Using Resistance Or Conductance Measurement Patents (Class 324/691)
  • Patent number: 12032037
    Abstract: Receive analog signal representing real-time electrical current of electrical power transmission/distribution line; sample and digitise analog signal to generate power line current data; generate data frames of subsets of the power line current data for successive overlapping time slices, process data frames to generate frequency domain data representing frequency components for different frequency ranges; process frequency domain data to generate energy data representing average energies of frequency ranges over corresponding time slice; generate two-dimensional feature for machine learning, first dimension represents plurality of the successive time slices, second dimension represents different frequency ranges, values of the two-dimensional feature represent logarithms of corresponding average energies of frequency components of electrical current over corresponding time slices; apply deep learning classifier to two-dimensional feature to detect high-impedance fault in electrical power transmission/distrib
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2024
    Assignee: NEWSOUTH INNOVATIONS PTY LIMITED
    Inventors: Sirojan Tharmakulasingam, Shibo Lu, Bao Toan Phung, Eliathamby Ambikairajah
  • Patent number: 11940479
    Abstract: A system for determining the leakage current of a field effect transistor over temperature includes a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) having first and second current terminals and a control terminal, wherein the first current terminal is coupled to a current measurement device. A switch is coupled to the control terminal and to a voltage source. The switch is configured to apply a voltage between a control terminal and a current terminal of the (MOSFET) responsive to a first signal, and apply approximately zero volts to the control terminal of the (MOSFET) responsive to a second signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Robert Allan Neidorff, Henry Litzmann Edwards
  • Patent number: 11901338
    Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC) device is disclosed which includes at least a first hybrid bond interface layer disposed between adjacent wafers of a wafer stack. Routing within the hybrid bond interface layer allows test pads exposed on a top wafer of the wafer stack to electrically couple test keys within the wafer stack. By utilizing the routing within the hybrid bond interface layer to index electrical connections between adjacent wafers, IC dies stacked on the wafers may be fabricated with less mask sets as compared to conventional designs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: XILINX, INC.
    Inventors: Myongseob Kim, Henley Liu, Cheang Whang Chang
  • Patent number: 11867741
    Abstract: The invention relates to a member (O1) for measuring a magnitude representative of a common mode voltage (Vres) in an electrical network (1) or in an equipment (E), the network (1) or the equipment (E) comprising at least one first power conductor (C1) and a second power conductor (C2). The measuring member (O1) comprises a sensor formed by two resistive elements (R1, R2) which are intended to be arranged in a bridge between the two power conductors (C1, C2) and have resistance values which are identical to each other. The two resistive elements (R1, R2) are connected at a midpoint (T3). The sensor also comprises a measuring dipole (SH) connected to the midpoint (T3) and to a connection terminal intended to be electrically connected to a common conductor (Cc), of which the electrical network (1) or the equipment (E) has been equipped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignees: SAFRAN ELECTRICAL & POWER
    Inventor: Lionel Cima
  • Patent number: 11867768
    Abstract: A battery voltage measurement circuit includes: a first switch configured to be connected to a positive electrode of a battery; a second switch configured to be connected to a negative electrode of the battery; detection resistances that are connected in series between the first switch and the second switch; capacitors that are connected in parallel to the detection resistances; and a measurement circuit that measures a voltage applied to the detection resistances. The battery voltage measurement circuit has a plurality of measurement modes depending upon status of the first and second switches, and further has a failure detection mode for the capacitors based on a change in the voltage after switching from one to an other of the measurement modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: DENSO TEN Limited
    Inventors: Atsushi Izutani, Yoshihiro Nakao
  • Patent number: 11754613
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for locating an earth fault in a DC network, to which multiple load zones are connectable. Each load zone has two symmetrically earthed load zone lines. In an embodiment of the method, for each load zone line, a line voltage is continuously measured between a line potential, at which the load zone line lies, and an earth potential. In the event that an earth fault is detected at a main line of the DC network, the main lines are separated from both load zone lines of a load zone and the earth fault is assigned to this load zone, if a magnitude difference between the magnitudes of the line voltages of the two load zone lines of this load zone are not significantly reduced after separating the main lines from the load zone lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Hubert Schierling, Benno Weis
  • Patent number: 11656193
    Abstract: Aspects of the present application allow for measurement of a calibrated resistance for a resistive film in a sensing element, such that effects from contact resistance and background resistance drifts due to factors such as temperature, strain or aging can be reduced or eliminated. In some embodiments, by taking a plurality of two-terminal resistance measurements between various pairs of electrodes on a resistive film, a contact-resistance-independent resistance of a reference portion of the resistive film can be determined. Further, a contact-resistance-independent resistance of a sensing portion of the resistive film can be determined based on a plurality of two-terminal resistance measurements between pairs of electrodes. The resistance of the reference portion can be removed from the measured resistance of the sensing portion, such that variations in the reference portion resistance that are not caused by a sensed environmental condition may be compensated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Yosef Stein, Seth S. Kessler, Haim Primo
  • Patent number: 11656265
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus capable of measuring an insulation resistance of a battery, and according to the apparatus capable of measuring the insulation resistance of the present invention. A voltage measurement unit may measure a voltage with respect to a potential of a negative terminal of a battery rather than the ground, and thus parameters requiring a high precision may be measured using one device, thereby reducing cost, and, because a first sensing substrate and a second sensing substrate are separated, different potentials may be used as the ground, thereby securing a better insulation performance between the first sensing substrate that is an HV side and the second sensing substrate that is an LV side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: SK On Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Woo Jung Kim
  • Patent number: 11262882
    Abstract: A touch sensor in which an increase in manufacturing processes is suppressed and which can be provided inexpensively is obtained. A touch sensor (1) has a structure in which resistance membranes (12A, 12B) and membranes (13A, 13B) made of pressure sensitive ink are formed on predetermined places of a film (11), two parts (11A, 11B) on which the resistance membranes (12A, 12B) are formed are interfolded so that the resistance membranes (12A, 12B) face each other, two parts (11C, 11D) on which the membranes (13A, 13B) are formed are interfolded so that the membranes (13A, 13B) face each other, and the interfolded two parts are further interfolded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Roland Corporation
    Inventors: Yuka Terakawa, Kensuke Suzuki, Hiroshi Okamura, Hajime Hisamitsu
  • Patent number: 11243156
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention include determining, by a first AFM tip, a first snap-off force of a solid surface immersed in a first fluid, determining, by a second AFM tip, a second snap-off force, determining, by a third AFM tip, a third snap-off force, determining, by the first AFM tip, a fourth snap-off force of a droplet of the first fluid immersed in the second fluid on the solid surface, determining, by the second AFM tip, a fifth snap-off force, determining, by the third AFM tip, a sixth snap-off force, determining a first capillary force for first AFM tip and first droplet based on first snap-off force and fourth snap-off force, determining a second capillary force for second AFM tip and first droplet and a third capillary force for third AFM tip and first droplet, and determining interfacial tension between first fluid and second fluid based on the capillary forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael Engel, Filipe Viana Ferreira, Rodrigo Neumann Barros Ferreira, Ronaldo Giro, Mathias Steiner
  • Patent number: 11206487
    Abstract: This application relates to audio driving circuitry (100), and in particular to audio driving circuitry for outputting first and second audio driving signals for driving a stereo audio load (106), which may be a stereo audio load of an accessory apparatus (102) removably coupled to the audio driving circuitry in use. A load monitor (111) is provided for monitoring to monitor, from a monitoring node (112), an indication of a common mode return current passing through a common return path, together with an indication of a common mode component of the first and second audio driving signals and to determine an impedance characteristic of the stereo audio load. The load monitor (111) can provide dynamic monitoring of any significant change in load impedance. In some embodiments the load monitor (111) comprises an adaptive filter (301) which adapts a parameter of the filter which is related to the load impedance so as to determine the indication of load impedance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.
    Inventors: John Paul Lesso, Mark James Mccloy-Stevens, John Bruce Bowlerwell, Yanto Suryono, Xin Zhao, Morgan Timothy Prior
  • Patent number: 11070393
    Abstract: A power delivery apparatus (20) comprises a power source device (22), a power sink device (24) and a data transmission link (26), the power source device (22) connected to one end of the data transmission link (26), the power sink device (24) selectively connectable to another end of the data transmission link (26), the data transmission link (26) configured to permit transmission of data between the power source device (22) and the power sink device (24) when the power sink device (24) is connected to the data transmission link (26), wherein the power source device (22) is configured to apply a periodic sensing voltage to the data transmission link (26), the power delivery apparatus (20) further including a sensing device configured to detect, via the application of the periodic sensing voltage to the data transmission link (26), whether the power sink device (24) is connected to the data transmission link (26), and the power source device (22) is configured so that, in response to the power sink device (24)
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC TECHNOLOGY GMBH
    Inventor: Jun Yan
  • Patent number: 11035889
    Abstract: A measuring sensor, a measuring device, a detection module, a measuring method and a calibration method are disclosed. In an embodiment a measuring sensor includes at least one inductive current transformer configured to generate an electrical measurement signal dependent on a current flow in a conductor passing through the inductive current transformer, a terminal configured to connect the inductive current transformer to a measuring transducer, wherein the inductive current transformer is electrically connected to at least two terminal contacts of the terminal in order to transmit the electrical measuring signal to the measuring transducer and a detection module connected between the inductive current transformer and the two terminal contacts, wherein the detection module is configured to return a response signal when a retrieval signal is applied to the two terminal contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: ENERGYBOX LTD.
    Inventors: Dirk Beiner, Tommy Wun, Benson Lo
  • Patent number: 11014784
    Abstract: A method for determining a deterioration state in a suspension member arrangement having a suspension member including a plurality of electrically conductive cords includes the steps of: counting a number of bending cycles applied to the suspension member; measuring an electrical characteristic of the suspension member upon applying an electrical voltage to at least one of the cords; performing at least one of (a) determining a critical deterioration state upon monitoring both the bending cycles number and the electrical characteristic, and (b) determining an unexpected deterioration state based on deriving a current actual deterioration state of the suspension member based on the electrical characteristic and assuming a currently expected deterioration state based on the bending cycles number and comparing the current actual deterioration state with the currently expected deterioration state; initiating a defined procedure upon determining at least one of the critical deterioration state and the unexpected d
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: INVENTIO AG
    Inventor: Philippe Henneau
  • Patent number: 10983081
    Abstract: A technique may include applying a first electrical signal to a first pair of drive electrodes, and, while applying the first electrical signal to the first pair of drive electrodes, determining a first measured voltage using a first measurement electrode. The technique further may include applying a second electrical signal to a second pair of drive electrodes, and, while applying the second electrical signal to the second pair of drive electrodes, determining a second measured voltage using a second, different measurement electrode. The first pair of drive electrodes, the second pair of drive electrodes, the first measurement electrode, and the second, different measurement electrode may from a set of N electrodes electrically coupled to the material. The technique also may include determining whether the material includes a crack or other defect based on a comparison between the first measured voltage and the second measured voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: David H. Redinger, Christopher R. Yungers, Eric M. Chinnock, Jennifer F. Schumacher
  • Patent number: 10969419
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an insulation detection circuit, a detection method and a battery management system. The insulation detection circuit includes an isolated power module, first positive and negative sampling modules, second positive and negative sampling modules, and a processor. A first end of the second positive sampling module is connected to a positive electrode of the isolated power module and a second end of the positive switch module, a second end of the second positive sampling module is connected to a second reference voltage terminal; a first end of the second negative sampling module is connected to the second reference voltage terminal, a second end of the second negative sampling module is respectively connected to a negative electrode of the isolated power module and a second end of the negative switch module; and the processor is connected to sampling points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited
    Inventors: Baohai Du, Guoxiu Wu, Weiqiang Li, Qiandeng Li
  • Patent number: 10908200
    Abstract: A system may include a resistive-inductive-capacitive sensor, a driver configured to drive the resistive-inductive-capacitive sensor at a driving frequency, and a measurement circuit communicatively coupled to the resistive-inductive-capacitive sensor and configured to measure phase information associated with the resistive-inductive-capacitive sensor and based on the phase information, determine a displacement of a mechanical member relative to the resistive-inductive-capacitive sensor, wherein the displacement of the mechanical member causes a change in an impedance of the resistive-inductive-capacitive sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhong You, Siddharth Maru, Tejasvi Das, Luke Lapointe, Eric J. King, Anthony S. Doy, Srdjan Marjianovic, Drew Kinney, Matthew Beardsworth, Emmanuel Marchais
  • Patent number: 10890612
    Abstract: An insulation resistance measuring device for detecting insulation resistance of an electric vehicle comprises a battery system, a measuring unit, a control unit and a calculation unit. The measuring unit comprises a circuit module comprises a plurality of resistances connected between a positive side and a negative side of the battery system, a first switch, a second switch, and a voltage detecting unit. The first switch is connected between the circuit module and a ground side. The second switch is connected between the circuit module and the negative side. The voltage detecting unit is arranged at a connecting node of the resistances of the circuit module. The control unit is configured to control the first switch and the second switch to turn on or turn off. The calculation unit is configured to calculate a high potential insulation resistance and a low potential insulation resistance of the electric vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: Foxlink Automotive Technology (Kunshan) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Pao Hung Lin, Po Shen Chen, Kuo Ho Cheng, Ming Chun Chang, Tsai Fu Lin
  • Patent number: 10845924
    Abstract: Described herein are capacitive devices and methods for producing same using printing methods such as flexography, gravure, offset, lithography, etc. The capacitive devices are formed from printing conductive inks, non-conductive inks, masking ink layers, graphic artwork layers, and overprint layers on a substrate. Interaction between a conductive ink layer of the capacitive device with a touch screen device of a computer, tablet, smart phone, etc. causes a capacitive effect that allows information coded in capacitive device to be read, leading to an activity such as the download of content to the device having the touch screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: SUN CHEMICAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mathew Mathew, Ramasamy Krishnan
  • Patent number: 10802079
    Abstract: Operating current sense circuits. At least some of the example embodiments are methods including: sensing a current flow through a sense resistor by way of an operational amplifier defining a non-inverting input coupled to a first side of the sense resistor and an inverting input coupled to a second side of the sense resistor; driving a signal to a sense output of the operational amplifier, the signal proportional to the current flow through the sense resistor; and then disabling the current sense circuit comprising: de-coupling a first feedback path of the operational amplifier, the first feedback path coupled to the non-inverting input; and de-coupling a second feedback path of the operational amplifier, the second feedback path coupled to the inverting input. The methods also include disabling the current sense circuit by disabling an input stage of the operational amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: SEMICONDUCTOR COMPONENTS INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventor: Razvan Puscasu
  • Patent number: 10678348
    Abstract: A method for touch detection on an ungrounded pen enabled device includes sampling output in a frequency range of a signal emitted from a stylus over a stylus sampling window, detecting touch input from a finger or hand based on detecting a gain between a touch threshold and a stylus threshold, wherein the touch threshold is below the stylus threshold over at least two consecutive columns and two consecutive rows of the sensor and reporting coordinates of the touch input based on detecting the touch input. Stylus input is detected based on detecting a gain above a stylus threshold in at least one column and one row of the sensor and coordinates of the stylus are reported based on stylus input being detected. Sampling is performed simultaneously from both columns and rows of a grid based capacitive sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Eliyahu Barel, Michael Orlovsky
  • Patent number: 10517511
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a patient off-bed notification system, which includes a pressure-sensitive sensor pad, a signal converter, and a signal transmitter. The pressure-sensitive sensor pad includes an upper conductive layer, a bottom conductive layer, and an insulating layer arranged therebetween, where the upper conductive layer and the bottom conductive layer can generate an electrical signal due to a pressure change. The signal converter is used to receive the electrical signal from the pressure-sensitive sensor pad and perform operational analysis to produce a corresponding patient status signal. The signal transmitter transmits the patient status signal from the signal converter to a server, and the server displays or/and stores corresponding information according to the patient status signal. Thus, patient's statuses in bed can be known at any time, and the harm caused when the patient leaves the bed alone can be minimized, thus effectively improving the work efficiency of caregivers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Hello Nurse Medical Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: Sharon Lin Charna
  • Patent number: 10452220
    Abstract: Disclosed are a display substrate, a display panel and a display device. The display substrate comprises: a base substrate; at least one pressure sensor provided on the base substrate and comprises a first pressure-sensitive resistor and a second pressure-sensitive resistor, wherein the first pressure-sensitive resistor comprises at least two first sub-pressure sensitive resistors connected in series, and the second pressure-sensitive resistor comprises at least two second sub-pressure sensitive resistors connected in series, a first principal strain induction direction of the first sub-pressure sensitive resistor intersects a second principal strain induction direction of the second sub-pressure sensitive resistor, and a second end of the first pressure-sensitive resistor and a first end of the second pressure-sensitive resistor are electrically connected with a pressure-sensitive signal output line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: SHANGHAI TIANMA MICRO-ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Liang Liu, Xingyao Zhou, Feng Lu
  • Patent number: 10429483
    Abstract: The sensor interface IC measures or calibrates a target resistance to be used as a gain resistor for a TIA amplifier in the sensor interface IC. One or more excitation currents are generated in response to different specified excitation voltages that are applied to an external calibration resistor having a specified calibration resistance value. Response voltages are measured across the target resistor, respectively in response to the corresponding different one or more excitation currents. The resistance value of the target resistor is determined using a difference between the measured response voltages, a difference between the specified excitation voltages, and the specified calibration resistance value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Analog Devices Global
    Inventors: GuangYang Qu, Leicheng Chen, Michael Looney
  • Patent number: 10408112
    Abstract: An emissions control substrate having a circuit in sidewalls thereof. The circuit changes resistance in response to accumulation of particles on the sidewalls that inhibits flow of exhaust through the emissions control substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: DENSO International America, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward Szczepanski
  • Patent number: 10126282
    Abstract: A method and apparatus estimate yield. A first signal is received that indicates an aggregate yield measured by an aggregate yield sensor during a measurement interval. A second signal is received that indicates a plurality of geo-referenced regions across which a harvester has traveled prior to the measurement interval. The method and apparatus allocate, to each of at least two geo-referenced regions, an aggregate yield portion allocation based upon different travel times for crops to the aggregate yield sensor and pre-harvest weighting data value differences amongst the at least two georeferenced regions. The aggregate yield portion allocations are output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Noel W. Anderson, James J. Phelan, Dohn W. Pfeiffer
  • Patent number: 9983142
    Abstract: A reaping based yield monitor system includes one or more reaping yield instruments configured for coupling with a harvester head. The one or more reaping yield instruments measure at least one crop characteristic of a harvested crop in sections of the harvester head. A yield monitor determines a variable yield of the harvested crop. An apportionment module apportions the variable yield of the harvested crop to the sections of the harvester head based on the at least one crop characteristic measured in each of the sections of the harvester head. In another example, a stand counting module counts a harvested standing crop with the one or more reaping yield instruments and a stand count output module output a harvested standing crop value based on one or more of the counted harvested standing crop or filtered measured values of a stand characteristic measured with the one or more reaping yield instruments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Raven Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John Earl Acheson, Jared Ernest Kocer
  • Patent number: 9964479
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for measuring surface tension. More particularly, the present invention relates an apparatus and method for measuring surface tension through an electrical scheme which is simpler and has improved accuracy compared to a conventional optical scheme.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: SEOUL NATIONAL UNIVERSITY R&D FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Junghoon Lee, Yongjoo Kwon, Seungyul Choi
  • Patent number: 9952256
    Abstract: The invention relates to a matching circuit for matching impedance values comprising an impedance element with an impedance value, which corresponds to a required total impedance value of the matching circuit, a structurally determined parasitic unit with a parasitic impedance value and a compensation unit with at least one first compensation element. The first compensation element provides a compensation impedance value which is the dual impedance value of the parasitic impedance value. Furthermore, a system comprising a first circuit unit and a second circuit unit with a matching circuit serving for the matching is provided. Also, a method for the compensation of parasitic units for matching purposes is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: ROHDE & SCHWARZ GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Oliver Landolt
  • Patent number: 9927311
    Abstract: A high-sensitivity sensor containing cracks is provided. The high-sensitivity sensor is obtained by forming microcracks on a conductive thin film, which is formed on top of a support, wherein the microcracks form a micro joining structure in which the microcracks are electrically changed, short-circuited or open, thereby converting external stimuli into electric signals by generating a change in a resistance value. The high-sensitivity sensor can be useful in a displacement sensor, a pressure sensor, a vibration sensor, artificial skin, a voice recognition system, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignees: Global Frontier Center-Multiscale Energy Systems, SNU R&DB Foundation, Research & Business Foundation Sungkyunkwan Univ.
    Inventors: Daeshik Kang, Yong Whan Choi, Chanseok Lee, Kahp-Yang Suh, Tae-il Kim, Man Soo Choi
  • Patent number: 9897635
    Abstract: A sensor circuit incorporates an analog to digital converter for providing a digital signal derived from sensing elements connected in a bridge configuration. The sensor circuit comprises first and second paths comprising respective first and second sensing elements connected between first and second supply lines; an analog to digital converter having a differential input connected to receive a differential voltage signal (Vinp?Vinn) between the first and second sensing elements and an output for providing a digital output signal (Dout) representing a difference between the first and second sensing elements, the analog to digital converter comprising: current sources connected between the first and second supply lines, each current source being switchably connected to either the first or second sensing elements; and control logic configured to selectively switch current from each of the current sources to either the first path or the second path in dependence on the differential voltage signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventor: Edwin Schapendonk
  • Patent number: 9851255
    Abstract: A windowless microbolometer for use in terrestrial applications and non-terrestrial applications is provided. The windowless microbolometer array may interact with a flow of gas such that a pixel-based image of the gas is generated when the flow of gas impinges upon the windowless microbolometer array. The windowless microbolometer array may also interact with a molecular beam to provide information related to density, shape, and propagation of the molecular beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: The Aerospace Corporation
    Inventors: James Hart Clemmons, Brian Blaise Brady, Jeffrey Louis Hall, Thomas Jay Curtiss
  • Patent number: 9843876
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to an audio interface arrangement. In one embodiment, a handheld device comprises the audio interface arrangement (not shown). The audio interface arrangement comprises at least two audio connecting means, wherein each of the at least two audio connecting means is adapted to connect a respective audio accessory to the audio interface arrangement. The audio interface arrangement further comprises an accessory determining means, which is coupled to said at least two audio connecting means. The accessory determining means is adapted to determine which type of audio accessory is connected to the respective audio connecting means. Hereby it is made possible to provide a handheld device that offers a user with a possibility to connect several different audio accessories to the handheld device, which accessories may be connected to the handheld device at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Zound Industries International AB
    Inventor: Andreas Enquist
  • Patent number: 9735577
    Abstract: A Maintain Power Signature (MPS) Powered Device (PD) is described. In one or more implementations, the MPS device comprises a current sensor configured to sense current flowing from Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) to the PD. The current sense based MPS device also comprises a current generator configured to sink electrical current to prevent the PSE from removing power to the PD. Thus, the electrical current comprises a current amplitude characteristic selected based upon MPS requirements of the PSE. In some implementations, the current is sunk to a ground. In other implementations, the current is sunk to a storage device, such as a storage device included with the PD and/or external to the PD.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Cristian Cerutti, Phillip J. Benzel, John M. Wettroth
  • Patent number: 9651593
    Abstract: An alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) power converter may have a connector with a pair of power supply contacts and a pair of data contacts. An electronic device may be connected to the connector of the power converter. The power converter may supply DC power to the electronic device using the power supply contacts. The power converter may include control circuitry that has a resistor coupled across the data contacts. When the electronic device and the power converter are connected to each other, each may advertise to the other that capabilities are present that exceed industry standards. At the same time, standard-compliant discovery operations may be performed to probe the value of the resistance of the resistor that is coupled across the data contacts. When extended capabilities are discovered, extended functions may be performed including accelerated charging functions and data communications functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas A. Sims, Jeffrey J. Terlizzi, Alexei Kosut, Timothy Johnson, Barry Corlett
  • Patent number: 9612268
    Abstract: Ground Potential Rise (GPR) systems and methods with depth sensing measure the GPR between the ground grid and the remote earth. Methods and systems described herein may provide a GPR measurement to an existing distance protection. A GPR system may comprise a set of potential transformers. The set of potential transformers may be coupled to different ground rods driven into the earth at different depths, respectively. One wire of the high voltage side of the potential transformer may be coupled to the ground grid of a substation, and the second wire of the potential transformer may be coupled to an insulated wire that is coupled to a ground rod or multiple of ground rods bonded together. The low voltage side of the potential transformer is used to connect Distance Relays, Voltage Relays, DFR or Alarms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: San Diego Gas & Electric
    Inventors: Girolamo Rosselli, Phil A. Patton, William J. Cook
  • Patent number: 9594032
    Abstract: Computerized method and system for improving 3D reconstruction images involves applying the Extended Field Iterative Reconstruction Technique (EFIRT) to remove correlated noise, in addition to with COMET (constrained maximum relative entropy tomography) or other regularization techniques to eliminate uncorrelated noise, wherein the EFIRT is applied by performing a set of successive reconstructions on an extended field larger than a region of interest (ROI); and extracting and averaging the ROI from said set of successive reconstructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: OKINAWA INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY SCHOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Faisal Mahmood, Lars-Göran Wallentin Öfverstedt, Bo Ulf Skoglund
  • Patent number: 9575103
    Abstract: An integrated circuit includes an output circuit having a first terminal adapted to couple to an external power supply, a second terminal adapted to couple to a reference potential, and a third, control terminal. The first and second terminals of the output circuit provide output terminals of the integrated circuit. The integrated circuit further includes an impedance measurement circuit responsive to the external power supply to generate a control signal for coupling to the control terminal of the output circuit. The control signal controls a current level associated with the output circuit. A corresponding method is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: ALLEGRO MICROSYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: Glenn A. Forrest, Wei Zhang
  • Patent number: 9547318
    Abstract: In a method performed by a Power Over Ethernet (PoE) system, Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) provides data and voltage over Ethernet wires to a Powered Device (PD). The PD converts the PSE voltage to a regulated voltage by at least one DC-DC converter in the PD. A first load in the PD, such as a processor, operates in a standby mode during a standby period and draws a low current from the converter via a low current path. During this standby period, a high current load in the PD is disconnected and does not draw current. When the first load comes out of the standby mode and into an active mode, the converter supplies a relatively high current to the second load and the first load. In this way, the first load, if a processor, can be already booted up at the time the second load becomes active.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Linear Technology Corporation
    Inventors: David Dwelley, Jeffrey Heath, Kirk Su
  • Patent number: 9523615
    Abstract: The temperature-dependent resistance of a MEMS structure is compared with an effective resistance of a switched CMOS capacitive element to implement a high performance temperature sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: SiTime Corporation
    Inventors: Michael H. Perrott, Shungneng Lee
  • Patent number: 9442088
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for magnetic induction tomography imaging of specimens, such as human tissue specimens, using a single coil are provided. A plurality of coil property measurements can be obtained using the single coil at a plurality of discrete locations relative to the specimen. The single coil can be designed to be relatively easy to be placed in many different positions/orientations relative to the specimen. A three-dimensional electromagnetic property map, such as a three-dimensional conductivity map or a three-dimensional permittivity map, can be generated from the plurality of coil property measurements obtained using the single coil by accessing a model correlating coil property measurements obtained by the single coil with an electromagnetic property distribution of the specimen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph R. Feldkamp, Shawn Jeffery Sullivan
  • Patent number: 9430066
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for input classification for multi-touch systems. In one aspect, a method includes receiving data describing a first region of contact with a touch sensitive display, a second region of contact with the touch sensitive display, and a third region of contact with the touch sensitive display, the second region of contact being separate from the first region of contact and the third region of contact being separate from the first region of contact and the second region of contact. The method includes classifying the first region of contact as a touch point provided by a user's body part. The method includes classifying the second region of contact as incidental touch input provided by a user's resting body part. The method includes classifying the third region of contact as a stylus input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: PERCEPTIVE PIXEL, INC.
    Inventors: Philip L. Davidson, Jefferson Y. Han
  • Patent number: 9399787
    Abstract: A method of performing an assay of a response of two or more cell types to a test compound, including: providing a device for monitoring cell-substrate impedance, adding at least two different cell types to the device; adding at least one test compound to form at least two test compound wells; providing at least two control wells; monitoring impedance of the at least two test compound wells and of the at least two control wells at three or more time points after adding the at least one test compound; and analyzing measured impedance from the at least two test compound wells and from the at least two control wells at the three or more time points to obtain information on the response of the different cell types to the at least one test compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: ACEA Biosciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Yama A. Abassi, Xiaobo Wang, Xiao Xu
  • Patent number: 9322629
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for detecting stalks processed by a combine harvester, for measuring stalk diameters, and for displaying harvest metrics and yield data to a user based on stalk locations and stalk diameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Precision Planting LLC
    Inventors: Timothy A. Sauder, Derek A. Sauder, Justin L. Koch, Troy L. Plattner, David Huber
  • Patent number: 9244130
    Abstract: Real-time battery impedance spectrum is acquired using a one-time record. Fast Summation Transformation (FST) is a parallel method of acquiring a real-time battery impedance spectrum using a one-time record that enables battery diagnostics. An excitation current to a battery is a sum of equal amplitude sine waves of frequencies that are octave harmonics spread over a range of interest. A sample frequency is also octave and harmonically related to all frequencies in the sum. A time profile of this sampled signal has a duration that is a few periods of the lowest frequency. A voltage response of the battery, average deleted, is an impedance of the battery in a time domain. Since the excitation frequencies are known and octave and harmonically related, a simple algorithm, FST, processes the time profile by rectifying relative to sine and cosine of each frequency. Another algorithm yields real and imaginary components for each frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignees: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC, Qualtech Systems, Inc., Montana Tech of the University of Montana
    Inventors: John L. Morrison, William H. Morrison, Jon P. Christophersen, Chester G. Motloch
  • Patent number: 9069024
    Abstract: An insulation resistance measurement circuit in which switching of first and second switches is controlled such that a leakage current may not be generated in measuring insulation resistance, and voltages output through first and second operational amplifiers are measured after opening the first and second switches and closing third and fourth switches for self-testing of the insulation resistance measurement circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: SK INNOVATION CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jeong Hwan Yang
  • Patent number: 9063179
    Abstract: A system for determining an isolation resistance is provided. The system includes a voltage source that applies an output voltage level between first and second electrical terminals of a battery pack. The system further includes a voltage meter that measures a first voltage level between the first electrical terminal and a vehicle chassis, and measures a second voltage level between the first electrical terminal and the vehicle chassis when a resistor is coupled between the first electrical terminal and the vehicle chassis. The voltage meter measures a third voltage level between the second electrical terminal and the vehicle chassis. The system further includes a microprocessor that determines a first isolation resistance value based on the first, second, third voltage levels and the predetermined resistance level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventor: Greg Bober
  • Publication number: 20150145539
    Abstract: A readout device includes a plurality of detecting circuits arranged in rows and columns to form a detecting array, and an output module. Each of the detecting circuits includes two transistors for generating a detection signal associated with impedance at a target site. Through selection of the rows and the columns of the detecting circuits, the output module outputs an output voltage signal having a magnitude positively correlated with magnitude of a selected one of the detection signals received from the detecting circuits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: NATIONAL CHI NAN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Tai-Ping SUN, Yi-Chuan LU, Tsung-Shuo KAO
  • Publication number: 20150145538
    Abstract: A circuit is provided, including a first resistor, a second resistor and a control unit. The second resistor may have an adjustable resistance. The control unit may be configured to adjust the second resistor to have a first resistance at which a voltage due to a first current flowing through the first resistor is equal to a voltage due to a second current flowing through the second resistor. The control unit may be further configured to adjust the second resistor to have a second resistance at which a voltage due to another first current different from the first current and flowing through the first resistor is equal to the voltage due to the second current flowing through the second resistor. The control unit may be still further configured to adjust the second resistor to have a third resistance based on at least a difference of the first resistance and the second resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Steffen Thiele
  • Patent number: 9041419
    Abstract: Examples of the present invention include apparatus and methods for monitoring aging of an item. A solid-state structure is located within, adjacent to, or otherwise proximate the item, the solid-state structure including nanostructures. The electrical resistance and/or magnetization of the solid-state structure is determined to determine the degree of aging of the item. In representative examples, the solid-state structure includes nanostructures of a metal, such as a ferromagnetic metal, within a non-magnetic matrix, such as a semimetal, semiconductor, or insulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Indiana University of Pennsylvania
    Inventor: Gregory G. Kenning