Determining Nonelectric Properties By Measuring Electric Properties Patents (Class 324/71.1)
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Publication number: 20140375298Abstract: System for detecting the level of discomfort of aquatic animals during experimental studies, with a water tank, a reference electrode placed at one of the sides of the tank, at least one recording electrode placed at another side of the tank, a bio amplifier for amplifying a received bio-signal at the recording electrode, a microprocessor for treating the signals and a low-pass filter for filtering the signals received. The system can provide a precise, quantifiable and specific indication of the level of stress/wellbeing of aquatic animals in normal living conditions as well as in experimental conditions without interfering with the animals' life.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2012Publication date: December 25, 2014Applicant: FUNDACION AZTI/AZTI FUNDAZIOAInventors: Gonzalo A Garcia, Sandra Rainieri
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Patent number: 8901913Abstract: Among others things, techniques, systems, and apparatus are disclosed for recording electrophysiological signals. In one aspect, a microelectrode sensing device includes a printed circuit board (PCB), a chip unit electrically connected to the PCB, and a cell culture chamber positioned over the chip unit and sealed to the PCB with the chip unit between the PCB and the cell culture chamber. The chip unit includes a substrate; a conductive layer positioned over the substrate that includes one or more recording electrodes; an insulation layer positioned over the conductive layer; another conductive layer positioned over the insulation layer that includes positioning electrodes; and another insulation layer positioned over the other conductive layer. The recording and positioning electrodes are electrically independent so as to independently receive a stimulus signal at each recording electrode and positioning electrode and independently detect a sensed signal at each recording electrode.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2009Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: CapitalBio CorporationInventors: Jing Zhu, Zhongyao Yu, Xueling Quan, Guangxin Xiang, Yuming Hu, Wanli Xing, Jing Cheng
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Publication number: 20140347032Abstract: A chip detector includes a plug configured to be coupled to a housing. The plug includes a first magnetic member and a second magnetic member spaced apart from each other so as to define a gap therebetween. Each of the first magnetic member and the second magnetic member is a rare earth magnet. A first electric contact is electrically coupled with the first magnetic member and a second electric contact is electrically coupled with the second magnetic member. A resistor is electrically coupled between the first electric contact and the second electric contact. An energy storage device is configured to provide a voltage difference between the first electric contact and the second electric contact. An indicating member is configured to provide an indication of a flow of current between the first and second electric contacts due to collection of chips in the gap between the first and second magnetic members.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2014Publication date: November 27, 2014Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Daniel J. Reed, Timothy F. Nusz
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Publication number: 20140349892Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus(100) and a method for the processing of single molecules, particularly for the sensing or sequencing of single-stranded DNA. A bottom layer(110) and an electrically conductive top layer(120) with a first and a second slit(111,121), respectively, are disposed on top of each other such that an aperture(A) is formed by the slits. The slits(111,121) are preferably perpendicular to each other. An electrical circuit(140) may be connected to the top layer(120), allowing to sense single molecules that pass through the aperture(A).Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2012Publication date: November 27, 2014Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.Inventors: Pieter Jan Van Der Zaag, Reinder Coehoorn, Falco Cornelius Marinus Jacobus Maria Van Delft
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Publication number: 20140340071Abstract: A rotational position sensing device for sensing rotation of an axially adjustable shaft of a shaft and arm assembly of a door that does not require readjustment after the shaft and arm assembly are adjusted includes a fixed bracket supporting a post, a position sensor having an upper portion, a lower portion and an extended portion, and a rotating portion. The extended portion extends from the upper portion of the position sensor and constrains the post of the bracket such that the upper portion of the position sensor is unable to axially rotate relative to the bracket. The rotating section is adapted to be fixed to the shaft and engage with the lower portion of the position sensor, such that the rotating portion rotates relative to the upper portion of the position sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2012Publication date: November 20, 2014Inventor: Matthew Chapman
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Publication number: 20140327427Abstract: Detection of a coating defect on a catheter shaft, by imposing AC voltage between an electrode and a grounding tube, passing the catheter shaft through the grounding tube and through the hole of the electrode, monitoring the voltage between the electrode and the grounding tube, and detecting the coating defect, in case the amplitude of the monitored voltage drops below a threshold value. The electrode defines a hole, which opens from an infeed side of the electrode to an outfeed side of the electrode. A voltage supply provides the AC between the electrode and system ground. A fault detection circuit monitors the electrode. The grounding tube has an outer surface connected to system ground, and is coaxial with the electrode hole, an inward tube end proximate the hole and an outward tube end distal the hole.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2014Publication date: November 6, 2014Applicant: CLINTON INSTRUMENT COMPANYInventors: David L. Carroll, Theodore P. Lane
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Patent number: 8872514Abstract: A magnetic sensor comprises a first ferromagnetic body, a second ferromagnetic body, a channel extending from the first ferromagnetic body to the second ferromagnetic body, a magnetic shield covering the channel, and an insulating film disposed between the channel and the magnetic shield, while the magnetic shield has a through-hole extending toward the channel.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2011Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: TDK CorporationInventors: Tomoyuki Sasaki, Tohru Oikawa, Kiyoshi Noguchi
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Patent number: 8874323Abstract: A device is described for generating a control signal for controlling a passenger protection arrangement of a motor vehicle, having a first acceleration sensor for generating a first acceleration signal, having a second acceleration sensor for generating a second acceleration signal, having a first structure-borne noise sensor for generating a first structure-borne noise signal, having a second structure-borne noise sensor for generating a second structure-borne noise signal, and having an evaluation circuit, the evaluation circuit (being configured for generating a combination signal from the first structure-borne noise signal and the second structure-borne noise signal, the evaluation circuit being configured for generating the control signal as a function of the first acceleration signal, the second acceleration signal and the combination signal.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2011Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Nicolaus Ulbrich, Andreas Wienss
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Patent number: 8860399Abstract: A monitoring device is for monitoring physical characteristics of a building material. The monitoring device is buried inside a block of the building material, and has a sensor to sense physical characteristics thereof. The sensor transmits a signal representative of the physical characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2011Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.R.L.Inventors: Giovanni Girlando, Alessandro Finocchiaro
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Publication number: 20140300339Abstract: The present invention provides technology that uses current measurements to identify nucleotides and determine a nucleotide sequence in polynucleotides. The present invention calculates a modal value of a tunnel current that arises when a nucleotide or polynucleotide for analysis passes through between electrodes, and then employs the calculated modal value. The present invention accordingly enables direct rapid implementation to identify nucleotides and to determine a nucleotide sequence in a polynucleotide without marking.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2011Publication date: October 9, 2014Applicant: OSAKA UNIVERSITYInventors: Masateru Taniguchi, Makusu Tsutsui, Kazumichi Yokota, Tomoji Kawai
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Patent number: 8847608Abstract: A non-destructive on-line system for detecting a presence of a material in a sample of a substance, including: an MRI device; a flow conduit encompassed by the tunable RF coil of the MRI device and having an input duct and an output duct; a flow of the sample through the flow conduit; a signal detector for detecting frequency-dependent output signals from the MRI device as a function of a frequency variation of the RF tunable coil within a frequency range of an RF resonant frequency of a standard sample of the substance, and a processing unit.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2011Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Inventor: Uri Rapoport
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Patent number: 8845914Abstract: The presence of a detectable entity within a detection volume of a microfabricated elastomeric structure is sensed through a change in the electrical or magnetic environment of the detection volume. In embodiments utilizing electronic detection, an electric field is applied to the detection volume and a change in impedance, current, or combined impedance and current due to the presence of the detectable entity is measured. In embodiments utilizing magnetic detection, the magnetic properties of a magnetized detected entity alter the magnetic field of the detection volume. This changed magnetic field induces a current which can reveal the detectable entity. The change in resistance of a magnetoresistive element may also reveal the passage of a magnetized detectable entity.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2013Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Fluidigm CorporationInventors: Hany Nassef, Geoffrey Richard Facer, Marc Unger
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Patent number: 8841924Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 27, 2010Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.Inventors: Hermann Christian Reccius, Steven Charles Deane, Cees Van Berkel
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Patent number: 8841928Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 11, 2010Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: Konica Minolta Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Keiichi Furukawa, Kuniaki Uezawa, Toshiyuki Kinoshita
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Publication number: 20140266147Abstract: A piezoelectric substrate having a nanopore opening that separates two reservoirs of conductive fluid may provide for sensitive biological measurements by allowing control of the size of the nanopore according to piezoelectric stimulation of the substrate. Multiple embodiments are provided of monolithic piezoelectric substrates and nanopores for this purpose as well as a control system for controlling the nanopore dimensions electrically using AC or DC waveforms.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: Wisconsin Alumini Research FoundationInventors: Robert H. Blick, Eric James Stava
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Publication number: 20140266148Abstract: A system for detecting the level of coins in a coin box of a vending machine includes a voltage output circuit, a coin detecting circuit, and an indication circuit. The voltage output circuit receives a DC voltage, and provides a stable reference voltage. The coin detecting circuit receives the stable reference voltage, and detects the resistance of the coins in the coin box on the basis that the aggregate of accumulated coins creates an electrical connection across the coin box in parallel with known-value resistors in the coin detecting circuit. An amplification of the reference voltage takes place and the indication circuit receives the amplified reference voltage, to indicate by display or otherwise that the coin box is filled with coins or is not yet filled with coins.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (WUHAN) CO., LTD.Inventors: PENG ZHANG, YU-LIN LIU
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Publication number: 20140266150Abstract: Methods and apparatus for measuring the cleanliness of molten metals. Direct current is passed between electrodes through molten metal advancing through a passage in an electrically resistive wall. A voltage signal is analyzed for the presence of solid generally non-metallic inclusions in the metal. Direct current is supplied by one or more ultra-capacitors and the decay in discharge voltage of the capacitor(s) is compensated for by passing the current from each capacitor through a resistor ladder network circuit having resistors connected in parallel. Individual resistors are switched on or off in a sequence effective to change the resistance of the circuit and maintain the current within a predetermined range. Heat generation and noise pick-up are minimized by maintaining a low discharge voltage and measurement current while using FETs only in the fully ON or OFF conditions to switch the resistors into or out of the circuits.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: NOVELIS INC.Inventor: GARY THORNTON
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Publication number: 20140266149Abstract: A method for determining variations in the metallic content of a cover of a mobile communications device at different locations simultaneously includes configuring a radio frequency signal generator to generate a standing wave along a transmission line including a first conductor formed from a thin conductive film on a first side of a first nonconductive substrate and transmitting a signal on a frequency corresponding to the standing wave to excite a plurality of magnetic and electric field peaks along the first conductor coinciding with the positioning of the cover at different locations wherein the transmission line also includes a second conductor formed from a thin metallic film substantially covering a first side of a second nonconductive substrate positioned parallel to the first nonconductive substrate whereby the second conductor is electromagnetically coupled to the first conductor to identify detectable deviations in the scattering parameters (S-11) or return loss response of the transmission line.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: MOTOROLA MOBILITY LLCInventors: Juan M. Martinez, Francis C. Cheo, Peruvemba Ranganathan Sai Ananthanarayanan
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Publication number: 20140253092Abstract: To diagnose plasma in a plasma space, a plurality of floating probes are installed at a plurality of points, respectively, in a plasma space. An electron density ratio at each of the points is calculated by measuring a first probe current of each of the floating probes, the probe current including a DC component. A point ion density and a point electron temperature at each of the points are calculated by measuring a second probe current of each of the floating probes before the electron density ratio is calculated, the second probe current excluding the DC component.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2014Publication date: September 11, 2014Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kyung-Yub JEON, Jeong-Yun LEE, Chin-Wook CHUNG
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Patent number: 8829913Abstract: A technique for reducing an electromagnetic noise entering an electrode or a drift of a signal due to a fluctuation in the ambient temperature is provided to improve the S/N ratio of a signal originating from a component of interest. A dummy electrode having the same structure as an ion-collecting electrode is provided within a lower gas passage at a position where dilution gas with no sample gas mixed therein flows. A differential amplifier is provided to perform differential detection between output A of a current amplifier connected to the ion-collecting electrode and output B of a current amplifier connected to the dummy electrode. The differential signal is free from a common mode noise or drift and hence accurately reflects the amount of the component of interest.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2011Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignees: Shimadzu Corporation, Osaka UniversityInventors: Kei Shinada, Shigeyoshi Horiike, Takahiro Nishimoto, Katsuhisa Kitano
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Patent number: 8829886Abstract: An defect detection system includes an exoemission sensor having a conductive layer and an insulating layer. The exoemission sensor is mountable to a material of interest and configured to receive exoemissions from the material while in an atmosphere. The exoemission sensor outputs a signal based upon the received emissions. An analysis device is configured to receive the signal from the exoemission sensor and determine whether a defect is present in the material based upon the signal.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2011Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Stanton Earl Weaver, Joseph Darryl Michael
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Patent number: 8816706Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 29, 2011Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Jonathan W. Ward, Brent M. Segal, Elwood J. Egerton
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Publication number: 20140230855Abstract: The embodiments herein relate to methods and apparatus for detecting whether unwanted metallic deposits are present on a bottom of a substrate holder used in an electroplating apparatus. The presence of such unwanted deposits is harmful to electroplating processes because the deposits scavenge current that is intended to cause electroplating on a substrate. When such current scavenging occurs, the electroplating results on the substrates are poor. For instance, features positioned near the edge of a substrate are likely to plate to an insufficient thickness. Further, where such current scavenging is great, the overall thickness of the material plated on the substrate may be too thin. As such, there is a need to detect when such unwanted deposits are present, such that plating under these poor conditions may be avoided. This detection will help preserve costly wafers.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2014Publication date: August 21, 2014Inventors: Steven T. Mayer, Haiying Fu, Thomas Anand Ponnuswamy, Bryan L. Buckalew
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Patent number: 8810234Abstract: A method of controlling and/or predicting the remaining useful life of an active material actuator, such as a shape memory alloy wire, includes obtaining historical actuation data of an inherent system variable, such as electrical resistance, over a secondary variable, such as time, determining a normal operating envelope having upper and lower bounds based on the data, determining a current profile for a given actuation cycle, and comparing the shape of the current profile to the envelope to determine an out-of-bounds event.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2012Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Xiujie Gao, Guillermo A. Herrera, Christopher P. Henry, Geoffrey P. McKnight, Lei Hao, Nancy L. Johnson, Alan L. Browne
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Patent number: 8786272Abstract: A multi-layer tamper detection arrangement for use with an input device comprising tamper-response electronics and memory. The multi-layer sensor arrangement comprises a flexible circuit assembly configured for connection to the input device. The flexible circuit assembly comprises an outer layer comprising a first tamper-responsive conductor circuit and a first inner layer disposed beneath the outer layer. The first inner layer comprises at least one switch, a removal detection circuit, and a foreign conductor detection circuit. The at least one switch is configured to close the removal detection circuit when the at least one switch is actuated, and the foreign conductor detection circuit is normally open. The first tamper-responsive conductor circuit, the removal detection circuit, and the foreign conductor detection circuit are configured for electrical communication with the tamper-response electronics of the input device.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2011Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: Gilbarco Inc.Inventors: Giovanni Carapelli, Philip A. Robertson
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Patent number: 8773106Abstract: A method and a system are provided to determine fill sufficiency of an electrochemical biosensor test cell by determining capacitance of the electrochemical test cell. In particular, the system samples an output signal from the chamber at a second sampling-time interval different than a first sampling-time interval such that a magnitude of each sampled output signal is measured at each succession of the second sampling-time interval instead of at the first time interval. The system determines a phase angle between an output signal and the oscillating input signal from the chamber based on the sampled output signal of the sampling step. The system calculates a capacitance of the chamber from the phase angle. A method is also provided to perform similar functionalities of the system.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2011Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Lifescan Scotland LimitedInventor: David Elder
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Publication number: 20140167730Abstract: A method for monitoring contact of a rotating component of a textile machine, in particular of a clothing roller of a card, for example a card cylinder, with a further component of the textile machine. The two components are connected to an electrical power source, but are normally electrically isolated from each other, and only in the case of a contact between the two components, a short-circuit is generated, which is detected by the monitoring device. The duration of individual short-circuits per time unit (T) is detected and summed up so as to form a total duration (t) of all short-circuits per time unit (T).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2013Publication date: June 19, 2014Applicant: Maschinenfabrik Rieter AGInventors: Werner Hartmeier, Xaver Baumann
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Publication number: 20140159503Abstract: A detection device includes a coil configured to be electromagnetically coupled with an outside, and a detection section connected to a circuit including the coil. The detection section is configured to measure a Q value of the circuit using an alternating-current signal at a frequency different from a frequency of an alternating-current signal of contactless power feed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2012Publication date: June 12, 2014Applicant: Sony CorporationInventors: Tomomichi Murakami, Hiroaki Nakano, Takaaki Hashiguchi, Yoshitaka Yoshino, Shinji Komiyama, Osamu Kozakai, Shinichi Fukuda, Yuji Murayama, Keigo Bunsen
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Patent number: 8749221Abstract: A power supply detecting circuit detects feeding of power to a power supply terminal from the outside. A control unit identifies an accessory device connected to the connector based on a detection result acquired by the identification terminal voltage detecting circuit and a detection result acquired by the power supply detecting circuit. The identification terminal voltage detecting circuit can narrow down accessory device candidates based on whether or not there is feeding of power detected by the power supply detecting circuit.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2012Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: Semiconductor Components Industries, LLCInventors: Atsushi Wada, Shigeto Kobayashi
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Publication number: 20140152291Abstract: A mechanism is provided for base recognition of an integrated transistor and nanochannel. A target molecule is forced down to a carbon nanotube a single base at a time in the nanochannel by applying a gate voltage to a top electrode, and/or a narrow thickness of the nanochannel. The nanochannel exposes an exposed portion of the carbon nanotube at a bottom wall, and the top electrode is positioned over the exposed portion. The exposed portion of the carbon nanotube is smaller than the distance between bases to only accommodate the single base at a time. The target molecule is stretched by the narrow thickness and by applying a traverse voltage across a length direction of the nanochannel. The target molecule is frictionally restricted by the narrow thickness of the nanochannel to stretch is restrictedly translocates in the length direction. Current is measured to determine an identity of the single base.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2012Publication date: June 5, 2014Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Ali Afzali-Ardakani, Gustavo A. Stolovitzky, Deqiang Wang
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Patent number: 8742768Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining at least one property of a target material is disclosed. The method is constituted of: providing a time varying signal at comprising frequency content over a range of frequencies; transducing the provided signal so as to interact with the target material; receiving the provided time varying signal after interaction with the target material; mixing the received time varying signal with a portion of the provided time varying signal; determining the propagation delay associated with the target material of the received provided time varying signal at each of a plurality of frequencies within the range of frequencies; and determining at least one property of the target material responsive to the determined propagation delay at each of the plurality of frequencies.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2011Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignees: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture, Microsemi CorporationInventors: Mathew G. Pelletier, Joseph A. Viera, Jr., Gregory A. Holt, John D. Wanjura
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Patent number: 8742773Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to determine a capacitance of an electrochemical biosensor test cell of a test strip via determination of a phase angle between an output signal and input oscillating signal from the electrochemical test cell with measurement of an amplitude of the output signal from the electrochemical test cell along with conversion of the measured amplitude into a complex impedance of the electrochemical test cell based on the oscillating signal, phase angle and electrical resistance between the test cell and the connectors to derive a capacitance of the electrochemical test cell based on the complex impedance and predetermined frequency of the electrochemical test cell.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2011Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: LifeScan Scotland LimitedInventors: David Elder, John Dilleen
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Patent number: 8736250Abstract: A method for detecting electromagnetic waves derived from bacterial DNA, comprising extracting and purifying nucleic acids from a sample; diluting the extracted purified nucleic acids in an aqueous solvent; measuring a low frequency electromagnetic emission over time from the diluted extracted purified nucleic acids in an aqueous solvent; performing a signal analysis of the low frequency electromagnetic emission over time; and producing an output, based on the signal analysis, in dependence on the DNA in the sample. The DNA may be extracted from at least one of blood, feces, urine, saliva, tears, seminal fluid, sweat, seminal and vaginal fluids of a patient, or water to determine, e.g., potability. The samples may be frozen. The extracting and purifying may comprise diluting the sample with an aqueous buffer and mixing; degrading proteins in the diluted sample; precipitating DNA from the buffer solution; and resuspending the precipitated DNA in an aqueous solution.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Inventor: Luc Montagnier
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Patent number: 8736284Abstract: A particulate matter detection device that detects the diameter and the amount of particulates in exhaust gas while reducing detection error caused by deterioration such as the deterioration of electrodes is provided. In the particulate matter detection device, which measures particulates in a gaseous body, AC voltages having different frequencies are applied to a pair of electrodes disposed apart from each other. The resulting impedances to the different frequencies are detected. A resistance component and/or a capacitance component of the impedances to the different frequencies are calculated. The average diameter and/or the number of particulates in the gaseous body are estimated in accordance with changes in the resistance component and/or the capacitance component.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2010Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Keiichiro Aoki
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Patent number: 8736425Abstract: The present invention related to methods and systems for simultaneously sensing two or more environmental parameters of a sample. Included is an inductor-capacitor-resistor (LCR) resonator sensor and a pick up coil in operative association with the LCR resonator sensor wherein viscoelastic changes in the sensing film cause displacement of the antenna relative to the pick up coil.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2009Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Radislav Alexandrovich Potyrailo
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Publication number: 20140125312Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for determining whether an accessory includes particular circuitry. A host device may measure a first voltage and a second voltage received from an accessory, where the voltages are provide through the accessory from a power source. Before measuring the second voltage, the host device may send an instruction to the accessory instructing the accessory to alter an impedance of the power path between the power source and the host device, and the host device may draw at least a threshold amount of current from the power source via the accessory. The host device may then determine whether the accessory includes particular circuitry based on the relationship between the first voltage and the second voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2014Publication date: May 8, 2014Inventors: Scott Mullins, Alexei Kosut, Jeffrey J. Terlizzi, Zachary C. Rich
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Publication number: 20140125310Abstract: A nanogap device includes a first insulation layer having a nanopore formed therein, a first nanogap electrode which may be formed on the first insulation layer and may be divided into two parts with a nanogap interposed between the two parts, the nanogap facing the nanopore, a second insulation layer formed on the first nanogap electrode, a first graphene layer formed on the second insulation layer, a first semiconductor layer formed on the first graphene layer, a first drain electrode formed on the first semiconductor layer, and a first source electrode formed on the first graphene layer such as to be apart from the first semiconductor layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2013Publication date: May 8, 2014Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Chang-seung LEE, Yong-sung KIM, Jeo-young SHIM, Joo-ho LEE
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Publication number: 20140125311Abstract: A metal detector (20) has a metallic enclosure (21) with entrance and exit apertures (30, 31). A coil system inside the enclosure has an energized transmitter coil. First and second receiver coils (24, 25) bound a detection zone (28) between the apertures, through which inspected objects (2) travel. The receiver coils are on opposite sides of the transmitter coil, with regard to the direction of travel. The receiver coils are connected in series, but their windings are wires oppositely in a rotational sense. Metal contamination in the object generates a detection signal in the receiver coils. A first and second cancelling means (26), arranged at the entrance and exit, cancel the undesirable influence of metal contamination beyond a first distance upstream of and a second distance downstream of the coil system. The respective cancelling means differ from each other and, consequently, the first and second distances are different.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2014Publication date: May 8, 2014Applicant: Mettler-Toledo Safeline Ltd.Inventor: Daren Butterworth
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Publication number: 20140117971Abstract: A shift sensor includes a movable member, four movable contacts, seven fixed contacts, and two power supply terminals. Each of the movable contacts is fixed to the movable member and pivoted to a position corresponding to a shift position. Each of the fixed contacts outputs a shift signal when it is brought into conduction with a power supply terminal by coming into contact with any of the movable contacts. The fixed contacts are arranged such that the number of shift signals that differ between shift positions is three or more, between the shift positions of P, R, N, D, and B, except for between the D and B positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2011Publication date: May 1, 2014Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Koji Hokoi, Yoshitaka Watanabe, Junji Sato
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Publication number: 20140109650Abstract: A dissolved gas content measurement apparatus, which measures dissolved gas content in a liquid, includes: a flow path which includes a flow path resistance; a liquid containing chamber which communicates with the flow path; a pressure changing unit which changes inner pressure of the liquid containing chamber; a measurement unit which measures a pressure vibration cycle of the liquid, which is caused when the pressure changing unit operates, in a state where the liquid is contained in the flow path and the liquid containing chamber; and an obtaining unit which obtains the dissolved gas content based on the cycle.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2013Publication date: April 24, 2014Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATIONInventors: Atsushi OSHIMA, Atsuya HIRABAYASHI
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Publication number: 20140111232Abstract: A method for detecting a rotation of a rotor of a generator, which includes measuring the voltage induced in the rotor for the generator voltage in the case of an emergency start with an inactive closed-loop controller; and detecting the rotor rotation with the aid of the induced voltage. When a rotation is detected, the control circuit is activated and the rotation is determined from the phase voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2012Publication date: April 24, 2014Inventors: Thomas Koss, Arnold Engber
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Patent number: 8698481Abstract: A solid state molecular sensor having an aperture extending through a thickness of a sensing region is configured with a sensing region thickness that corresponds to the characteristic extent of at least a component of a molecular species to be translocated through the aperture. A change in an electrical characteristic of the sensing region is measured during the molecular species translocation. The sensor can be configured as a field effect transistor molecular sensor. The sensing region can be a region of graphene including an aperture extending through a thickness of the graphene.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2008Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: President and Fellows of Harvard CollegeInventors: Charles M. Lieber, Qihua Xiong, Ping Xie, Ying Fang
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Publication number: 20140091781Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods disclosed herein feature a housing defining an interior cavity, a flexible cable including an electrically conductive body extending from a first end to a second end, at least a portion of the first and second ends of the cable configured to be held within the interior cavity, a locking assembly disposed in the interior cavity and configured to secure the cable to the housing, an electrical circuit disposed in the interior cavity, and a monitoring sub-system disposed within the interior cavity and configured to monitor an electrical state of the cable.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2012Publication date: April 3, 2014Inventors: Nicholas D. Cova, Ryan Scott Luong Carpenter
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Patent number: 8686802Abstract: A method of configuring a device comprising a MEMS resonator includes initiating operation of the device, estimating a first parameter of the MEMS resonator based on the initiated operation, the first parameter not varying with the bias voltage, monitoring the operation of the device at a plurality of levels of the bias voltage, calculating a second parameter of the MEMS resonator based on the monitored operation, the second parameter varying with the bias voltage, determining an operational level of the bias voltage based on the estimated first parameter and the calculated second parameter, and configuring the device in accordance with the determined operational level of the bias voltage.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2012Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Micrel, IncorporatedInventors: Andrew Robert Brown, John Ryan Clark, Wan-Thai Hsu, Graham Yorke Mostyn, William Cochrane Ingle
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Publication number: 20140070789Abstract: A method is provided for measuring the condition of the lubrication in a bearing of a wind turbine. The bearing includes a first bearing shell and a second bearing shell and a layer of lubrication between the first and the second bearing shell. The method involves at least the steps of: applying a voltage from a voltage source to the bearing shells such that an electrical potential is building up between the bearing shells, increasing the level of the voltage applied to the bearing shells until the break down voltage of the layer of lubrication is reached, and measuring the voltage applied to the bearing shells to detect and measure the value of the break-down voltage of the layer of lubrication in the bearing.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2013Publication date: March 13, 2014Inventor: John Nieuwenhuizen
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Publication number: 20140069542Abstract: A first embodiment of a detection apparatus arranged to detect defects within a flexible pipe body comprises a signal generator, a receiver, a correlator and a processor. A second embodiment of a detection apparatus arranged to detect defects within a flexible pipe at least partially surrounded by seawater comprises an impedance monitor and a processor. Methods of detecting defects within a flexible pipe body, a pipeline apparatus and methods of forming pipeline apparatuses are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2013Publication date: March 13, 2014Applicant: Wellstream International LimitedInventors: Geoffrey Stephen Graham, Phillip Edward Harley, William James Shephard
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Patent number: 8669755Abstract: A geometry sensor includes: a detection surface including a plurality of polymer sensor elements and configured to detect an external object, the polymer sensor elements being arranged side-by-side along one or more directions and each generating a voltage according to a deformation; and a detecting section detecting a surface geometry of a region in the external object that is in contact with the detection surface, based on the voltage obtained from each of the polymer sensor elements in the detection surface.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2011Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Yusaku Kato, Nobuyuki Nagai
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Publication number: 20140062454Abstract: Nanosensors including graphene and methods of manufacturing the same. A nanosensor includes a first insulating layer in which a first nanopore is formed; a graphene layer that is disposed on the first insulating layer and having a second nanopore or a nanogap formed therein adjacent to the first nanopore; and a marker element that is disposed adjacent to the graphene layer and identifies a position of the graphene layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2013Publication date: March 6, 2014Inventor: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
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Publication number: 20140055122Abstract: Methods and systems for lift monitoring are described. In one embodiment, a first operation signal may be received from a first relay coupled to an electro-mechanical patient lift when the electro-mechanical patient lift is being operated in a first position. A second operation signal may be received from a second relay coupled to the electro-mechanical patient lift when the electro-mechanical patient lift is being operated in a second position. A determination of whether a lift qualification threshold is met may be based on the receiving of the first operation signal and the second operation signal. An occurrence of a lift may be recorded when a determination is made that the lift qualification threshold is met. Additional methods and systems are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2013Publication date: February 27, 2014Applicant: Westrock Solutions, LLCInventors: James D. Todd, Thomas Hollinger, Christopher F. Fangrow
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Publication number: 20140049247Abstract: Systems, a software product, and a method for leak detection and location where there are multiple distinct layers of waterproofing or roofing membranes separated by insulation or other building materials to create a sealed roofing envelope and in which the system monitors leakage from the primary and secondary membranes and also monitors leakage from the edges of the roofing or waterproofing envelope formed by the membranes.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2013Publication date: February 20, 2014Inventor: Clark Robert Gunness