With Object Or Substance Characteristic Determination Using Conductivity Effects Patents (Class 324/693)
  • Patent number: 8994386
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for measuring the permittivity and/or perviousness of a sample of a nonconductive material, said method comprising: a) measuring a value representative of an admittance Ytestco, b) measuring a value representative of an admittance Ytestcc only from the amplitude and the phase of the electromagnetic waves reflected onto an interface between the sample and the end of a second waveguide having at least one conductive web separated from a conductive sheath by a layer of dielectric material, said second waveguide also including a short circuit between the central web and the sheath at the interface with the sample, and c) calculating the permittivity of the sample from the values representative of the admittances Ytestco and Ytestcc and/or calculating the perviousness of the sample from the values representative of the admittances Ytestco and Ytestcc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives
    Inventors: Ludovic Fourneaud, Laurent Dussopt
  • Publication number: 20150077144
    Abstract: There is provided a blood coagulation system analyzer, including a measurement section and an analysis section. The measurement section measures a time change of impedance of a blood sample, which is obtainable by applying an alternating electric field to the blood sample. The analysis section extracts a parameter indicating the characteristics of the impedance from the measured data of the time change of the impedance. Furthermore, the analysis section analyzes a degree of enhancement of blood coagulation on the basis of a comparison of the extracted parameter with at least one reference value which defines the criteria of the enhancement of blood coagulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Yoshihito Hayashi, Marc-Aurele Brun, Isao Uchimura
  • Publication number: 20150077143
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an apparatus is configured to test a resistivity of a semiconductor formed on a matrix. The apparatus includes: a first and a second choppers; an irradiation unit; a detector; a first ans a second lock-in amplifiers; and a computer. The first lock-in amplifier is configured to detect a signal with the first chopping frequency out of a signal transmitted from the detector. The second lock-in amplifier is configured to detect a signal with the second chopping frequency out of a signal transmitted from the detector. The computer is configured to estimate a ratio between a reflectance of the infrared light with the first wavelength out of the reflected light and a reflectance of the infrared light with the second wavelength out of the reflected light on the basis of signals transmitted from the first lock-in amplifier and the second lock-in amplifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Akira MAEKAWA
  • Patent number: 8981795
    Abstract: A measuring arrangement for determining electrical conductivity of a measured liquid, comprising: a container, in which the measured liquid is accommodated, a gradiometer arrangement, comprising an exciter coil, a first receiving coil and a second receiving coil, wherein the first and the second receiving coils are arranged symmetrically relative to the exciter coil, and a measurement circuit embodied to excite the exciter coil for producing an alternating magnetic field passing through the first receiving coil, the second receiving coil and the measured liquid. The receiving coils are influenced in different manner by the magnetic field induced by the alternating magnetic field in the measured liquid and directed counter to the alternating magnetic field. The measurement circuit is furthermore embodied to register an electrical signal of the receiving coils and to derive from such the electrical conductivity of the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser Conducta Geselllschaft fur Mess-Und Regeltechnik mbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Manfred Jagiella, Marco Völker
  • Publication number: 20150073718
    Abstract: A hand-held test meter includes a strip port connector to receive a test strip. A signal-measurement circuit applies a periodic voltage signal across a sample applied to the strip and detects a resulting current signal. The circuit provides data of the current signal at a digitizing frequency and a selected phase with respect to the voltage signal. A processor records one or more value(s) of the data and then alters the selected phase. Value(s) are thus recorded at each of a plurality of phases. The processor determines a phase difference of the current signal with respect to the voltage signal using the respective sets of value(s). A method for employing a test meter and a test strip is also disclosed, and includes measuring a respective plurality of points for each of a plurality of different measurement phases and determining a phase difference of a fluid sample therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: LifeScan Scotland Limited
    Inventors: David ELDER, Tim Lloyd, Christian Forlani, Rossano Massari, Emanuele Pozzi
  • Publication number: 20150070035
    Abstract: According to some embodiments of the present invention, a system for detecting counterfeit or altered coins or bullion includes a sensor system, an alternating current (AC) power supply electrically connected to the sensor system, a detection system electrically connected to the sensor system and the AC power supply, and a data processor configured to communicate with the detection system. The sensor system comprises an impedance component and a measurement circuit. The detection system is configured to determine a calibration complex impedance and a sample complex impedance. The data processor is configured to receive the calibration complex impedance and the sample complex impedance from the detection system, and provide information regarding a composition of the sample to distinguish valid coins and bullion from at least one of counterfeit or altered coins and bullion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventor: Dave Blau
  • Patent number: 8975901
    Abstract: Measurement devices, systems, and methods to measure a high field conductivity of a fluid are provided herein. The measurement device includes a fluid cell, a pair of electrodes, a voltage switch, and a measurement unit. The fluid cell is on an inclined plane to receive the fluid. The pair of electrodes are connected to the fluid cell. The pair of electrodes are spaced apart from one another to receive the fluid therebetween and positioned parallel to one another to pass an electrical current therethrough. The power unit provides a high voltage power supply to one electrode of the pair of electrodes. The measurement unit measures the electrical current that passes between the pair of electrodes through the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Henryk Birecki, Omer Gila, Michael H Lee, William D Holland
  • Publication number: 20150063415
    Abstract: A method of wear detection of a coated belt or rope includes measuring an initial electrical resistance of one or more cords, strands or wires of the coated belt or rope. The initial electrical resistance is calibrated by repeating the measuring of initial electrical resistance and populating a database with the measured initial electrical resistance values. A true initial resistance is determined from the population of initial electrical resistances and subsequent measured values of electrical resistance of the one or more cords, strands or wires of the coated belt or rope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Michael Garfinkel, Daryl J. Marvin
  • Publication number: 20150050757
    Abstract: A method for testing a susceptor of a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) apparatus includes preparing a substrate including a transparent conductive layer, disposing the substrate with the transparent conductive layer on the susceptor of the CVD apparatus, and determining whether or not the susceptor of the CVD apparatus is normal by measuring a surface resistance across the transparent conductive layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jin-Woo Yang
  • Publication number: 20150048853
    Abstract: An impedance analysis device adapted to an object under test (OUT) includes a signal generator, a signal analysis unit and a processing unit. The signal generator outputs a pulse signal to the OUT. The signal analysis unit acquires a response signal which the OUT responds to the pulse signal, and analyzes the response signal to obtain an analysis parameter. The processing unit coupled to the signal analysis unit receives the analysis parameter, so as to obtain an impedance variation characteristic of the OUT.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Cihun-Siyong GONG, Yi-Feng LUO, Li-Ren HUANG, Kai-Cheung JUANG
  • Patent number: 8955308
    Abstract: A method for operating a tank for reducing agent, in particular aqueous urea solution, having a sensor with a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact, includes initially determining a conductance value for liquid reducing agent, a conductance value for frozen reducing agent and a conductance value for air in steps a.1) to a.3. A voltage is then applied between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact in step b. A conductance value between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact is then determined in step c. The conductance value determined in step c) is then compared to the conductance values determined in steps a.1) to a.3) and a determination is made as to if liquid reducing agent, frozen reducing agent, or air is present in step d). A motor vehicle in which the method is carried out, is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: EMITEC Gesellschaft fuer Emissionstechnologie mbH
    Inventors: Peter Bauer, Jan Hodgson
  • Patent number: 8941396
    Abstract: An electronic sensing system has a transceiver with input and output pads, an excitation circuit connected to the output pad, and a detection circuit connected to the input pad. An electrically-conductive sensor patch has an electrical state that changes with exposure to a corresponding environmental factor. The detection circuit detects an electrical state of the input electrical-connection pad in response to the excitation signal and the electrical state of the sensor patch. A stack of one or more layers in order is disposed over the sensor patch in the detection region. Each layer is susceptible to a respective environmental factor, so that the sensor patch changes electrical state in response to exposure of the layer stack to the respective environmental factors of the one or more layer(s) in the selected order and subsequent exposure of the sensor patch to the corresponding environmental factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Ronald Steven Cok, Christopher J. White
  • Publication number: 20150002178
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and an apparatus for measuring electrical conductivity of liquids. In one aspect, the apparatus includes a waveform generator module configured to generate a first waveform signal and to supply the first waveform signal to a sensor; a phase adjustment module configured to receive the first waveform signal from the waveform generator module and to generate a phase-shifted signal from the first waveform signal, said phase-shifted signal having a phase that is adjusted based upon expected or measured properties of the liquid and further adjusted to eliminate phase error induced inaccuracies in the measurement; and a signal combination module configured to receive a return signal from the sensor and the phase-shifted signal from the phase adjustment module and to sum the return signal and the phase-shifted signal to produce an adjusted return signal containing information associated with the electrical property of the liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Glenn T. Herb, Craig A. Herb, Curt W. Jarva
  • Publication number: 20140375341
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a semiconductor substrate, outer and inner guard rings disposed along a periphery of the semiconductor substrate, and first and second contact pads electrically coupled to the outer and inner guard rings, respectively. The outer and inner guard rings are electrically coupled to one another to define a conduction path between the first and second contact pads. Each of the outer and inner guard rings includes an Ohmic metal layer having a plurality of gaps and further includes conductive bridges across the gaps. The gaps of the outer guard ring are laterally offset from the gaps of the inner guard ring such that the Ohmic metal layers of the outer and inner guard rings laterally overlap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.
    Inventors: Jason R. Fender, Ngai Ming Lau
  • Publication number: 20140378396
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides aromatic-cationic peptide compositions and methods of using the same. The methods comprise use of the peptides in electron transport, inhibition of cardiolipin peroxidation, apoptosis inhibition and electrical conductance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: D. Travis Wilson, Hazel Szeto, Alex Birk
  • Publication number: 20140361797
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for measuring net charge density of membrane and apparatus thereof. The method measures the net charge density of a membrane by utilizing the relation between the mechanical pressure difference applied across the membrane and the generated streaming potential or the relation between the applied electric field and the generated electroosmotic flow. The present invention also provides a method and an apparatus for measuring the resistance of a membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventor: Ching-Jung Chuang
  • Publication number: 20140361796
    Abstract: In a method of detecting a leak in a water impermeable membrane applied on a roof substrate, an electrical potential is created between a conductive detector on top of the membrane and the roof substrate causing current to flow between the roof substrate and the conductive detector through moisture in any leak in the membrane. The membrane is attached to the roof support substrate by an intervening layer therebetween which can be a primer or an adhesive layer which is caused to be electrically conductive by the addition an electrically conductive material. This allows the conductor on the roof substrate to which the potential difference is applied to be attached onto the roof substrate and covered by the layer underneath the membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: David E. Vokey, Walter Isaac Jordan
  • Publication number: 20140345740
    Abstract: A method including the provision of at least one wire sensor (54A) including a polymeric matrix and having greater electric conductivity than that of the tubular body (52). The method includes the measurement of an electric quantity representative of the integrity of the flexible line, in at least one measurement point (60A, 60B) located on the sensor (54A).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventor: Frédéric Demanze
  • Patent number: 8896329
    Abstract: A device, a system and a method for detecting an irregularity in a structure of an aircraft are proposed. The device includes a resonant circuit with a resonance frequency and a probe for tuning the resonance frequency of the resonant circuit. The resonant circuit and the probe are operatively connected in such a way that the probe changes the resonance frequency of the resonant circuit if the structure changes due to a formation of an irregularity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignees: European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company EADS France, EADS Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Werner Zimmerman, Jurgen Steinwandel, Sebastien Rolet, Didier Simonet
  • Publication number: 20140340101
    Abstract: A method and apparatus qualifies a conductor for service and determines imbalance resistance of a conductor. The method and apparatus comprises feeding signals from a controller to termination ends of at least three wires of a conductor. In the controller a resistance difference is determined between first and second wires of the conductor using a measured resistance of one of the three conductor wires as a reference value. The conductor is qualified for services when the resistance difference between the first and second wires is below a threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: FLUKE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jeffrey Sandsmark Bottman
  • Patent number: 8888971
    Abstract: A synergistic improvement of a precious metal assaying device with its associated electronic decoding algorithms further employing a precise feed of an electrolyte from a disposable flexing cartridge and through porous media for conveying electrolyte to create a reproducible electrochemical contact by a wetting action between a reference electrode in the assaying device and an external specimen under test where the electrolyte is passed through a novel slit diaphragm permitting efflux of electrolyte and reflux of unused electrolyte that results in a self-cleaning flush of the assaying device. The synergistic slit diaphragm permits the flow of electrolyte from the flexing cartridge in response to the positive pressure and the cleansing return of unused electrolyte on negative pressure of the cartridge, thereby solving a contamination problem which was a major shortcoming in such assaying devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Inventors: Leonid Radomyshelsky, Boris Loginov
  • Patent number: 8890553
    Abstract: A method detects one or more cracks in a piezoelectric element interposed between a pair of electrodes and deforms according to a voltage applied thereto through the pair of electrodes. The method includes steps of applying a voltage at least at a resonance frequency of the piezoelectric element to the piezoelectric element through the pair of electrodes, measuring a dielectric tangent between the pair of electrodes under the applied voltage, and detecting if there are cracks in the piezoelectric element according to the measured dielectric tangent. The dielectric tangent of the piezoelectric element at the resonance frequency has a large peak or no peak depending on whether or not the piezoelectric element has cracks. Accordingly, the method easily and surely detects if the piezoelectric element has cracks according to the dielectric tangent of the piezoelectric element measured at the resonance frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: NHK Spring Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eijiro Furuta, Hajime Arai
  • Publication number: 20140337035
    Abstract: A gem tester for testing a gem under test and a kit including a horizontal recharging stand are disclosed. In one embodiment of the gem tester, an elongated body has a line-of-sight contour tapering from a bulbous end to a radially deviating frontal nose having a probe extending therefrom. Internal circuitry measures electrical conductivity of the gem under test in order to identify the type of gem under test and drive a color control signal in response thereto. A light source is disposed proximate the probe in order to expose the gem under test to ultraviolet light prior to the internal circuitry measuring electrical conductivity. Identification of the gem under test may be made by audio or visual indication or a combination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventors: Daniel L. Kessler, Henry M. Kessler
  • Publication number: 20140333694
    Abstract: Measuring an inkjet nozzle may nozzle may include taking at least one impedance measurement after the firing command is sent to detect the presence of a drive bubble and taking another impedance measurement to detect a collapse of the drive bubble.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, L.P.
    Inventors: Eric T. Martin, Andrew L. Van Brocklin, David Maxfield
  • Publication number: 20140333332
    Abstract: An exemplary electronic device is in a housing to be gripped by both hands, and measures the potentials of first and second fingers of respectively different hands. The device includes: a first electrode group provided in a position to come in contact with the first finger, including a first main electrode and at least one first auxiliary electrode provided in a position away from the first main electrode; a second electrode group provided in a position to come in contact with the second finger, including a second main electrode and at least one second auxiliary electrode provided in a position away from the second main electrode; a biological signal processor for, from potential values measured at the first and second electrode groups, determining respective contact states concerning the first and second fingers; and a transmission circuit for presenting information concerning a finger contact state based on a result of determination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventors: Akinori MATSUMOTO, Koji MORIKAWA, Jeffry Bonar FERNANDO, Katsuyoshi YAMAGAMI, Jun OZAWA
  • Publication number: 20140322433
    Abstract: A hard, transparent coating for a substrate and associated method for coating is disclosed. The coating includes alternating layers of a soft coating and a hard coating. The coating further includes a sensor. The electrical resistivity of the sensor may be measured to determine if the coating has been degraded. The coating may further include a hydrophobic outer layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Kjersta L. Larson-Smith, Vasan S. Sundaram, David A. Bowen, Shawn M. Pare, Liam S.C. Pingree
  • Publication number: 20140292358
    Abstract: A gem tester for testing a gem under test and a kit including a horizontal recharging stand are disclosed. In one embodiment of the gem tester, an elongated body has a line-of-sight contour tapering from a bulbous end to a radially deviating frontal nose having a probe extending therefrom. Internal circuitry measures electrical and thermal conductivity of the gem under test in order to identify the type of gem under test and drive a color control signal in response thereto. A luminescent mounting extends about the contact to provide, in response to the control signal, a color indication of the identified gem type.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: Daniel L. Kessler, Henry M. Kessler
  • Publication number: 20140292355
    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: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: Indiana University of Pennsylvania
    Inventor: Gregory G. Kenning
  • Publication number: 20140292357
    Abstract: A smart multi-layer composite is disclosed. The smart multi-layer composite includes a plurality of layers stacked in sequence; and a graphene layer interposed between the plurality of layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventor: Kyung Nam Chai
  • Patent number: 8845798
    Abstract: A particulate matter detecting apparatus for an internal combustion engine that can estimate a discharge amount of the particulate matter accurately. The particulate matter detecting apparatus for an internal combustion engine, comprises: a sensor disposed at an exhaust passage of the internal combustion engine, the sensor including a pair of electrodes for detecting particulate matter in an exhaust gas; means for estimating a discharge amount of the particulate matter based on an output of the sensor, and means for acquiring a predetermined parameter that serves as an index for a rate with which the particulate matter in the exhaust gas is deposited on the sensor. The discharge amount estimating means corrects an estimated value of the discharge amount of the particulate matter based on the parameter acquired by the parameter acquiring means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroki Nishijima
  • Patent number: 8841924
    Abstract: The electrical properties of particle solutions can be investigated on a single particle basis by using micro fluidic channels. The impedance can be measured across the channel using at least one pair of conductive electrodes, at least one electrode of a pair being a fingered electrode having a plurality of fingers. The pattern of fingered electrodes creates a longer and more complicated measurement signal shape which leads to a significant improvement of measurement sensitivity. An application for the proposed technology is to significantly improve the measurement sensitivity of impedance measurements on blood cells, leading to a better differentiation between different types of white blood cells. Better measurement sensitivity also enables the measurement of smaller particles and higher throughput.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Hermann Christian Reccius, Steven Charles Deane, Cees Van Berkel
  • Patent number: 8841928
    Abstract: In an organic EL panel inspection method, to determine whether an organic EL panel is good or bad, a plurality of voltages having different values are sequentially applied to the organic EL panel, thereby measuring the respective currents. According to the currents, the following three criteria are checked: criterion (1), whether or not a spike current is present in the measured currents, criterion (2), between when the plurality of voltages are sequentially applied from one direction to the other direction of the voltage and when the plurality of voltages are sequentially applied from the other direction to the one direction, whether or not currents having different current densities occur at the same voltage, and criterion (3), the absolute value of the current density of current flowing when a predetermined voltage in the reverse direction is applied to the organic EL panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Keiichi Furukawa, Kuniaki Uezawa, Toshiyuki Kinoshita
  • Publication number: 20140266266
    Abstract: The invention relates to a flow cell for absorption detection, in which a tube through which flow is to pass is held at its opposite ends in a supporting flange in each case and is suspended in a substantially cantilevered manner, the two supporting flanges being connected rigidly to each other in order to avoid stresses accidentally introduced into the tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: DIONEX SOFTRON GMBH
    Inventors: Erik BAIGAR, Christian Andreas HILMER
  • Publication number: 20140266265
    Abstract: Disclosed are several examples of a system and method for detecting if an article is being tampered with. Included is a covering made of a substrate that is coated with a layer of an electrically conductive material that forms an electrically conductive surface having an electrical resistance. The covering is configured to at least partially encapsulate the article such that the article cannot be tampered with, without modifying the electrical resistance of the electrically conductive surface of the covering. A sensing device is affixed to the electrically conductive surface of the covering and the sensing device monitors the condition of the covering by producing a signal that is indicative of the electrical resistance of the electrically conductive surface of the covering. A measured electrical resistance that differs from a nominal electrical resistance is indicative of a covering that is being tampered with and an alert is communicated to an observer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Joseph Kuhn, Ronald Jason Livesay, Brandon William Mason, Nathan Carl Rowe
  • Patent number: 8836351
    Abstract: A high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) capable of performing as a chlorine sensor is disclosed. In one implementation, a silver chloride layer can be provided on a gate region of the HEMT. In one application, the HEMTs can be used for the measurement and detection of chloride in bio-sensing applications. In another application, the HEMTs can be used for the detection of chloride in water for environmental and health applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Fan Ren, Stephen John Pearton
  • Publication number: 20140251005
    Abstract: Connected tableware is provided with various sensors and systems for quantifying a user's dietary intake. Sensors and systems include a weight sensing system, a fluid level sensor, a fat content sensor, and a temperature sensor. Further, the connected tableware is comprised in a system including a data transfer medium (i.e. “smartphone”) and the Cloud, which allows for data transfer between multiple platforms from the connected tableware. The connected tableware and the system operate in conjunction to identify the dietary items contained on the connected tableware, thus quantifying dietary intake of a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Beam Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander D. Curry, Alex X. Frommeyer, Daniel E. Dykes
  • Publication number: 20140253152
    Abstract: A device for ascertaining the corrosiveness of a plastic melt, including a housing having a cavity to be filled with plastic melt; a first electrode made of a first material and a second electrode made of a second material, the first electrode and the second electrode each having a contact surface toward the cavity, the standard potential of the first material being higher than that of the second material, and the first electrode and second electrode additionally being connectable to each other via a measuring element for determining an electric current and/or an electric voltage between the contact surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Bernd Steinhoff, Dirk Lellinger, Hans Kothe
  • Patent number: 8829929
    Abstract: An environmental degradation sensor for rubber products comprises a conductive composite having a matrix of at least one polymeric component of the rubber product, a conductive filler, and a degradation control agent. The sensor is attached to the rubber product and communicates with a reader through electrical contact or by use of a radio frequency identification device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Inventor: Kenneth S. Watkins, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8823400
    Abstract: A diagnostic method and system is described for diagnosing an operating condition of a conductive particulate matter sensor. The sensor has a substrate with electrical resistance that varies with temperature and two electrodes on the substrate adapted to collect particulate matter between the electrodes, thereby establishing an electrically conductive path through collected particulate matter between the electrodes that can be detected by measuring electrical resistance between the electrodes, Relect. The diagnosis is performed by heating the substrate in the area between the electrodes and using the resistance between the electrodes to determine detecting whether contamination is present on the surface of the sensor. Heat may be maintained on the sensor to attempt to burn off a detected contaminant, and a subsequent resistance reading may be used to determine if the contaminant was successfully burned off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Lary R. Hocken, Charles S. Nelson
  • Patent number: 8813918
    Abstract: An elevator support monitoring device in an elevator system and a method for monitoring an elevator support characterizing property, preferably an electrical resistance, of the elevator support or of a tension support of the elevator support for a sudden change in the characterizing property. A state of the elevator support is determined by evaluating several consecutive, sudden changes in the characterizing property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventors: Hans Kocher, Mirco Annen, Roger Limacher
  • Patent number: 8816706
    Abstract: Methods for using carbon nanomaterials to alter the operational output of a device are described herein. The methods can include providing a device that contains a carbon nanomaterial in a first state, and applying an input stimulus to the carbon nanomaterial so as to change the first state into a second state. In the first state, the carbon nanomaterial can be used to produce a normal operational output of the device, whereas the device can produce an altered operational output when the carbon nanomaterial is in the second state. When producing an altered operational output, the device can continue operating, but the altered operational output can be non-indicative of the true operational state of the device. Devices containing a carbon nanomaterial that can be reconfigured from a normal operational output to an altered operational output are also described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan W. Ward, Brent M. Segal, Elwood J. Egerton
  • Patent number: 8816707
    Abstract: A misalignment detection device comprising a first substrate, at least one integrated circuit, a second substrate, a third substrate, and at least one detection unit. The at least one integrated is disposed on the first substrate in a first pressing region. The third substrate is disposed on the first substrate in a second pressing region and on the second substrate on the second substrate in a third pressing region. The at least one detection unit outputs a fault signal in response to a positioning shift occurring in at least one of the first, second, and third pressing regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Au Optronics Corp.
    Inventors: Chun-Yu Lee, Shih-Ping Chou, Chien-Liang Chen, Wen-Hung Lai
  • Patent number: 8816705
    Abstract: Method and device for monitoring a zone of a metal structure in terms of its electrical resistance in order to detect possible defects in the structure, by periodically passing current through the zone in different directions while measuring and recording voltage drops in a number of selected unit areas (aij) within the zone, and by combining, for each unit area (aij), at least two measured values recorded during at least two measurements made with current passing in different directions, and by comparing values obtained by at least one similarly obtained value made earlier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Roxar Flow Measurement AS.
    Inventor: Olav Espejord
  • Patent number: 8807286
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method in rope condition monitoring of an elevator, in which method at least the following steps are performed: electrical resistance between a first point and a second point of elevator suspension and/or transmission ropes is measured first time, a threshold value is determined based on the measurement, the elevator is used for transporting passengers and/or goods, electrical resistance between the first point and the second point of said suspension and/or transmission ropes is measured second time, and results of said second time measurement are compared with said threshold value, and if said second time measurement meets said threshold value, predetermined actions are carried out. The invention also relates to an arrangement in rope condition monitoring of an elevator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: KONE Corporation
    Inventors: Mikko Puranen, Riku Lampinen, Antti Saarelainen
  • Patent number: 8810236
    Abstract: An analyte sensor apparatus and a corresponding fluid medium, the analyte sensor apparatus comprising a sensing element, the external surface of which comprises a membrane to inhibit exposure of the sensing element; the corresponding fluid medium comprising a receptor species and an activatable species, the receptor species for interacting with an analyte to activate the activatable species, activation of the activated species causing increased porosity of the membrane of an in-contact analyte sensor apparatus to correspondingly increase exposure of the sensing element to allow for production of a detectable electrical signal which can be used to sense the presence of the analyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Marc J A Bailey, Elisabetta Spigone
  • Publication number: 20140227044
    Abstract: A geomembrane liner for a containment system including liner panels and connected by a seam at overlapped edges, with the top panel having a conductive lower surface which is non-conductive across the seam. Heat welding of the seams is accomplished by a welder having a heating unit with a projection which interrupts the conductive lower surface of the top panel before forming the seam. Such seams may be used separately or selectively with a lined containment system having a plurality of liner panels covering at least a portion of the containment system bottom. The liner panels have a conductive lower surface and overlap with adjacent panels, and conductive members underlie adjacent panels and contact the conductive lower surface of both adjacent panels to provide an electrical connection between the conductive lower surfaces of the adjacent panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: GSE ENVIRONMENTAL, LLC
    Inventors: Jimmie Gordon Youngblood, JR., David James Gallagher, Edward Joseph Zimmel
  • Patent number: 8800350
    Abstract: A particle sensor including a diaphragm, a diaphragm heater, and at least two measuring electrodes situated on the diaphragm, for electrical conductivity measurement, the diaphragm having a thickness of less than or equal to 50 ?m, in order to allow a calorimetric particle quantity determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Krauss, Tino Fuchs
  • Patent number: 8803536
    Abstract: A detector comprising control circuitry and a sensor in which the detector comprises three layers. The first layer includes a first set of mutually connected electrically conducting elements and a second set of mutually connected electrically conducting elements. The third layer comprises an electrically conducting plane, and the second layer extends between the first and third layers. The electrical conductivity of the second layer varies in accordance with variations in the intensity of the interactions. In a first mode, the control circuit applies voltage between the first and third layers to generate a first current through the second layer, and provides a measurement of the first current. In a second mode, the control circuit applies voltage between the first and second sets of electrically conducting elements to generate a second current through the second layer, and provides a measurement of the second current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Peratech Limited
    Inventors: Mark Andrew Graham, David Lussey
  • Patent number: 8797050
    Abstract: An electrical circuit confirming to the IEC 61158-2 standard comprising a power supply, a device as a load thereof, and monitoring means adapted to monitor one or more physical layer attributes of the electrical circuit, in which the device comprises an enclosure, device function electronics disposed therein and two terminals connecting said device function electronics to said electrical circuit, in which water detection means is disposed inside said enclosure, and comprises water detection probes and a physical layer attribute modifier mounted across said electrical circuit in parallel with said device function electronics, and in which when said water detection probes detect water said physical layer attribute modifier makes a modification to a physical layer attribute of the electrical circuit, which modification is detectable by said monitoring means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Pepperl + Fuchs GmbH
    Inventors: Renato Kitchener, Gunther Rogoll
  • Publication number: 20140210493
    Abstract: A handheld device to detect pathogens may include a handheld impedance sensor to measure impedance of the pathogen having a socket and a sensing circuit being positioned in the socket to provide the pathogen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Inventor: Majed El-Dweik