With Voltage Or Current Signal Evaluation Patents (Class 324/713)
  • Publication number: 20140232361
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for sensing current. A current source is configured to generate a current and a pulsed sense enable signal is generated. A sense voltage across a resistive sense mechanism is sampled according to the sense enable signal, where the sense voltage represents a measurement of the current. A system includes the current source and a current sensing unit. The current source is configured to generate a current. The current sensing unit is coupled the current source and is configured to generate a pulsed sense enable signal and sample the sense voltage across a resistive sense mechanism according to the pulsed sense enable signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: NVIDIA CORPORATION
    Inventor: William J. Dally
  • Patent number: 8810265
    Abstract: An electric security fence. An electric signal generator generates an initial electric signal. The generated initial electric signal is transmitted through a transmission line. The transmission line will generate a reflected electric signal when the transmission line is disturbed by the presence of a human or animal at a disturbance area. A receiver receives the reflected electric signal and forwards it to a signal processing unit. The signal processing unit calculates the location of the disturbance area after receiving the reflected electric signal. In one preferred embodiment, the signal processing unit calculates the location of the disturbance area by determining the amount of time required for the reflected signal to travel from the disturbance area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventors: Xuekang Shan, Jin Hao, Runbao Hao
  • Publication number: 20140225632
    Abstract: A jack detector detects a combination state between a socket including a detecting pin and a first signal pin and a jack. The jack detector includes a first current source for supplying a first detecting current, a second current source for supplying a second detecting current larger than the first detecting current, and a buffer for generating a detecting signal in accordance with a detecting pin voltage input from the detecting pin. The second current source instead of the first current source is connected to the detecting pin in synchronization with a combination starting point when the detecting pin and the first signal pin are electrically connected to each other and it is determined that the jack is combined with the socket when the detecting signal is maintained at a state of the combination starting point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: FAIRCHILD KOREA SEMICONDUCTOR LTD.
    Inventors: Jae Young Oh, Hyung Seok Lee
  • Publication number: 20140218051
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the piston position of a hydraulic or pneumatic piston cylinder unit, wherein the cylinder jacket and the piston form an electrical conducting path and the piston position is determined with the aid of the inductive and/or resistive properties of the conducting path that is formed. In addition, the invention relates to a piston cylinder unit having a measuring device for carrying out such a method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Inventors: Sebastian Braun, Alfred Engler, Ralf Cremer, Ingo Nannen
  • Patent number: 8797051
    Abstract: A device determines a first voltage measurement of an output of a first brick. The device further determines a second voltage measurement associated with a second brick. The first brick is larger in size than the second brick. The device ramps up an output voltage of the second brick when the second voltage measurement is less than the first voltage measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Juniper Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Jaspal Gill, David Owen
  • Publication number: 20140203827
    Abstract: Integrated circuits, methods of forming integrated circuits, and methods of sensing voiding between a through-semiconductor via and a subsequent layer that overlies the through-semiconductor via in integrated circuits are provided. An exemplary method of forming an integrated circuit includes forming a plurality of semiconductor devices on a semiconductor substrate. A through-semiconductor via is formed in the semiconductor substrate, and an interlayer dielectric layer is formed that overlies the through-semiconductor via and the plurality of semiconductor devices. A first interconnect via is embedded within the interlayer dielectric layer, and a second interconnect via is embedded within the interlayer dielectric layer. The first interconnect via and the second interconnect via are in electrical communication with the through-semiconductor via at spaced locations from each other on the through-semiconductor via.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: GLOBALFOUNDRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Sarasvathi Thangaraju, Chun Yu Wong
  • Publication number: 20140197855
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus comprising a metal shunt and a semiconductor material in electrical contact with the metal shunt, thereby defining a semiconductor/metal interface for passing a flow of current between the semiconductor material and the metal shunt in response to an application of an electrical bias to the apparatus, wherein the semiconductor material and the metal shunt lie in different planes that are substantially parallel planes, the semiconductor/metal interface thereby being parallel to planes in which the semiconductor material and the metal shunt lie, and wherein, when under the electrical bias, the semiconductor/metal interface is configured to exhibit a change in resistance thereof in response to a perturbation. Such an apparatus can be used as a sensor and deployed as an array of sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Inventors: Stuart A. Solin, Kirk D. Wallace, Samuel A. Wickline, Michael S. Hughes
  • Publication number: 20140197854
    Abstract: Electrical resistance of a heated component is determined for temperature control and monitoring. A voltage-representation signal, which is proportional to a voltage across a heater component, is received. A current-representation signal, which is proportional to an electrical current passing through the heater component is received and modulated to generate a resistance-representation signal that is proportional to an amount of modulation that makes the current-representation signal approximately equal to the voltage-representation signal. The modulation may be pulse-width modulation. The resistance-representation signal may be generated based on a signal that is proportional to the percent duty cycle of the pulse width modulation. A difference of the resistance-representation signal and the voltage-representation signal may be integrated to provide an error signal adapted to cause the modulation to be proportional to an electrical resistance of the heater component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Inventor: Perry Robert Czimmek
  • Patent number: 8779786
    Abstract: Provided is a system and associated method for detecting a resistance of a cable. An example method may comprise applying power to a first end of a first and a second conductive pair of the cable, measuring a first voltage across the first end of the first and second conductive pairs of the cable, applying a current source across the first end of a third and a fourth conductive pair of the cable, measuring a second voltage across the current source, and determining a resistance of the cable using the measured first and second voltages. This method may be carried out in a physical arrangement where a second end of the first, second, third and fourth conductive pairs of the cable are connected to a first, a second, a third and a fourth input terminal of a powered device, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Sanjaya Maniktala, Sesha Panguluri
  • Publication number: 20140191774
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for measuring winding resistances of windings in a delta-connected transformer, comprising at least a first and a second DC current source (S1, S2) connected each between the phase ends of a first (A) and a second leg (C; B) respectively of the primary side (P) of the transformer and at least a third DC current source (S3) connected between two nodes (a, b) of the secondary side (S) of the transformer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: HAEFELY TEST AG
    Inventor: Marc Muller
  • Publication number: 20140191728
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric energy storage device such as a capacitor, a secondary battery, or the like, and more particularly, to an electric energy storage device capable of improving high output characteristics by using a voltage terminal The electric energy storage device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a positive electrode and a negative electrode storing electric energy and a positive current terminal and a negative current terminal connected to the positive electrode and the negative electrode to apply current; and a positive voltage terminal and a negative voltage terminal connected to the positive electrode and the negative electrode to detect voltage across the positive electrode and the negative electrode, wherein the charging or discharging operation is controlled by using the detected voltage across the positive electrode and the negative electrode as control voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: KIM'S TECHKNOWLEDGE INC.
    Inventor: Seong Min KIM
  • Patent number: 8766653
    Abstract: A measuring device for measuring insulation resistance of an electric vehicle includes a measuring unit, a voltage detecting unit, and a control unit. The measuring unit includes a first tap, a second tap, a switch, and a measuring resistor. The first tap is to be electrically coupled to a high potential side of a high voltage system. The second tap is to be electrically coupled to a ground side of a low voltage system. The switch and the measuring resistor are connected in series between the first tap and the second tap. The voltage detecting unit is for detecting a voltage formed between the first tap and the second tap. The control unit is operable for controlling ON and OFF states of the switch, and is configured to determine the high potential insulation resistance and the low potential insulation resistance after operating the switch in the ON and OFF states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Automotive Research & Testing Center
    Inventors: Chia-Cheng Tu, Jia-Sing Hsu
  • Publication number: 20140176164
    Abstract: A device for measuring a voltage of an electric power line conductor of a power system according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a first electrically conductive housing configured to be installed on a first power line conductor and a first virtual grounding member configured to electrically ground a first housing to a first power line conductor voltage. A first measuring resistor is electrically connected between the first virtual grounding member and an electrically isolated lead wire, the electrically isolated lead wire is electrically connected to a first voltage dropping device, the first voltage dropping device is configured to be electrically connected to a second power line conductor. A sensor electronics module is configured to measure a voltage drop across the first measuring resistor, the voltage drop being directly proportional to the voltage between the first power line conductor and the second power line conductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Inventor: Murray W. DAVIS
  • Patent number: 8759800
    Abstract: A high-voltage supply unit is provided for a particle beam device. The high-voltage supply unit includes at least one high-voltage cable for feeding a high voltage, and at least one measuring device for measuring the high voltage. The measuring device has at least one first capacitor, and the first capacitor is formed by at least one first section of the high-voltage cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Microscopy GmbH
    Inventors: Joerg Fober, Martin Hugelmann
  • Patent number: 8760158
    Abstract: A current sensor including a magnetic detecting bridge circuit which is constituted of four magneto-resistance effect elements with a resistance value varied by application of an induced magnetic field from a current to be measured, and which has an output between two magneto-resistance effect elements. The four magneto-resistance effect elements have the same resistance change rate, and include a self-pinned type ferromagnetic fixed layer which is formed by anti-ferromagnetically coupling a first ferromagnetic film and a second ferromagnetic film via an antiparallel coupling film therebetween, a nonmagnetic intermediate layer, and a soft magnetic free layer. Magnetization directions of the ferromagnetic fixed layers of the two magneto-resistance effect elements providing the output are different from each other by 180°. The magnetic detecting bridge circuit has wiring symmetrical to a power supply point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Alps Green Devices Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Ichinohe, Masamichi Saito, Akira Takahashi, Yosuke Ide
  • Publication number: 20140167797
    Abstract: Various automatic range scaling solutions for smart power switches are provided, to enable current monitoring across a wide dynamic range. In preferred examples, use is made of current sensing transistors. The circuits provide overload protection combined with wide range current measurement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: NXP B.V.
    Inventor: Steven Aerts
  • Patent number: 8754663
    Abstract: A circuit for simulating an electrical load at a terminal of a test circuit having at least one first switch and at least one second switch includes a third switch connected to the first switch of the test circuit via a first external connection point. A fourth switch is connected to the second switch of the test circuit via a second external connection point. The first switch and the second switch are connected via a shared, first internal connection point to the terminal of the test circuit and the third switch and the fourth switch are connected via a shared, second internal connection point such that that the first switch, the second switch, the third switch and the fourth switch form an H-bridge circuit. A voltage source is configured to provide the first and second external connection points with a supply voltage. A controllable voltage source is connected in a transverse bridge branch between the terminal and the second internal connection point. An inductance is active in the transverse bridge branch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Dspace Digital Signal Processing and Control Engineering GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Schulte, Joerg Bracker
  • Patent number: 8749252
    Abstract: There are disclosed a method and an equipment for monitoring current drained by a grounding electrode in an electric impedance tomography system. The grounding electrode and a set of electrodes may be simultaneously applied to a patient in an electric impedance tomography apparatus. The equipment may be configured to convert current into a voltage signal and amplify, demodulate, and filter the voltage signal in order to recover its almost continuous component. The equipment may further be configured to compare the value of the continuous component with limit/threshold values proportional to an intensity of an excitation current applied to the set of electrodes. In addition to detecting the disconnection of the grounding electrode, the comparison may also detect the disconnection of one or more tomography electrodes, as well as unbalance in the currents injected through the electrodes and the contact of the patient with voltage sources or conductive bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Timpel S.A.
    Inventor: Edward Lazo Maktura
  • Publication number: 20140152292
    Abstract: A disturbance on an electric signal at an electric connection between an electric power generating system and a power grid is decomposed into a first disturbance with a first strength assigned to the electric power generating system and a second disturbance with a second strength assigned to the power grid. A voltage value of a voltage of the electric signal is measured. A current value of a current of the electric signal is measured. A value of an open circuit voltage of an equivalent voltage source is calculated based on the measured voltage value, the measured current value and a characteristic equivalent impedance of the electric power generating system so that the electric power generating system is in a harmonic model. The strength of the first disturbance is determined based on the calculated value of the open circuit voltage of the equivalent voltage source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventors: Björn Andresen, Paul Brian Brogan, Nikolaus Moeller Goldenbaum
  • Publication number: 20140152332
    Abstract: Device for measuring electrical conductivity of a liquid medium comprising constant voltage means, connected to a first electrode arrangement for injecting an alternating signal into the liquid medium, detection means, connected to a second electrode arrangement coupled via the liquid medium, for generating a measurement signal influenced by the electrical conductivity with a clock frequency (CLK) of the alternating signal, and evaluation means which from a current-proportional injection signal of the current injected by the first electrode arrangement into the liquid medium and from the measurement signal generate a conductivity signal of the liquid medium. The constant voltage means are made in an individual circuit branch which has commutator means for the first electrode arrangement and ohmic resistance means in a series connection, the current-proportional injection signal being tapped as a voltage drop over the resistance means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventors: Daniel Platte, Afred Pohl
  • Publication number: 20140151273
    Abstract: The flotation process is widely used in mineral industry for the separation of minerals from low-grade ore slurry. Several parameters, such as the bubble size distribution and/or amount of solids in the froth and slurry affect the outcome of the flotation process. To be able to monitor these parameters, knowledge of the temporal changes of froth-slurry phase interface as well as froth-air interface is essential. In the present invention, an electrical resistance tomography probe sensor, which is capable of analyzing the properties of froth and slurry based on the correlation between the estimated conductivity information and the parameters of interest, is introduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: OUTOTEC OYJ
    Inventors: Anssi Lehikoinen, Marko Vauhkonen
  • Publication number: 20140145737
    Abstract: A method for correcting measurement of a voltage across output terminals of a sensor, the sensor configured to be assimilated with an assembly including a generator and a series resistance, each of the output terminals being respectively connected to a pull up/down resistor. The method includes: evaluating the series resistance of the sensor, including measuring first and second voltages across the output terminals when first and second bias voltages are applied on each pull up/down resistor; evaluating the series resistance from the first and second voltages; and correcting, from the series resistance, a voltage measured across the output terminals of the sensor to infer therefrom a corresponding voltage generated by the generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: SAGEM DEFENSE SECURITE
    Inventors: Bertrand Lacombe, Nicolas Geneste, Marc Raes
  • Patent number: 8736249
    Abstract: A first envelope detector circuit and a second envelope detector circuit are the same in circuit configuration, where the former detects an input high frequency signal, and the latter generates a reference voltage for power level detection. A detector detects an output voltage of a selector configured to select an output of the first envelope detector circuit with reference to an output voltage of a selector configured to select an output of the second envelope detector circuit. A controller controls an input selector to determine and store control values for the two selectors during input of a high frequency reference signal generated by a high frequency reference signal generating unit, and controls the two selectors by using the stored control values when an actual high frequency signal is input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Ryangsu Kim
  • Patent number: 8737493
    Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter relates to powerline communications (PLC) in an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) environment. A communications signal is applied to a power line by a PLC transmitting device. A receiver is provided that evaluates communications signals based on the power coupled to the power line by the transmitting device. In one present embodiment, PLC signal voltage and current levels are multiplied together to evaluate signal power to reproduce received PLC signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Itron, Inc.
    Inventors: Vladimir Borisov, Philippe Chiummiento
  • Publication number: 20140139244
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for measuring current drain and reporting power consumption using current transformer with primary windings made of low ohmic alloy, enabling the use of the secondary coil to power the sensing and reporting circuits eliminating the power wasted by AC-DC power adaptors used for the current sensors. The saving is substantial as the current sensors will not drain a current when the AC outlets are disconnected from a load or when the load is switched off. The apparatus using low ohmic alloy is extended to the structuring of terminals, including power pins, power sockets and combinations to provide a low ohmic sensing elements in AC plugs, outlets, adaptors and extension cables with multi outlets, dissipating the heat from the sensing elements by the plugs and the larger metal heat dissipation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: ELBEX VIDEO LTD.
    Inventor: David Elberbaum
  • Patent number: 8717047
    Abstract: The invention is a method and electric circuitry for measuring a grounding current of a photovoltaic power system incorporating a photovoltaic inverter, a measurement current being led through two shunts disposed at different points. The measurement current is a current that may flow alternatively at two different points at different electric potentials, the current flowing at a potential that differs by at least 50 V from the potential of the point of evaluation. The shunts are inserted in such a manner in a current mirror circuit that the voltage drop caused by the measurement in the shunts generates an asymmetry in the current mirror the magnitude of which is proportional to the measurement current. The measurement current is the grounding current of the photovoltaic power system with optional positive or negative pole grounding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: SMA Solar Technology AG
    Inventor: Burkard Mueller
  • Publication number: 20140118014
    Abstract: Power generating component connectivity resistance monitoring techniques are disclosed. In an array of power generating components that are connected in parallel to a power bus, a power generating component measures an output current that it supplies to the power bus. Respective first and second power generating components measure a first voltage at an output of the first power generating component and a second voltage at an output of the second power generating component. A resistance in the array between first and second connection points in the array through which the output current flows is determined based on the measurements of the output current, the first voltage, and the second voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventors: Raymond Kenneth Orr, Edward Keyes
  • Publication number: 20140111232
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Inventors: Thomas Koss, Arnold Engber
  • Patent number: 8698505
    Abstract: A measurement apparatus includes a display unit, a current detection unit configured to output a detection signal if an increase in a consumption current of the display unit is detected, a plurality of setting units each of which is configured to output an output signal, each of the plurality of setting units changing the output signal if the detection signal is received, and a diagnosis unit configured to receive the output signal, the diagnosis unit diagnosing the increase in the consumption current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Yokogawa Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Shin Suzuki, Takashi Torimaru, Tooru Shimura, Fujikazu Sugawara
  • Patent number: 8686739
    Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus for measuring the leakage current of capacitive components is taught. One embodiment includes a first stage amplifier configured to receive an input from a serially-connected capacitive component at an inverting input and a feedback resistor in a feedback path of the first stage amplifier. A resistance value of the feedback resistor is programmable based on an expected value of the leakage current and a corresponding voltage output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Electro Scientific Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Johansen, Brandon John McCurry
  • Patent number: 8680878
    Abstract: In a current measuring device for measuring an electric current flowing through between a terminal of a battery and a wire, a resistance member has a length and first and second ends in a direction of the length. The first end is to be secured electrically to the terminal of the battery. The second end is to be secured electrically to the wire. The resistance member constitutes a current flow path between the terminal of the battery and the wire. The resistance member has a turned portion through which the current flow path extends. The current measuring device includes a circuit board in which a current measuring circuit is installed. The current measuring circuit measures an electric current flowing through the resistance member based on a potential difference between two different points defined on the resistance member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiyo Teramoto, Shigenobu Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20140062512
    Abstract: A shock detector having an electrical detector having a set of water immersible electrodes for detecting hazardous water conditions through the determination of the presence of either an electrical current in a body of water, a voltage in the body of water or a voltage gradient in the body of water and then providing an alert to the existence of hazardous electrical conditions in the body of water which in some cases may transmitted to a power source to shut off a power source thereby removing the hazardous water condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventors: IIoyd Herbert Kiing, JR., James Keeven, Justin McKinney, Nathan Burns, Frank Vlasaty
  • Patent number: 8648601
    Abstract: The present invention describes a method for the measurement of the stabilizer additive concentration in electroless metal and metal alloy plating electrolytes comprising a voltammetric measurement. Said method comprises the steps a. conditioning of the working electrode, b. interaction of intermediates on the working electrode, c. measurement of the Faradaic current and d. determining the Faradaic current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Atotech Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Constanze Donner, Guenther Bauer, Therese Stern, Kay Wurdinger, Lutz Brandt, Frank Bruening
  • Publication number: 20140035605
    Abstract: A semiconductor module includes a housing, a circuit carrier having an insulation carrier and a metallization layer applied to a side of the insulation carrier, and a connection lug having a first and second load connection sections and a shunt resistor region. The shunt resistor region is electrically arranged between the first and second load connection sections and connected in series with the first and second load connection sections. The shunt resistor region has an ohmic resistance with a temperature coefficient having an absolute value of less than 0.00002/K at a temperature of 20° C. The connection lug in the region of the second load connection section is electrically conductively connected to a first section of the metallization layer by a first cohesive connection. The first load connection section is led out from the housing and has a free end arranged on the outer side of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventors: Thorsten Kurz, Andreas Schulz
  • Publication number: 20140035604
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards a compact, modular infusion pump and a delivery mechanism for accurate dispensing of very small amounts of medication. The infusion pump comprises a tubular, curved medication reservoir, and a flexible, one-piece drive train configured to push very small amounts of medication out of the medication reservoir. A method of measuring a level of medication inside the medication reservoir or cross-checking the accuracy of medication delivery is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventors: Patrick J. Paul, Edward D. Arguello, Alexandre A.N. Baptista
  • Patent number: 8638112
    Abstract: An input device is disclosed, including a first drive electrode comprising a resistive material and a first sense electrode disposed proximate to the first drive electrode. The input device further includes a processing system which is coupled with the first drive electrode and the first sense electrode. In one embodiment, the processing system is configured for electrically driving a first end of the first drive electrode and electrically driving a second end of the first drive electrode to cause a change in a voltage gradient along a length of the first drive electrode. In such an embodiment, the change in the voltage gradient generates a first electrical signal in the first sense electrode. The processing system also acquires a first measurement of the first electrical signal and determines positional information along the length of the first drive electrode based upon the first measurement, wherein the positional information is related to an input object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Synaptics Incorporated
    Inventors: Shawn P. Day, Patrick Worfolk
  • Publication number: 20140021968
    Abstract: A chip on glass substrate includes a substrate, first, second, and third pads that are arranged on the substrate and that are electrically connected to an IC device, and first to fourth conductive patterns. A first conductive pattern is arranged on the substrate, has one end electrically connected to the first pad, and has another end that is electrically floated. Second and third conductive patterns are arranged on the substrate, each have one end electrically connected to the second pad, and each have another end that is electrically floated. A fourth conductive pattern is arranged on the substrate, has one end electrically connected to the third pad, and has another end that is electrically floated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventor: Dae Geun LEE
  • Publication number: 20140015533
    Abstract: A current sensor including at least one first current detection element, which detects a load current (Iload) through an electric conductor and provides an electric measurement signal in dependence on this load current, wherein the current detection element is connected to a signal processing unit, which includes a resistance element, which is configured such that, at least within a defined measurement region of the current sensor, the electrical resistance of the resistance element decreases if the load current detected by the current detection element increases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: CONTINENTAL TEVES AG & CO. OHG
    Inventors: Klaus Rink, Wolfgang Jöckel
  • Publication number: 20140015553
    Abstract: A memory device includes a plurality of resistive memory units configured to receive a voltage of a corresponding line of a plurality of program/read lines, a plurality of switch units configured to each electrically connect a corresponding one of the resistive memory units with a corresponding line of a plurality of column lines in response to a voltage of a corresponding line of a plurality of row lines, where the program/read lines correspond to the row lines, respectively, a row control circuit configured to turn on the switch units by selecting at least one of the row lines and apply an external voltage to a program/read line corresponding to the selected row line in a first test mode, and a column control circuit configured to select at least one of the column lines and couple the selected column line with a ground voltage terminal in the first test mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventors: Hyunsu YOON, Jeongsu JEONG, Yongho SEO
  • Publication number: 20140009178
    Abstract: An impedance measuring device for an electronic component includes a constant voltage source, a load supplying circuit, a voltage detection circuit, and a controller. The constant voltage source outputs an input voltage. The load supplying circuit supplies a load resistor that is electronically connected in series with the electronic component between the constant voltage source and ground. The voltage detection circuit detects a voltage across the load resistor. The controller receives the voltage across the load resistor from the voltage detection circuit, and calculates an equivalent impedance of the electronic component according to the input voltage, the voltage across the load resistor, and the resistance of the load resistor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: YUN BAI, JI-CHAO LI, SONG-LIN TONG
  • Patent number: 8624611
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for monitoring galvanic isolation of a fuel cell device. At least one stack of fuel cells and at least one load circuit for fuel cells are arranged to an electrically freely floating configuration towards at least one structure near fuel cells. A controlled switching is performed via at least two switching points to at least one measurement element having known impedance in connection to the at least one structure. Measurements are performed from the measurement element to form voltage information. The voltage information and at least voltage information between switching points are processed to check floatages of fuel cells in relation to said at least one structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Convion Oy
    Inventor: Kim Åström
  • Patent number: 8624610
    Abstract: A circuit has a first sense resistor circuit having components including a first-circuit active element to provide a sense resistance to sense a current in a load in series therewith, the sense resistance being established by an input command voltage. A second sense resistor circuit has components replicating the components of the first sense resistor circuit including a replicated active element, a resistance of the replicated active element also being established by the input command voltage. A precision resistor is coupled to the replicated active element to provide a load thereto. When the input command voltage establishes a voltage across the replicated active element, a voltage is established across the first-circuit active element in proportion thereto to command a desired current in the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Robert Alan Neidorff
  • Patent number: 8624577
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for identifying a cable path may be provided. The system may include a cable set operable to transmit data, the cable set comprising power delivery wires designed to transmit electrical power. The cable set may also comprise two adapters proximate respective ends of the cable set, the first adapter operable to be coupled to a signal generator operable to transmit electrical power across the power delivery wires. In some embodiments, the cable set may further comprise a circuit coupled to the power delivery wires of the cable set, the circuit operable to receive electrical power from the signal generator and allow at least a portion of the electrical power to continue across the power delivery wires. The cable set may further comprise an indicator coupled to the circuit and operable to emit light when electrical power from the circuit is received at the indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Charles B. Bradley, II
  • Patent number: 8624618
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for inspecting a circuit of a substrate is described. The apparatus includes a pin probe coming into contact with a first end of an electrode formed on a first side of a substrate, a voltage source for applying a voltage to the pin probe, a film disposed at a second end of the electrode formed on a second side of the substrate, a dielectric fluid sealed in the film, and an electronic ink dispersed in the dielectric fluid, and charged with electricity to flow when the electrode is electrified. The present invention is advantageous in that whether an electrode has been electrified is measured using charged electronic ink, so that the use of a pin probe is limited to one side of a substrate, thus reducing cost required for the entire inspection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seung Seoup Lee
  • Patent number: 8614571
    Abstract: Test points on an integrated circuit chip, especially points subject to IR voltage drop along power supply rails, are coupled to comparators controlled by an automatic test controller, all included on the chip. Each test point can have one or more comparators and one or more reference voltages over a testing range. A change of state at a comparator sets a latch that is read and reset by the on-chip automatic test controller during test intervals. The automatic test controller can coordinate with external automatic test equipment that applies stimulus signals to the chip during testing. The greatest voltage drop during a test interval is determined from the latched output of the switched comparator coupled to the lowest reference voltage. The setting and resetting of the latch can be gated through a selectable delay so as to discriminate for excursions that persist for a longer or shorter time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nan-Hsin Tseng, Chin-Chou Liu, Saurabh Gupta, Ji-Jan Chen, Chi Wei Hu
  • Publication number: 20130335106
    Abstract: A resistive voltage divider includes first and second resistors, which are electrically connected in series and are made of a resistive film material which is applied in the form of a trace onto an insulating substrate. The divider's voltage ratio has a value between ten and one million. To improve the accuracy of the voltage divider, the first and second resistors are made of the same resistive film material, have a trace length above a corresponding specific trace length, and have approximately the same trace width.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: ABB AG
    Inventors: Adrian HOZOI, Rolf Disselnkötter
  • Publication number: 20130327481
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for assessing RF return current azimuthal uniformity are disclosed. A plurality of non-linear substantially-enclosed RF current sensors are disposed azimuthally around a central axis of a plasma processing chamber. When a plasma is ignited in the plasma processing chamber, the RF return currents are sensed in the plurality of non-linear substantially-enclosed RF current sensors and analyzed to ascertain whether RF return current azimuthal uniformity is acceptable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventors: Alexei Marakhtanov, Rajinder Dhindsa
  • Publication number: 20130328580
    Abstract: Atest circuit includes a test unit and a converting unit. The test unit includes a first connector connected to a power supply unit, a second connector connected to a motherboard, a sensing resistor, a controller, and an electronic switch. Two input pins of the controller are connected to two ends of the sensing resistor. A first terminal of the electronic switch is connected to the first connector through the sensing resistor. A second terminal of the electronic switch is connected to a control pin of the controller. A third terminal of the electronic switch is connected to the second connector. The converting unit includes a third connector connected to a monitoring device and a converter. Two input pins of the converter are connected to two output pins of the controller. Two data pins of the converter are connected to the third connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: BO TIAN, KANG WU
  • Patent number: 8604811
    Abstract: A honeycomb body of a honeycomb structure is made of ceramic, and a plurality of electrodes are provided apart from one another on a surface of the honeycomb body. In the honeycomb body, energization is performed for each of a plurality of current paths Xa to Xc formed by the plurality of electrodes, thereby heating the honeycomb body. A controlling device detects heater current Ia, Ib, and IC that flow when a predetermined voltage is applied for each of the plurality of current paths Xa, Xb, and Xc, and controls an energization timing of each current path Xa to Xc based on the detection results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Tomoo Kawase, Koji Sugiura
  • Patent number: 8604765
    Abstract: A source-measure unit (SMU) may be implemented with digital control loops. The output voltage and output current may be measured with dedicated ADCs (analog-to-digital converters), and the readings obtained by the ADCs may be compared to a setpoint in a digital loop controller, which may produce an output to drive a DAC (digital-to-analog converter) to maintain the output voltage and/or output current at a desired setpoint. The digital loop controller may also digitally implement simulated resistance with high resolution, accuracy, and range, using Thévenin and Norton power supply models. Simulated resistor values may range from 10? to 10? for output currents in the 100 mA range, with a sub-200?? resolution. The range may be expanded up to 100 k? for output currents in the 10 ?A range. The Norton and Thévenin implementations may be combined, and a “pure resistance” mode may be created for simulating any desired resistance value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: National Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher G. Regier, L. Rolando Ortega-Pohlenz