Determining Nonelectric Properties By Measuring Electric Properties Patents (Class 324/71.1)
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Publication number: 20100123457Abstract: A microparticle analysis device is provided and includes: a micro-fluidic chip configured to have a region into which a sample liquid containing a magnetic microparticle and a non-magnetic microparticle is introduced, and a microfluidic channel communicating with the region on a downstream side in a liquid sending direction; a magnetic field generating section configured to form a magnetic field in an internal space of the region; and a detecting section configured to detect an optical, electrical, or magnetic characteristic of a microparticle passing through the microfluidic channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2009Publication date: May 20, 2010Applicant: SONY CORPORATIONInventor: Masataka Shinoda
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Publication number: 20100117622Abstract: Methods are provided for reducing interference from stray currents in buried pipelines/metal structures during MEIS testing or other current-sensing applications in the pipeline. Methods are also provided for measuring bulk complex electrical impedance between a buried pipe and the soil, thereby rendering an indication of the quality of the anti-corrosive coating. Methods are also provided for measuring the complex propagation constant of AC voltages propagating along an attenuative pipeline. This information is useful for assessing the general condition of the anti-corrosive coating involved, or to enhance MEIS inspection of the pipeline.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2008Publication date: May 13, 2010Inventors: Scott Downing Miller, Thomas James Davis, Jaime Paunlagui Perez
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Publication number: 20100109635Abstract: In a method for capacitive determination of the moisture content in a gas to be measured, it is provided that a capacitive element (2) brought into contact with a gas to be measured is operated in the manner of an RC oscillator (5) in charge-discharge cycles (27, 28), with the moisture content of the gas to be measured being determined from the time duration of a cycle. To assess measurement errors brought about by contaminants or aging effects, a measure for the time duration of a charging process (27) and a discharging process (28) is determined from output signal (26) of RC oscillator (5) and is processed with the measurement signal for the moisture content into a corrected measurement signal (FIG. 4).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2008Publication date: May 6, 2010Applicant: TESTO AGInventor: Meinrad Herrn Gotz
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Publication number: 20100109636Abstract: A measuring apparatus having a measurement voltage input with at least one input contact for an input voltage of a measuring element and a method for detecting moisture on the measurement voltage input of such a measuring apparatus are provided, wherein the measuring apparatus includes a supplemental voltage source, which delivers at least one supplemental voltage and is connected with a supplemental contact arranged in the region of the at least one input contact.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2009Publication date: May 6, 2010Applicant: Endress + Hauser Conducta Gesellschaft für Mess- und Regeltechnik mbH + Co. KGInventors: Herman Straub, Martin Lohmann, Stephan Buschnakowski, Jörg Uhle
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Patent number: 7710124Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a predetermined condition of a panel by transmitting a cyclically-repeating energy wave through the material (41) of the panel from first location (43a) to a second location (43b); measuring the transit time of the cyclically-repeating energy wave from the first location to the second location; and utilizing the measured transit time to detect the predetermined condition including the force on, the temperature of, a deformation in, the fatigue condition of, or a fracture in, structural panel, the presence of a force applied to, water on, or breakage in of the panel.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2005Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: Nexense Ltd.Inventors: Arie Ariav, Vladimir Ravitch, David Nitsan
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Patent number: 7704371Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system for identifying and managing corrosion and methods related thereto. In particular, the invention provides a system for identifying and managing the structural corrosion potential for an assembly by measuring a “Relative Corrosion Index” (“RCI”).Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2006Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Eric S. Meyer, Jeffrey S. Sermersheim, Stephen P. Gaydos, Ko-Wei Liu
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Publication number: 20100091516Abstract: An arrangement comprising a fiber-optic waveguide (10) and a detection device (25), wherein the fiber-optic waveguide (10) comprises a core region (10E) and a cladding region (10C) surrounding the core region (10E), wherein the core region has a higher refractive index than the cladding region, and wherein the detection device (25) can detect damage to the fiber-optic waveguide (10).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2007Publication date: April 15, 2010Applicant: OSRAM Opto Semiconductors GmbHInventors: Volker Härle, Alfred Lell, Hubert Ott, Norbert Stath, Uwe Strauss
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Publication number: 20100090677Abstract: Methods and systems substantially eliminate data representative of coincident events from particle analyzer data. A fluid sample containing particles for analysis is prepared. Using an electrical or optical measurement device, signals are sensed. Each signal corresponds to events detected in a sub-sample of the fluid sample flowing through a measurement region in the particle analyzer. The existence of coincidence in the events is determined based on measuring a peak and first and second points of each of the signals. The first and second points have a signal value corresponding to a predetermined portion of the peak. Results data based upon the coincident events and non-coincident events is generated. The results data is then analyzed. In various examples, the method is applicable to a variety of particle types, and may be implemented on different types of particle analyzers including hematology analyzer and flow cytometers.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2008Publication date: April 15, 2010Applicant: Beckman Coulter, Inc.Inventors: Ted W. Britton, Jiuliu Lu, Jeffrey L. Rose
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Patent number: 7696741Abstract: An adaptive measurement system measures a transition rate associated with an output of a device. An input signal that is characteristic of the output of the device is received by an input signal-to-frequency converter, which changes state based upon a characteristic of the input signal. The input signal-to-frequency converter provides a second signal, which reflects the state changes of the input signal-to-frequency converter. The second signal is sampled over a sample period and an instance of average transition rate is determined. A control subsystem may use the instance of average transition rate for regulating the device.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2007Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Assignee: Korry Electronics, Co.Inventor: Walter P. M. Gurr
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Publication number: 20100084623Abstract: A perimeter security barrier (1) for restraining a vehicle impacting the barrier from a direction substantially perpendicular thereto is described. The barrier comprises a pair of spaced apart end posts (3, 5) rigidly fixed in the ground and intermediate posts (11a, 11c) disposed between the end posts are also fixed in the ground. At least one pair of wire ropes (15c, 15d) is supported between the end posts and optionally woven around the intermediate posts, the ropes being secured at each end to respective end posts. Energy absorption means (21) is provided at each end for absorbing energy transmitted by the ropes from the impacting vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2008Publication date: April 8, 2010Applicant: HILL & SMITH LIMITEDInventor: Michael Thomas Titmus
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Patent number: 7691329Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for detecting contaminants in a liquid comprises: contacting a sensor with a liquid, generating electrical information based upon a concentration of the contaminant in the liquid, transmitting the electrical information to a controller, and determining the concentration of a contaminant in the liquid. The sensor can comprise a film, a purge chamber, and a transducer, which are configured such that a first surface of the film is in fluid communication with the liquid and the purge chamber is in fluid communication with a second surface of the film that is opposite the first surface, and wherein the transducer is in fluid communication with the purge chamber.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2006Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Radislav Alexandrovich Potyrailo, David James Monk, Ryo Tamaki
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Publication number: 20100079130Abstract: Provided is a chemical sensor that may include a first electrode on a substrate, a sensing member covering the first electrode on the substrate, and a plurality of second electrodes on a surface of the sensing member exposing the surface of the sensing member. The chemical sensor may be configured to measure the change in electrical characteristics when a compound to be sensed is adsorbed on the sensing member. Provided also is a chemical sensor array including an array of chemical sensors.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2009Publication date: April 1, 2010Inventors: Ki-ha Hong, Hyuk-soon Choi, Jong-seob Kim, Jai-kwang Shin
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Patent number: 7689368Abstract: A system for early detection of component failure in a hydraulic system comprises a particle detection device disposed in a fluid flow channel of a machine, the particle detection device configured to monitor a current particle count associated with fluid flowing through the fluid flow channel. The system further includes a condition monitoring system in wireless data communication with the particle detection device. The condition monitoring system is configured to receive data indicative of the current particle count and analyze historic particle count data collected by the particle detection device. The condition monitoring system is also configured to estimate a trend in the historic particle count data based on the analysis. A failure event associated with one or more components associated with the fluid flow channel is predicted if the data indicative of the current particle count deviates from the trend by a threshold amount.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2007Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Richard David Douglas
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Publication number: 20100072976Abstract: A sensing element includes a field-effect transistor (FET) with an ultra-thin channel, a reference electrode, a first and a second passivation layer, and a microchannel. The first and the second passivation layer enclose a first and a second portion of the FET, respectively. The microchannel is bonded to the first and the second passivation layer, such that the microchannel is extended across the channel of the ultra-thin channel FET. The ultra-thin channel has a chemically or physically modified surface. When an analyte to be tested passes through the microchannel and is in contact with the modified surface of the ultra-thin channel, it results in changes in the conductance of the ultra-thin channel FET. Trace detection may be conducted on the analyte by observing changes in the conductance. A method for manufacturing the sensing element and a biological detection system employing the sensing element are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2009Publication date: March 25, 2010Applicant: NATIONAL CHIAO TUNG UNIVERSITYInventors: Jeng-Tzong Sheu, Chen-Chia Chen, Yaw-Kuen Li, Ko-Shing Chang
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Patent number: 7683601Abstract: The invention relates to a digital acquisition device for an amplitude modulation signal of a carrier. The acquisition device digitally acquires a useful signal. The useful signal modulates the amplitude of a carrier HF1 which has a frequency and a phase that are known. A modulation of the amplitude of the carrier by the useful signals forms a signal to be processed. According to the invention, the device has a summing device for creating an aggregate signal from a sum of the signal to be processed and a neutralizing signal. The neutralizing signal is a product of the carrier HF1 and of a neutralizing coefficient that can evolve over time, produced by a controlled-gain amplifier device. A load amplifier device amplifies the aggregate signal and produces an amplified aggregate signal. A quadrant comparison device QC is provided for the signal of the amplified aggregate signal and the sign of the carrier which delivers a comparison signal. A sampling device produces a bitstream from the comparison signal.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2006Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Assignee: ThalesInventor: Stephane Bouyat
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Publication number: 20100066347Abstract: A resolver the resolver comprising an excitation coil for receiving an excitation signal formed by amplitude modulation of a high-frequency signal and a detection coil for outputting a detection signal. The resolver is arranged to detect a change in position of a rotor provided with the excitation coil or the detection coil based on the detection signal varying with the change in position of the rotor. The high-frequency signal is a digitized signal generated from a reference clock.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2009Publication date: March 18, 2010Applicant: AISAN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Takehide Nakamura, Tomoaki Inoue
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Publication number: 20100066346Abstract: This invention presents microstructures enhanced with nanopillars. The invention also provides ways for manufacturing nanopillar-enhanced microstructures. In some embodiments, the invention also provides methods of use for the nanopillar-enhanced microstructures.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2009Publication date: March 18, 2010Applicant: The University of Georgia Research Foundation, Inc.Inventors: Guigen Zhang, Venkataramani Anandan, Yeswanth L. Rao, Rajan Gangadharan
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Publication number: 20100066355Abstract: A process measuring device configured to identify malfunctions due to hardware and/or software errors is provided. The process measuring device includes a measuring unit for converting a non-electric variable to an electric variable with a modulation facility modulating the conversion, a signal processing device for processing the electric variable, or an electric raw signal obtained from the electric variable by signal preprocessing, by a signal processing software to produce a measured value, and means for obtaining a test signal corresponding to the modulation. Further, the device includes means in the form of the signal processing device for processing the test signal by the signal processing software to produce a diagnosis value and means for monitoring the signal processing device by comparing the diagnosis value with an expected value.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2009Publication date: March 18, 2010Inventors: Peter Krause, Michael Ludwig
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Publication number: 20100066348Abstract: A detector device comprises a substrate (50), a source region (S) and a drain region (D), and a channel region (65) between the source and drain regions. A nanopore (54) passes through the channel region, and connects fluid chambers (56,58) on opposite sides of the substrate. A voltage bias is provided between the fluid chambers, the source and drain regions and a charge flow between the source and drain regions is sensed. The device uses a nanopore for the confinement of a sample under test (for example nucleotides) close to a sensor. The size of the sensor can be made similar to the spacing of adjacent nucleotides in a DNA strand. In this way, the disadvantages of PCR based techniques for DNA sequencing are avoided, and single nucleotide resolution can be attained.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2008Publication date: March 18, 2010Applicant: NXP B.V.Inventors: Matthias Merz, Youri V. Ponomarev, Gilberto Curatola
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Patent number: 7675298Abstract: Characteristics of a fluid are determined, in one embodiment, by flowing the fluid (which may contain charged particles) between a plurality of electrode pairs, applying respective DC voltages across at least two of the electrode pairs, and measuring resulting currents through the fluid at the respective electrode pairs. In one example, respective plates of the electrode pairs are configured so that they do not fully encircle one another.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2007Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventor: Peter Forgacs
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Patent number: 7665488Abstract: A particle filling line comprises a vertically-oriented conduit that includes a conduit hollow. The conduit includes a conduit top and a conduit bottom. The conduit bottom defines an outlet. The conduit is arranged so that particles supplied to the conduit top flow through the outlet to be received by one or more containers disposed on a movable conveyor belt. The conduit hollow includes one or more conduit hollow elements disposed therein. The one or more conduit hollow elements include any of a plurality of agitators and an auger. The particle filling line is arranged for determining a resistance that is based on the spacing between the one or more conduit hollow elements and the conduit inner walls. When the resistance is determined to be less than a threshold resistance value, the particle filling process ceases.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2009Date of Patent: February 23, 2010Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventor: Timothy L. Huss
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Publication number: 20100039094Abstract: A physical quantity sensor 1 comprises a driving circuit 4 that drives a sensor element based on a reference signal; the sensor element 3 that is driven by the driving circuit 4 to convert an externally applied physical quantity to an electrical signal; and an amplifier circuit 5 that amplifies an output signal of the sensor element 3. The driving circuit 4 controls a driving signal, which drives the sensor element, based on the reference signal so that the driving signal is at a fixed level, and the amplifier circuit 5 has a gain characteristic that amplifies the output signal in a direction reverse to a direction in which the reference signal varies or the driving signal of the driving circuit varies. This configuration allows the physical quantity sensor to reduce output level variations in the sensor output against signal level variations in the reference signal and to make the sensitivity constant.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2007Publication date: February 18, 2010Applicant: Citizen Holdings Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoichi Nagata, Tohru Yanagisawa
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Patent number: 7663357Abstract: A signal readout circuit for amperometric sensor for reading a readout signal of a sensor includes an amplifier, a first transistor, a second transistor, and a first resistor. A negative input end of the amplifier receives an input voltage, and a positive input end of the amplifier is connected to a reference electrode of the sensor. Gates of the first transistor and the second transistor are connected to an output end of the amplifier, a drain of the first transistor is connected to a counter electrode of the sensor, and a drain of the second transistor is connected to the first resistor.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2007Date of Patent: February 16, 2010Assignee: Chung Yuan Christian UniversityInventors: Wen-Yaw Chung, Tsai-Tseng Kuo, Ying-Hsian Wang, Dorota Genowefa Pijanowska, Wladyslaw Torbicz
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Publication number: 20100033159Abstract: A physical properties detection device comprising a probe to be placed near or touching a surface of a ferroelectric; an oscillation loop including the probe and capacitance within the ferroelectric; and detection means for detecting a physical properties of the ferroelectric on the basis of a frequency variation of a measurement signal generated in the oscillation loop, the frequency variation accompanying application of an alternating electric field to the ferroelectric; and the physical properties detection device is further comprising frequency conversion means for converting the frequency of the measurement signal to a low frequency and outputting the resulting signal as a converted measurement signal; frequency control means for controlling the frequency of the converted measurement signal so as to match a target frequency; frequency detection means for generating a frequency detection signal that has a signal level corresponding to the frequency of the converted measurement signal; and synchronous deteType: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2007Publication date: February 11, 2010Applicant: PIONEER CORPORATIONInventors: Kiyoshi Tateishi, Takanori Maeda, Hideki Kobayashi, Tomotaka Yabe
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Publication number: 20100032627Abstract: A method of forming bilayers of amphipathic molecules uses droplets of aqueous solution in a hydrophobic medium such as oil. A layer of amphipathic molecules such as a lipid is formed around the surfaces of the droplets. This may be achieved by providing the lipid in the oil and leaving the droplets for a time sufficient to form the layer. The droplets are brought into contact with one another so that a bilayer of the amphipathic molecules is formed as an interface between the contacting droplets. The bilayers may be used for a wide range of studies. The technique has numerous advantages including providing a long lifetime for the bilayers, allowing study of small volumes and allowing the construction of chains and networks of droplets with bilayers in between to study complex systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2007Publication date: February 11, 2010Inventors: John Hagen Pryce Bayley, Matthew Holden, Andrew John Heron, David Needham
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Publication number: 20100033158Abstract: A method and system are described for measuring agglutination in a target-induced agglutination assay with one or more magnetic particles performed in a reaction chamber. After the magnetic particles (3, 15), which are capable of binding to a target (5) are provided in the assay, an agglutination process resulting in agglutinated particles (100) comprising at least one magnetic particle is performed. The method then further comprises applying an alternating current magnetic field (HAC) to the assay and—measuring an effect of the HAC on the one or more magnetic particles (3,15) unattached to any surface. The measured effect is indicative of one or more agglutination parameters.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2007Publication date: February 11, 2010Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventors: Wendy Uyen Dittmer, Peggy De Kievit, Jeroen Hans Nieuwenhuis, Menno Willem Jose Prins, Leonardus Josephus Van IJjzendoorn, Xander Jozef Antoine Janssen
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Publication number: 20100019756Abstract: A device for measuring cellular potential includes a substrate, a first electrode tank, a first electrode, a second electrode tank and a second electrode. The first electrode tank and the second electrode tank are disposed on the upper side and lower side of the substrate, respectively. The first electrode is disposed inside the first electrode tank and the second electrode is disposed inside the second electrode tank. The substrate includes a single crystal plate having a diamond structure with (100) plane orientation or (110) plane orientation. The substrate has a first surface provided with a depression and a second surface facing this first surface. From the depression to the second surface, a through-hole is formed. The depression has an inner wall extending from the opening of the through-hole to the outer periphery, curving and being connected to the first surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2007Publication date: January 28, 2010Applicant: MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.Inventors: Soichiro Hiraoka, Masaya Nakatani, Hiroshi Ushio
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Patent number: 7649359Abstract: A chemical and biological agent sensor includes an electrostatic thin film supported by a substrate. The film includes an electrostatic charged surface to attract predetermined biological and chemical agents of interest. A charge collector associated with said electrostatic thin film collects charge associated with surface defects in the electrostatic film induced by the predetermined biological and chemical agents of interest. A preferred sensing system includes a charge based deep level transient spectroscopy system to read out charges from the film and match responses to data sets regarding the agents of interest. A method for sensing biological and chemical agents includes providing a thin sensing film having a predetermined electrostatic charge. The film is exposed to an environment suspected of containing the biological and chemical agents. Quantum surface effects on the film are measured.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2006Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: The Curators of the University of MissouriInventors: Mark A. Prelas, Tushar K. Ghosh, Robert V. Tompson, Jr., Dabir Viswanath, Sudarshan K. Loyalka
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Publication number: 20100007325Abstract: A hose fault detection system includes a hose assembly and a fault detector. The hose assembly includes a first conductive layer, second conductive layer, and an intermediate layer that is disposed between the first and second conductive layers. Each of the first and second conductive layers has an electrical characteristic. The fault detector is configured for detecting an electrical change based on the electrical characteristic to signify a potential impending failure of at least one of the first and second conductive layers of the hose. The fault detector includes a sensing device, a recording device and a digital processor. The sensing device is in electrical communication with the first and second conductive layers to measure the electrical characteristic. The recording device is configured for storing the measured electrical characteristic.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2009Publication date: January 14, 2010Applicant: Eaton CorporationInventor: Jason Dennis Stark
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Patent number: 7646190Abstract: A stress measurement device includes a current supply portion; a series circuit which is connected to the current supply portion and has a piezoresistive element that forms a single gauge resistance and a compensating diode that is connected in series to the piezoresistive element; and a voltage measuring portion that measures voltage between both ends of the series circuit. The single gauge resistance has a piezoresistive effect in which a resistance value changes according to applied stress, and a positive temperature characteristic in which the resistance value increases depending on an increase in temperature. The compensating diode is provided in a forward direction with respect to the current supply portion and has a negative temperature characteristic in which a voltage between an anode and a cathode of the compensating diode decreases depending on the increase in temperature.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2007Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kentaro Mizuno, Shoji Hashimoto, Hidenori Moriya, Hiromichi Yasuda
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Publication number: 20090322309Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2009Publication date: December 31, 2009Inventors: Jing Zhu, Zhongyao Yu, Xueling Quan, Guangxin Xiang, Yuming Hu, Wanli Xing, Jing Cheng
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Publication number: 20090321261Abstract: The invention describes detection methods and devices that comprise nanostructures and which detection mechanism is based on the quantum confinement effects. The nanostructures are built to have specific energy levels designed to match the energy levels of the targeted analyte that is to be detected. The analyte species are sensed by measuring charge or/and energy transfer between the species and the nanostructures, which will be proportional to the overlap between the density of states distribution in the nanostructures and the density of states distribution in the targeted analyte species. Different molecular species have different electronic density of states, so the charge or/and energy transfer between the targeted analyte and detector nanostructures will occur only for specific analyte which has the same electronic density of states as the detectors nanostructure.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2005Publication date: December 31, 2009Inventors: Branislav Vlahovic, Vanja Vlahovic
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Publication number: 20090326337Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for sensing characteristics of an object. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises an array, wherein the array comprises a plurality of nanoscale hybrid semiconductor/metal devices which are in proximity to an object, each hybrid semiconductor/metal device being configured to produce a voltage in response to a perturbation, wherein the produced voltage is indicative of a characteristic of the object. Any of a variety of nanoscale EXX sensors can be selected as the hybrid semiconductor/metal devices in the array. With such an array, ultra high resolution images of nanoscopic resolution can be generated of objects such as living cells, wherein the images are indicative of a variety of cell biologic processes.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2007Publication date: December 31, 2009Applicant: Washington UniversityInventors: Stuart A. Solin, Kirk D. Wallace, Samuel A. Wickline, Michael S. Hughes
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Publication number: 20090314957Abstract: The invention provides sensors comprising one or more compounds of formulae (I) and (II): [DENDRON1]p-CORE-[[X]r-[DENDRON]m]n??(I) [DENDRON1]p-[X]r-[DENDRON]q??(II) wherein CORE, X, DENDRON, DENDRON1, m, n, p, q and r are as defined herein. The optical (e.g. luminescent) and electronic properties of the compounds are capable of being altered by exposure to a number of different substances. The invention also provides the use of the compounds disclosed above in the sensing of substances, in particular explosives.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2007Publication date: December 24, 2009Inventors: Paul Leslie Burn, Ifor David William Samuel, Homar Barcena
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Publication number: 20090312954Abstract: In general, the invention relates to gas sensing techniques as such, but more specifically, to a sensor structure that comprises a buried electrode structure in the sensor layers, the structure being arranged to be applicable in the related devices and/or measurements. The invention relates also to a measurement method of sensor resistance, which method comprises a step of utilisation having a bias voltage or a grounding applied to the buried electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2007Publication date: December 17, 2009Applicant: Environics OyInventor: Mikko Utriainen
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Publication number: 20090309571Abstract: A particulate matter sensor (1) which may be used as an onboard particulate matter diagnostic sensor includes an insulating base (2) that has at least a pair of opposing plane surfaces, an electrode nucleus (3) that is formed on one of the pair of opposing plane surfaces of the base (2), and forms an electrode when a conductive substance adheres to the plane surface, and an electrode (4) that is disposed parallel to the electrode nucleus (3) and is provided on the other of the pair of opposing plane surfaces, or provided on a side surface of the base (2) that is adjacent to the pair of opposing plane surfaces, or provided inside the base (2).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2009Publication date: December 17, 2009Applicant: NGK Insulators, Ltd.Inventors: Kyosuke KATSUYAMA, Kenshin Kitoh, Takeshi Sakuma, Yukio Miyairi, Junichi Suzuki
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Patent number: 7634392Abstract: A method and system for simulating defects in conduits, where the defects are detected using long-range guided-wave inspection techniques. The guided wave interaction with a defect is treated as a one-dimensional problem of plane wave reflection from a boundary of different acoustic impedances. The defect waveform is simulated using an electrical transmission line model and inverse fast Fourier transformation.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2004Date of Patent: December 15, 2009Assignee: Southwest Research InstituteInventors: Hegeon Kwun, Sang-Young Kim, Myoung-Seon Choi
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Publication number: 20090295364Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for generating electrically-conductive and/or semi-conductive films, and more specifically, methods and apparatuses for generating conductive and/or semi-conductive films having nanoscale features are provided. In one embodiment, an electrically-conductive or semi-conductive film (e.g., a gold layer of less than 50 nanometer thickness) is provided on a substrate (e.g., a poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) stamp). The substrate may optionally include patterns or features having raised and recessed portions. A first portion of the film may be removed from the substrate, e.g., by methods such as physically contacting the first portion of the film with a surface to which the first portion preferentially adheres. This process can leave a second portion of the film remaining on the substrate. In some embodiments, the second portion includes at least one region having a dimension substantially parallel to a portion of the substrate i.e., of less than 50 nanometers.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2006Publication date: December 3, 2009Applicant: PRESIDENT AND FELLOWS OF HARVARD COLLEGEInventors: Tingbing Cao, Qiaobing Xu, Adam Winkleman, Geroge M. Whitesides
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Patent number: 7619403Abstract: The conventional dielectric measurement method utilizes an interaction between a uniform electric field and a dipole moment, and hence a motion of nonpolar molecules without the dipole moments cannot be detected. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for electrically detecting the motion of the nonpolar molecule. According to the present invention, the motion of the nonpolar molecule is detected electrically by utilizing a nonuniform electric field in dielectric measurement. As a specific measurement method, comb-shaped electrodes or electrodes with irregularities on their surfaces are employed in the dielectric measurement in place of conventional parallel flat-plate electrodes. By utilizing the interaction between the nonuniform electric field generated by these electrodes and a quadrupole moment or a high-order electric moment, it has become possible to electrically detect the motion of the nonpolar molecule.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2005Date of Patent: November 17, 2009Assignee: Niigata UniversityInventor: Shoji Kashida
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Publication number: 20090273335Abstract: In adopting a structure in which an oscillator circuit unit and an instrument main body including a measuring unit are separately formed in a sensing instrument measuring the concentration of or determining the presence/absence of a substance to be sensed by using a quartz sensor, the present invention has an object to enable the instrument main body side to know an oscillation frequency of the connected oscillator circuit unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2007Publication date: November 5, 2009Inventors: Naoki Onishi, Hiroyuki Kukita, Shunichi Wakamatsu
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Patent number: 7612551Abstract: A system for phonon spectroscopy for attaining a phonon spectrum of a sample of a material. Current may be injected into the material to result in electrical noise in the material. The electrical noise may be processed to result in information revealing a phonon spectrum of the material. The phonon spectrum may be useful for analyzing and monitoring various features of the material. Other information about the material may be obtained from the electrical noise.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2007Date of Patent: November 3, 2009Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventor: Mihai N. Mihaila
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Publication number: 20090267613Abstract: Systems and methods for determining the configuration of a connection between two devices by measuring an electrical characteristic are provided. Using the measured electrical characteristic, a device is able to select an appropriate communication interface, such as serial, Universal Serial Bus (USB), FireWire, parallel, PS/2, etc., and configure itself appropriately. Systems and methods which determine the physical orientation of a connector with respect to another connector may also be provided alone or in combination with such systems and methods for selecting communication interfaces. The physical orientation of a connector can be determined by measuring an electrical characteristic and a device can then configure itself appropriately. In accordance with the principles of the present invention, device designs can decrease in size and cost as well as simplify operation for the end-user.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2009Publication date: October 29, 2009Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey J. Terlizzi, Stanley Rabu, Nicholas R. Kalayjian
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Publication number: 20090266182Abstract: An inspecting device with an identification function is provided to identify and analyze different types of test specimens. (The test specimens include information to be measured and/or identification information.) In order to enable the inspecting device to identify the test specimen, an appropriate electrode pattern corresponding to an electrode in a specimen connection port of the inspecting device is arranged on one end of the test specimen. During a process of inserting the test specimen from an open end of the specimen connection port to reach a bottom end thereof, a logic change based on the electrode pattern detected by the connection port is utilized to identify the type of the specimen or read the information to be measured. A method for identifying different types of test specimens and a multifunctional test specimen is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2009Publication date: October 29, 2009Applicant: HEALTH & LIFE CO., LTD.Inventor: Meng-Yi Lin
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Publication number: 20090261804Abstract: A jaw angle detection system for an end effector assembly includes a first electrical contact that connects to a first jaw member and connects to a generator. A sensor connects to a second jaw member (or an actuator) and connects to the generator, and configured to move relative to the first electrical contact upon movement of the second jaw member (or the actuator) when the first and second jaw members are moved to close about tissue disposed therebetween. Information relating to the position of the sensor relative to the first electrical contact is relayed back to the generator to determine an angle between the first and second jaw members.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2009Publication date: October 22, 2009Inventors: Nicole McKenna, Robert H. Wham
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Publication number: 20090261803Abstract: An aggregometer for measuring and recording platelet aggregation with at least one measurement cuvette having two electrodes, with a device for moving the liquid to be examined and with measurement and evaluation electronics connected to the electrodes via contact elements, is characterized in that the measurement cuvette comprises two adjacently arranged, upwardly open partial spaces which are only connected to one another in the lower region, in that the electrodes are designed as metal spheres inserted in the bottom of the measurement cuvette and in that the device for moving the liquid is a pumping device which can be placed on one of the partial spaces in a substantially sealing manner and which periodically and alternately generates low and excess pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2009Publication date: October 22, 2009Inventor: Holger Behnk
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Publication number: 20090261802Abstract: A simulator system for simulating operation of a solar module comprises a frame for holding the solar module in a testing position, a light source positioned adjacent to the solar module for directing light from the light source to the solar module, and a movable assembly for simulating movement of a solar tracker system, wherein the movable assembly moves in two axes to change an incident angle of the light with respect to the testing position of the solar module.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2008Publication date: October 22, 2009Applicant: SOLFOCUS, INC.Inventors: Steve Askins, Sean Taylor
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Publication number: 20090251687Abstract: The surface detection system includes a source of an optical interrogating signal (44) which accompanies a droplet spray in an oral cleaning device directed to an oral surface (46). The interrogating optical signal is reflected from the oral surface which the spray impacts and detected (48). A selected characteristic of the reflected signal, such as intensity, is indicative of the nature of the oral surface, such as either gum tissue or a tooth surface. The detected reflected signal is then processed to determine the nature of the oral reflecting surface. The processor (50) then provides a resulting output signal which can be used to either warn the user concerning the nature of the oral surface or to change the characteristics of the spray appropriately according to the surface (51).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2007Publication date: October 8, 2009Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventors: Paulus Cornelis Duineveld, Joseph W. Grez
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Publication number: 20090251126Abstract: A liquid concentration measuring device has first and second switches, which are turned on and off at two frequencies. When the first switch is turned on and the second switch is turned off, a detection electrode pair is charged. When the first switch is turned off and the second switch is turned on, the positive side of the detection electrode pair is grounded so that the charged detection electrode pair discharges. The difference between the output voltages of an amplifier produced by charging and discharging the detection electrode pair at the two frequencies is used to determine an alcohol concentration in gasoline.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2009Publication date: October 8, 2009Applicant: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Hirotsugu ISHINO, Jun Tarui
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Publication number: 20090243584Abstract: This invention presents microstructures enhanced with nanopillars. The invention also provides a novel way for manufacturing nanopillar-enhanced microstructures, using conventional microfabrication techniques. In some embodiments, the invention also provides methods of use for the nanopillar-enhanced microstructures.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2008Publication date: October 1, 2009Inventors: Guigen Zhang, Venkataramani Anandan, Yeshwanth L. Rao
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Publication number: 20090237067Abstract: The present invention discloses microwave resonant absorption (MRA) of viruses through dipolar coupling to viral confined acoustic modes. The unique geometrical and mechanical properties of viruses can be reflected by the MRA frequencies, MRA linewidth, and the absorption selection rules of high-order acoustic modes. Combined these spectral characteristics with the mature microwave technology, this invention provides a novel physical mechanism to develop non-affinity-based rapid detection and identification of viruses. It can be applied in preliminary characterization on unknown or mutant viruses.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2008Publication date: September 24, 2009Applicant: NATIONAL TAIWAN UNIVERSITYInventors: Chi-Kuang Sun, Tzu-Ming Liu, Hung-Pin Chen