With Variable Electrode Area Patents (Class 324/660)
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Patent number: 8941390Abstract: A test system for medical devices that does not require physical contact with an electrical site along a conductive path is described. Not having to physical contact an electrical site while performing an electrical continuity test avoids potential damage to the site. The test system includes a fluidic channel that dispenses an electrolytic solution onto a first electrical site on the conductive path. A light source irradiates the first site to thereby induce a photoelectrochemical (PEC) effect at an interface thereof. The PEC effect produces a change in both the potential (i.e., voltage) and current carrying ability in the conductive path. That voltage or current is measured at a second site to determine whether there is electrical continuity or discontinuity between the sites on the conductive path.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2013Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: NeuroNexus Technologies, Inc.Inventors: John P. Seymour, Abeer Khurram
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Publication number: 20150015277Abstract: Some embodiments may include a capacitive rotary position encoder for the absolute determination of a rotary position about a rotary spindle. The rotary position encoder may include a transceiver unit, comprising a first arrangement of N electrically conductive, capacitive sensitivity areas which are embodied as angle segments over a defined angle range, which are distributed uniformly over the circumference, an electrically conductive reference area and an evaluation circuit, by means of which an electrical capacitance value between the reference area and one of the sensitivity areas is determinable. In some embodiments the sensitivity areas and the reference area are embodied as conductor track structures on a first electronics printed circuit board.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2014Publication date: January 15, 2015Inventors: Peter FORRER, Siegfried WILTSCHE
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Patent number: 8917099Abstract: A MEMS device has a movable beam, a differential capacitor with a movable electrode that moves in response to the displacement of the movable beam and that is disposed between two stationary electrodes, and a voltage circuit for applying a first voltage to the first stationary electrode, second voltage to the second stationary electrode, and a third voltage to the moveable electrode. The MEMS device also has a monitor operably coupled with the movable beam to monitor the displacement of the movable beam. In some embodiments, the monitor may monitor the distance between the movable electrode and at least one of the stationary electrodes. The MEMS device further has a voltage reducing circuit operatively coupled with the monitor, the movable electrode, and the stationary electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2011Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.Inventors: David C. Hollocher, Howard R. Samuels
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Patent number: 8909145Abstract: A torque measurement system that includes a rotor device and a stator device can perform automatic tuning to improve the initial tuning performed during design and assembly. The stator device can include a variable capacitive element and a micro-controller configured to adjust a capacitance value of the variable capacitive element. Additionally or alternatively, the rotor device can include a variable capacitive element and a micro-controller configured to adjust a capacitance value of the variable capacitive element. The adjustment of the capacitive elements can be based on the quality of signal detected at either the rotor device or stator device.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2013Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Vishal Malhan, Gourango Biswas, Narayan Singh Rana, Gautham Ramamurthy, Balaji Mahadev
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Patent number: 8901942Abstract: A system for locating and identifying at least two separate items, for example packaging, includes a capacitive first sensor detecting a first measuring region at a first position of a sensor device, for example a sensor film on a shelf bottom for packaging, a capacitive second sensor detecting a second measuring region at a second position, differing from the first position, of the sensor device, an electrically conductive first mark of a first item in the measuring region of one sensor, an electrically conductive second mark of a second item in the measuring region of the other sensor, and an evaluation device evaluating signals from the sensors, the signals caused or changed by electrical conductivity of the marks. Items can be capacitively detected and information obtained can be used to improve warehousing. The sensors and the marks can be produced quickly and cost-effectively by printing processes or film transfer.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2012Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AGInventors: Immanuel Fergen, Martin Schmitt-Lewen, Christian Wagner
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Patent number: 8893563Abstract: A differential capacitance torque sensor utilizes multiple voltage sources in order to compensate for inherent electrical asymmetries in the sensor. A first voltage source having a voltage V1 is electrically connected across a longitudinally-extending, conductive proof mass, a first upper capacitor C1 and the second lower capacitor C4. A second voltage source having a voltage V2 is connected in series with the first voltage source, a second upper capacitor C3 and a first lower capacitor C2, such that the voltage V2 is given by V 2 = ? ? + 1 ? V 1 , where ? is a parameter defined as ? = C 2 + C 3 C 1 + C 4 - 1.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2014Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: King Fahd University of Petroleum and MineralsInventors: Samir Mekid, Igor Gilavdary
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Publication number: 20140313169Abstract: Techniques for designs of single-layer touch sensors are described herein. In an example embodiment, a device comprises a sensor array. The sensor array comprises first plurality of electrodes and second plurality of electrodes that are interleaved without intersecting each other within a touch-sensing area in a single layer on a substrate of the sensor array. A first electrode (of the first or second plurality) comprises at least two shaped portions. The two shaped portions may be disposed across at least a portion of a given second electrode from each other, or may be disposed between two or more portions of the given second electrode. The two shaped portions of the first electrode are routed in different directions on the substrate and are coupled to each other outside of the touch-sensing area of the sensor array.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2014Publication date: October 23, 2014Inventors: Igor Kravets, Alexandre Gourevitch, Oleksandr Karpin, Oleksandr Hoshtanar, Massoud Badaye
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Patent number: 8854055Abstract: A differential capacitive transducer system is disclosed that includes first and second capacitive cores and a chopping system. The first core a first input coupled to a first capacitor, a second input coupled to a second capacitor, and a first output. The second core includes a third input coupled to a third capacitor, a fourth input coupled to a fourth capacitor, and a second output. The chopping system has first and fourth inputs coupled to positive signals, and second and third inputs coupled to negative signals. As the chopping system switches between high and low states, it couples the core inputs to different polarity signals reducing charge buildup. The different polarity signals can have substantially same magnitudes. Chopper clock and main clock frequencies can be selected to provide substantially zero average voltages at the core inputs. The system can include an integrator circuit and differential summing circuits.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2012Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Vladimir Petkov, Ganesh Balachandran
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Patent number: 8823393Abstract: The invention relates to a device for touch/proximity detection, especially a capacitive switch device, which is designed to set switching states by approaching the switch device or by touching the switch device, in order to perform, for example, switching actions on an instrument. The invention also relates to a switch device, especially a switch device on a capacitive basis, for a cooktop, for operating the cooktop.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2009Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: Ident Technology AGInventors: Roland Aubauer, Hans Schwaiger
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Patent number: 8823396Abstract: An apparatus including a sensor array, configured to produce an array output value in response to an environmental stimulus, and a controller, the sensor array including a plurality of sensors and a common output terminal connected to the respective outputs of the sensors, each sensor having first and second electrodes configured to output a respective sensor output value in a particular environment based on the areas of the first and second electrodes and/or the spacing therebetween, the controller configured to control which of the sensors are connected to the common output terminal using respective switches to vary the effective area and/or spacing of the sensor array such that the array output value at the common output terminal, based on the contribution of the respective sensor output values of the connected sensors, is held at a reference value.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2013Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: Nokia CorporationInventors: Michael Robert Astley, Stefano Marco Borini, Jani Kivioja, Teuvo Tapani Ryhanen, Elisabetta Spigone, Di Wei, Richard White
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Patent number: 8810261Abstract: An in-mold molding touch module includes a plastic film, a touch circuit and a molding rind. The plastic film includes an inner surface and an outer surface for handling and touching. At least one region of the inner surface and a corresponding region of the outer surface define a touch area. The touch circuit is arranged on the inner surface in the touch area. The molding rind is integrated on the inner surface by an in-mold injecting mode to contain the touch circuit for forming a one-piece body. In addition, the invention also provides a method for manufacturing an in-mold molding touch module.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2012Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: TPK Touch Solutions Inc.Inventor: Min-Yi Lee
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Publication number: 20140218054Abstract: An electrode configuration for a capacitive sensor device of a hand-held device for the touch detection of a user has at least one transmitting electrode, at least one receiving electrode and at least one first field measuring electrode. The electrode configuration enables a detection of the position of the hand-held device relative to the body of a user. A method for the detection of a touch of a hand-held device by a user can also be provided, wherein the method is adjusted to detect the position of the hand-held device relative to the body of a user.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2011Publication date: August 7, 2014Inventors: Holger Steffens, Andreas Güte
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Publication number: 20140197851Abstract: An apparatus including a sensor array, configured to produce an array output value in response to an environmental stimulus, and a controller, the sensor array including a plurality of sensors and a common output terminal connected to the respective outputs of the sensors, each sensor having first and second electrodes configured to output a respective sensor output value in a particular environment based on the areas of the first and second electrodes and/or the spacing therebetween, the controller configured to control which of the sensors are connected to the common output terminal using respective switches to vary the effective area and/or spacing of the sensor array such that the array output value at the common output terminal, based on the contribution of the respective sensor output values of the connected sensors, is held at a reference value.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2013Publication date: July 17, 2014Applicant: Nokia CorporationInventors: Michael Robert ASTLEY, Stefano Marco Borini, Jani Kivioja, Teuvo Tapani Ryhanen, Elisabetta Spigone, Di Wei, Richard White
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Patent number: 8773279Abstract: A visually and remotely readable apparatus is provided which comprises a plurality of sensing units, a control unit and a flexible printed cable (FPC) to connect two units for exchanging information therebetween. A preferable structure of the sensing unit includes a fixed part secured to the body of the apparatus and two oppositely positioned rotatable parts, where two rotatable parts mounted on a common shaft with the fixed part arranged therebetween forming two angular position sensors. Each sensor is based on the capacitive coupling between two working surfaces of the rotatable part and the respective working surfaces of the fixed part with the electrodes are secured thereto. Two working surfaces of one part are confronted with two respective working surfaces of another part forming two working surface pair. Each sensor has two working surface pairs, one working surface pair is sensing pair for sensing angular position; another is coupling pair for coupling sensing signals.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2011Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Inventors: Jinghua Shen, Jingrong Shen
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Patent number: 8680876Abstract: A dynamic quantity detecting member includes: a base substrate of which a part or the whole including a contact portion is deformed in accordance with pressing of a contact object and of which an original shape is recovered when the pressing of the contact object disappears; electrodes serving as displacement electrodes of which the plurality of electrodes are fixed to a surface or inside of the base substrate and of which at least one electrode is disposed in a deformable portion (which is a region deformable and displaceable during the deformation) of the base substrate; and wirings which are connected to the electrodes. During deformation, the displacement electrodes are deformed and displaced with the deformation and displacement of the deformable portion without separation from the base substrate and without damaging conductivity. The deformation and displacement of the deformable portion are detected as a variation in capacitance between the electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2010Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Koji Kadono
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Patent number: 8674709Abstract: A circuit for measuring a capacitance value of a touch screen includes: a target capacitor unit having a target capacitor charged with a target charging voltage; a target voltage control unit to charge the target capacitor; a reference capacitor unit having a reference capacitor charged with a charging reference voltage; a reference voltage control unit to charge the reference capacitor; a comparator to compare the target charging voltage and the charging reference voltage and output a transition signal at a moment when the target charging voltage becomes higher than the charging reference voltage; and a controller to receive an output signal of the comparator and a clock signal and generate a digital output signal and a control signal, wherein a capacitance value of the target capacitor is measured using a time elapsed from a time when the target capacitor is initialized to a time when the transition signal is outputted.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2011Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Silicon Works Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ji Hun Kim, Hyun Min Song, Joon Ho Na, Ki Uk Gwak, Sang Gug Lee
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Patent number: 8653830Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for evaluating a material are described. Embodiments typically involve use of an impedance measurement sensor to measure the impedance of a sample of the material under at least two different states of illumination. The states of illumination may include (a) substantially no optical stimulation, (b) substantial optical stimulation, (c) optical stimulation at a first wavelength of light, (d) optical stimulation at a second wavelength of light, (e) a first level of light intensity, and (f) a second level of light intensity. Typically a difference in impedance between the impedance of the sample at the two states of illumination is measured to determine a characteristic of the material.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2008Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLCInventors: Lonnie C. Maxey, James E. Parks, II, Samuel A. Lewis, Sr., William P Partridge, Jr.
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Patent number: 8643469Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, the access control system comprises a door with an integrated mechatronic closing mechanism which is equipped with a receiver device. The receiver device is designed to receive and evaluate capacitive-resistive signals that are emitted by a transmitter and are transmitted via a user's body. The closing mechanism opens or does open the door in accordance with a result of said evaluation. In said one embodiment of the invention, the closing mechanism is battery-operated and has no permanent electric connection to an object that is not located on or in the door.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2008Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Kaba AGInventor: Andreas Häberli
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Patent number: 8624609Abstract: A two-dimensional position sensor is formed by drive electrodes (52) and sense electrodes (62, 64, 66) both extending in the x-direction and interleaved in the y-direction. The sense electrodes comprise several groups, two of which co-extend in the x-direction over each different portions of extent in the x-direction. The drive and sense electrodes are additionally arranged to capacitively couple with each other. In use, drive signals are applied to the drive electrodes and then the resultant sense signals received from the sense electrodes measured. The position of a touch or stylus actuation on the sensor is determined in the x- and y-directions as follows. In the x-direction, the position is determined by an interpolation between sense signals obtained from co-extending pairs of sense electrodes, and in the y-direction by interpolation between sense signals obtained from different sequences of drive signals applied to the drive electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2010Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: Atmel CorporationInventors: Harald Philipp, Samuel Brunet, Luben Hristov, Esat Yilmaz, Peter Timothy Sleeman
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Patent number: 8619058Abstract: There is offered an electrostatic capacity type touch sensor capable of detecting a large number of touch positions with high accuracy. The electrostatic capacity type touch sensor is composed of a touch panel and a signal processing circuit. The touch panel is structured to include first through fourth detection electrodes, first and second common electric potential lines, a common electric potential wiring, a common electric potential terminal and first through fourth output terminals disposed on an insulating substrate. The signal processing circuit is structured to include a clock generator, a selection circuit, a charge amplifier, an A/D converter and an arithmetic unit. The charge amplifier detects a change in capacitance induced by that a finger of an operator touches the first through fourth detection electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2011Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: On Semiconductor Trading, Ltd.Inventors: Hiroya Ito, Takayasu Otagaki, Atsuhiro Ichikawa, Kazuhiro Hasegawa
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Patent number: 8587327Abstract: A device for use with a conduit having a first conduit end and a conduit second end, into which conduit a cable can be installed using a flow of air into the first conduit end, the device being suitable for confirming that the air is flowing out from the second conduit end. In an embodiment, the device includes a housing, means to enable connection of the device to the second conduit end, a detector arranged to detect an electrical property change, and an actuator for causing an electrical property change detectable by the detector, wherein in use, the air flowing into the device causes the detector and the actuator to move relative to each other, causing an electrical property change detectable by the detector.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2008Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: British Telecommunications Public Limited CompanyInventors: David John Taylor Heatley, Philip Alfred Barker, Ian Neild
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Publication number: 20130293432Abstract: Provided is a MEMS module that includes a MEMS element having a first capacitor electrode that can be displaced, a second capacitor electrode that opposes the first capacitor electrode, and driving electrodes that cause the first capacitor electrode to be displaced. The driving electrodes are connected to a control unit that applies a driving voltage to the driving electrodes and monitor terminals for detecting power. Thus, an element for monitoring power is not needed and a MEMS module, a variable reactance circuit and an antenna device are provided that are capable of realizing smaller size and lower loss.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2013Publication date: November 7, 2013Inventors: Kazunari KAWAHATA, Hiroshi NISHIDA, Hiroshi NISHIKAWA, Toshiya KAWATE
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Publication number: 20130241577Abstract: A capacitance type sensor includes a sensor body part having a first detection electrode and a second detection electrode, which are arranged to face a detection object. The first detection electrode and the second detection electrode are arranged in a partially overlapping manner to form an overlap section. An area size of the overlap section between the first detection electrode and the second detection electrode decreases when the sensor body part deforms from a pressure exerted onto the sensor body part, in comparison to the area size of the overlap section when the sensor body part is in a normal state without deformation.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2013Publication date: September 19, 2013Applicant: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Masayoshi Satake, Hiroyuki Mori, Noboru Maeda, Hajime Nakagawa
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Patent number: 8525531Abstract: A variable capacitor is provided for use with an electronic circuit board including a first terminal portion and a second terminal portion, to be built in a position indicator. The variable capacitor includes a dielectric having a first surface portion and a second surface portion opposite to the first surface portion, and a conductive elastic member having a board coupling portion and a dielectric contacting portion. The first terminal portion is coupled to the first surface portion, the second terminal portion is coupled to the board coupling portion, and the dielectric contacting portion is disposed separately from the second surface portion so as to face the second surface portion and is configured to be deformed to come in contact with the second surface portion of the dielectric.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2011Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Wacom Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yasuyuki Fukushima, Hiroyuki Fujitsuka
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Patent number: 8525530Abstract: A variable capacitor is disclosed, including: a dielectric having a first surface and a second surface opposing the first surface; a first electrode disposed on the first surface of the dielectric; a second electrode disposed to face the second surface of the dielectric; and a pressing member configured to cause the second electrode and the dielectric to contact each other when a pressing force is applied thereto (e.g., when a pen-shaped position indicator including the variable capacitor is pressed against a tablet). In the variable capacitor, the second electrode includes at least one electrode piece having an abutting central portion, against which the pressing member transmits a pressing force applied thereto, and an extension portion that radially extends from the abutting central portion toward a circumferential portion of the dielectric.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2011Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Wacom Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yasuyuki Fukushima, Hiroyuki Fujitsuka
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Patent number: 8493078Abstract: A sensor for capacitive detection of a mechanical deflection includes a substrate having a first substrate electrode and a second substrate electrode; and a mass movable relative to the substrate. The mass is divided into: a first electrically separate region having a first ground electrode; and a second electrically separate region of the mass having a second ground electrode. At least one portion of the first ground electrode is situated in a first region between the first substrate electrode and the second substrate electrode, and forms a first differential capacitor. At least one portion of the second ground electrode is situated in a second region between the first substrate electrode and the second substrate electrode, and forms a second differential capacitor.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2010Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Axel Franke, Alexander Buhmann, Marian Keck
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Publication number: 20130141119Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided that includes a touch sensor. The touch sensor includes a plurality of drive electrodes made of conductive material, a plurality of sense electrodes made of conductive material, and a plurality of edges. Each of the drive electrodes and each of the sense electrodes are coupled to at least one track. The tracks are located along only one of the plurality of edges of the touch sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2011Publication date: June 6, 2013Applicant: Atmel CorporationInventor: Esat Yilmaz
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Patent number: 8436628Abstract: The present invention relates to a capacitive sensor system comprising a sensor circuit connected to a first (15) and a second (11) antenna, the first antenna (15) is arranged on a first object (10) and the second antenna (11) is arranged on a second object (11) movable relative to said first object (10). The first antenna (15) is arranged right next to the second object (11) for the sensor circuit to detect the movement and/or position of the second object (11).Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2007Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignee: Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V.Inventors: Andrei Uhov, Roberto Giordano, Girish Pimputkar
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Patent number: 8432171Abstract: An analyte concentration, in a sample fluid, is determined by differential measurement. Two or more capacitive field effect sensors have an identical basic structure and are arranged in a shared measuring cell. One of the sensors forms a measuring sensor with an active transductor layer. Another sensor forms a reference sensor without an active transductor layer. The sensors are contacted with the sample fluid and the sensors, have an associated reference electrode, or have a shared reference electrode. A bias voltage composed of an electric DC voltage and a superimposed AC voltage is applied between each sensor and associated reference electrode(s) Capacitance changes due to the analyte are eliminated by controlling the bias voltage applied to the measuring sensor in a closed control loop. A measuring signal is obtained by calculating a difference between voltage values representative of DC voltage potentials applied to the measuring sensor and reference sensor, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2010Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: Buerkert Werke GmbHInventors: Thomas Coppe, Jean-Luc Henry, Michael Schoening
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Publication number: 20130093437Abstract: There is provided a capacitor sensor capable of controlling sensitivity, wherein the capacitor sensor measures the magnitude and direction of a shear force applied to the sensor, as well as the magnitude of a normal force applied on the surface of the sensor, and consists of a single cell including a pattern electrode capable of varying its shape to control the sensitivity of the sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2012Publication date: April 18, 2013Applicant: RESEARCH & BUSINESS FOUNDATION SUNGKYUNKWAN UNIVERSITYInventors: Ja Choon KOO, Hyouk Ryeol CHOI, Hyung Pil MOON, Young Kwan LEE, Jae Do NAM, Baek Chul KIM, Jin Ah CHUNG, Sung Gi KIM
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Patent number: 8344739Abstract: A capacitive sensor array includes a sensor electrode, a shielding electrode and a background electrode which are surrounded by insulator materials and connected to a control and evaluation circuit. The sensor electrode detects the entry of an object into a space ahead of the sensor electrode. The control and evaluation circuit detects a capacity change of the sensor electrode as compared to a reference potential. The shielding electrode is connected to the sensor electrode via the control and evaluation circuit in such a manner that its potential follows. The three electrodes are arranged behind each other. The insulating materials are arrayed between the sensor electrode and the detection zone and include at least one plastic layer that directly surrounds the sensor electrode and a plastic layer.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2010Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Huf Hulsbeck & Furst GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Peter Van Gastel, Iko Lindic
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Patent number: 8330609Abstract: A passenger detection system includes a satellite sensor circuit; and a master determination unit. The satellite sensor circuit includes an antenna electrode which is provided in at least one of a seating face or a back face of a seat; and an electric field generation unit which generates an electric field around the antenna electrode, and generates a current signal based on the electric field. The master determination unit includes a current detection unit which detects a variation of the current signal; and a control unit which determines a sitting situation of a passenger by comparing signal data with threshold data, the signal data being related to a current signal which flows based on the electric field which is obtained from the current detection unit and which is generated at the antenna electrode, the threshold data being related to the sitting situation of the passenger. The satellite sensor circuit and the master determination unit are connected via a power supply line and a ground line.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2010Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Honda Elesys Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masahiro Miyamori, Satoshi Baba, Shinji Kato, Shinya Deguchi, Shusuke Hayashida
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Patent number: 8281656Abstract: A cartridge (2) with a fill level detection system (10, 10?, 10?), the cartridge comprising a substantially rigid containing wall (4) having a tubular wall portion (12) surrounding a chamber (18) for receiving liquid therein, a plunger or piston (8) mounted inside the chamber and configured to seal one side of the chamber, the plunger or piston being displaceable in the chamber towards an outlet end (14) of the cartridge, characterized in that the fill level detection system comprises a plurality of discrete fixed electrodes (24, 24?) positioned along the tubular wall portion in a juxtaposed manner in a direction of displacement D of the plunger or piston (8), and a mobile electrode member (28) fixed to the plunger or piston and displaceable therewith.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2009Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: Sensile Pat AGInventor: Jürg Schnidrig
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Patent number: 8242791Abstract: An area-variable type capacitive displacement sensor includes: a stationary element; a movable element; an elastic member for providing a force biasing one of the stationary element and the movable member towards a remaining one thereof in a direction perpendicular to a driving direction so that the stationary element and the movable member are maintained in close contact with each other; a power supply; and a signal detecting circuit. The sensor further includes a guide means for correcting an initial alignment error and reducing an operation alignment error between the stationary element and the movable element.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2009Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Postech Academy-Industry FoundationInventors: Daesil Kang, Wonkyu Moon
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Publication number: 20120192489Abstract: A method for preventing a vehicular door or window panel from pinching an obstruction extending through an aperture of the vehicle by measuring a capacitance of a field extending through the aperture using a capacitive sensor as a motor drives the panel between the open and closed positions, correlating the measured capacitance to panel position to create closing data, comparing the closing data to a reference map to create a compare value, and detecting an object in a path of the panel as it moves toward the closed position when the compare value exceeds a threshold value. The threshold value is dependent on the relative wetness of the sensor, which is determined by comparing the capacitance of the sensor at predetermined panel positions against a calibration wetness profile.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2010Publication date: August 2, 2012Inventor: Mirko Pribisic
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Publication number: 20120092029Abstract: An exemplary sensor arrangement is disclosed for contactless determination of the instantaneous angular position of a shaft which has a transmitter, which is arranged thereon such that they rotate together and interacts with at least one pick-up, which is installed in a fixed position with respect thereto, for determining the angular position of the shaft. The fixed-position pick-up is formed by a first and a second circular disk, which are aligned plane-parallel with respect to one another and each have a central hole for guiding the shaft. The first disk is subdivided into four equal circular segments which are in the form of mutually isolated electrodes. The second disk is in the form of an opposing electrode with respect to the first disk. The transmitter is arranged as a solid dielectric, which is in the form of a disk, between the two disks and essentially has the form of a semicircle which is rigidly connected to the shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2011Publication date: April 19, 2012Applicant: ABB Technology AGInventor: Henning PRECHT
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Patent number: 8148999Abstract: A circuit for generating an indicative signal regarding the approach of an object to an observation area has a send electrode device, a generator circuit for supplying alternating voltage to the send electrode device, a receive electrode device which extends in or along the observation area, and an output circuit for generating an output signal correlating with the field at the receive electrode device. A compensation circuit is provided to add a compensation current i2 to a signal current i1 flowing from the receive electrode device.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2008Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: Ident Technology AGInventors: Peter Fasshauer, Hans Schwaiger
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Patent number: 8143905Abstract: An in-mold molding touch module includes a plastic film, a touch circuit and a molding rind. The plastic film includes an inner surface and an outer surface for handling and touching. At least one region of the inner surface and a corresponding region of the outer surface define a touch area. The touch circuit is arranged on the inner surface in the touch area. The molding rind is integrated on the inner surface by an in-mold injecting mode to contain the touch circuit for forming a one-piece body. In addition, the invention also provides a method for manufacturing an in-mold molding touch module.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2011Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: TPK Touch Solutions Inc.Inventor: Min-Yi Lee
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Publication number: 20120013573Abstract: A pressure detectable touch device includes a first substrate, a conductive layer formed on the first substrate, a second substrate, a first electrode pattern, a second electrode pattern, and a microprocessor. When a user touches a touch operation surface of the touch device in such an extent that the conductive layer and the first electrode pattern are not put into physical contact with each other, the touch device is set in a capacitive touch position detection mode. When the user forcibly depresses the touch operation surface of the touch device or carries out a hand writing input operation on the touch operation surface of the touch device, the conductive layer is caused to physically engage the first electrode pattern, setting the touch device in a resistive touch position detection mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2009Publication date: January 19, 2012Applicant: TPK TOUCH SOLUTIONS INC.Inventors: Chen-yu Liu, Ching-yi Wang
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Patent number: 8049518Abstract: The present invention relates to a capacitive sensor system provided for a moving object 21.The system comprises an antenna device with a first 26 and a second portion 39 which are movable in relation to each other, the two portions 26,39 being connected in parallel for capacitive influence from the surroundings. The first portion 26 constitutes in an electrical conductive part of said moving object 21 and the second section 39 constitutes in an electrical conductive device arranged at a rest position for the moving object 21.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2005Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V.Inventors: Lars-Ake Wern, Jan Johansson
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Patent number: 7980145Abstract: Methods and devices based on a microelectromechanical capacitive sensor are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for fabricating an electromechanical capacitive device includes forming a housing of the electromechanical capacitive device using a non-conductive material and applying a conductive material on one or more areas on the housing to form one or more pairs of conductor plates.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2007Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Y Point Capital, IncInventor: Divyasimha Harish
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Patent number: 7977953Abstract: An in-mold molding touch module includes a plastic film, a touch circuit and a molding rind. The plastic film includes an inner surface and an outer surface for handling and touching. At least one region of the inner surface and a corresponding region of the outer surface define a touch area. The touch circuit is arranged on the inner surface in the touch area. The molding rind is integrated on the inner surface by an in-mold injecting mode to contain the touch circuit for forming a one-piece body. In addition, the invention also provides a method for manufacturing an in-mold molding touch module.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2007Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: TPK Touch Solutions Inc.Inventor: Min-Yi Lee
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Patent number: 7898267Abstract: An electrostatic micromotor is provided with a fixed substrate, a mobile substrate facing the fixed substrate, and electrostatic-interaction elements enabling a relative movement of the mobile substrate with respect to the fixed substrate in a movement direction; the electrostatic micromotor is also provided with a capacitive position-sensing structure configured to enable sensing of a relative position of the mobile substrate with respect to the fixed substrate in the movement direction. The capacitive position-sensing structure is formed by sensing indentation, extending within the mobile substrate from a first surface thereof, and by first sensing electrode, facing, in given operating condition, the sensing indentation.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2009Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.Inventors: Bruno Murari, Ubaldo Mastromatteo, Giulio Ricotti
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Publication number: 20110001493Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a variable capacitor that operates without moving mechanical parts. In this capacitor electrically conductive electrodes are separated by an enclosed chamber filled with an electrically conductive material. The electrically conductive material can freely vary its position within the chamber. The capacitance of the device will vary as position of the conductive material changes due to external mechanical motion (ex: rotation, vibration, etc.) of the device. Other embodiments of this device are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2010Publication date: January 6, 2011Applicant: Infineon Technologies AGInventors: Markus Löhndorf, Terje Kvisteroey, Horst Theuss, Bjoern Blixhavn
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Patent number: 7834645Abstract: A variable capacitance circuit includes a capacitance changing structure constructed by connecting a first construction unit, a second construction unit, a third construction unit, and a fourth construction unit, which each include a first electric element that hinders transmission of a direct current (DC) signal and has a capacitance that changes in accordance with the magnitude of an absolute value of an applied voltage, in the mentioned order in a ring. A voltage measuring apparatus measures the voltage of a measured object and includes a detection electrode capable of being disposed facing the measured object and the variable capacitance circuit described above. A power measuring apparatus includes a current measuring apparatus that measures current flowing in a measured object and the voltage measuring apparatus that measures the voltage of the measured object.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2006Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Hioki Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Koichi Yanagisawa
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Patent number: 7808255Abstract: A two-dimensional position sensor is formed by drive electrodes (52) and sense electrodes (62, 64, 66) both extending in the x-direction and interleaved in the y-direction. The sense electrodes comprise several groups, two of which co-extend in the x-direction over each different portions of extent in the x-direction. The drive and sense electrodes are additionally arranged to capacitively couple with each other. In use, drive signals are applied to the drive electrodes and then the resultant sense signals received from the sense electrodes measured. The position of a touch or stylus actuation on the sensor is determined in the x- and y-directions as follows. In the x-direction, the position is determined by an interpolation between sense signals obtained from co-extending pairs of sense electrodes, and in the y-direction by interpolation between sense signals obtained from different sequences of drive signals applied to the drive electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2008Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: ATMEL CorporationInventors: Luben Hristov, Peter T Sleeman, Harald Philipp, Esat Yilmaz, Samuel Brunet
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Publication number: 20100194407Abstract: The MEMS sensor according to the present invention includes: a substrate made of a silicon material, having a recess dug down from the surface thereof; a fixed electrode made of a metallic material, arranged in the recess and fixed to the substrate; and a movable electrode made of a metallic material, arranged in the recess to be opposed to the fixed electrode and provided to be displaceable with respect to the fixed electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2010Publication date: August 5, 2010Applicant: ROHM CO., LTD.Inventor: Goro Nakatani
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Publication number: 20100176821Abstract: A vibrating electrode plate 24 that senses a sound pressure faces a counter electrode plate 25 to constitute a capacitance type acoustic sensor. In the counter electrode plate 25, acoustic perforations 31 are opened in order to pass vibration, and plural projections 36 are provided on a surface facing the vibrating electrode plate 24. An interval between the projections 36 is decreased in a region where the vibrating electrode plate 24 has high flexibility to easily generate local sticking with the counter electrode plate 25. The interval between the projections 36 is increased in a region where the vibrating electrode plate 24 has low flexibility to hardly generate local sticking with the counter electrode plate 25. The projections thus arranged prevent firm fixing of the vibrating electrode plate to the counter electrode plate and interruption of vibration of the vibrating electrode plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2008Publication date: July 15, 2010Applicant: OMRON CORPORATIONInventors: Takashi Kasai, Masaki Munechika, Toshiyuki Takahashi
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Publication number: 20100148801Abstract: A capacitance-type encoder capable of obtaining position data of a movable element with low power-consumption. The capacitance-type encoder comprises a stator, a movable element arranged to confront the stator, an excitation device and a signal processing device. The stator has at least three excitation-electrode sets electrically independent from each other, each set constituted of excitation electrodes arranged cyclically and electrically connected with each other so that a predetermined number of excitation-electrode groups are formed. The movable element has connection electrodes having the same number as the excitation-electrode groups. The excitation device applies excitation signals to the excitation-electrode sets periodically in a predetermined sequence.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2009Publication date: June 17, 2010Applicant: FANUC LTDInventors: Hiroyuki UCHIDA, Mitsuyuki Taniguchi, Shunichi Odaka, Isao Kariya, Hidetoshi Mitsui
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Publication number: 20100145580Abstract: A system for capacitive object recognition including a pair of electrodes, one of the electrodes having an adjustable parameter, and a controller modeling current pathways formed by interaction of an object with an electric field between the pair electrodes as a network of capacitors. The controller is configured to set the adjustable parameter to a first setting and to apply a set of alternating current voltages to the pair electrodes and measure a resulting first set of current values at each of the electrodes, configured to set the adjustable parameter to a second setting and apply the set of alternating current voltages to the pair of electrodes and measure a resulting second set of current values at each of the electrodes, and configured to determine values for up to all capacitors of the network of capacitors based on the first and second sets of current values.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2008Publication date: June 10, 2010Applicant: Infineon Technologies AGInventors: Armin Satz, Dirk Hammerschmidt, Mario Motz, Tobias Werth