LLC
    Inventor: Davie E. Vokey