For Temperature Variation Patents (Class 324/721)
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Patent number: 12066505Abstract: The characteristics of a winding to be tested is allowed to be analyzed more easily and in a shorter time. A testing instrument 1 includes an impulse voltage application capacitor Cs having one end connected to an external terminal T2, a switch SW and a current limiting resistor Rs connected in series between another end of the impulse voltage application capacitor Cs and an external terminal T1, and a parameter calculator 5. The parameter calculator 5 calculates at least one of the value of the equivalent capacitor Cd, the value of the equivalent inductor Ld and the value of the equivalent resistor Rd by performing regression analysis using a measured value of a voltage Vcd in an analysis time period Ta from turning on of the switch SW to start of resonance based on the equivalent inductor Ld, the equivalent capacitor Cd and the equivalent resistor Rd pertaining to a winding 11.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2022Date of Patent: August 20, 2024Assignee: HIOKI E.E. CORPORATIONInventor: Tadashi Iijima
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Patent number: 11854952Abstract: A semiconductor device includes: an oscillator including external terminals disposed on a first face with a specific distance along a first direction; an integrated circuit including a first region formed with first electrode pads along one side, and a second region formed with second electrode pads on two opposing sides of the first region; a lead frame that includes terminals at a peripheral portion, and on which the oscillator and the integrated circuit are mounted such that the external terminals, the first and second electrode pads face in a substantially same direction and such that one side of the integrated circuit is substantially parallel to the first direction; a first bonding wire that connects one external terminal to one first electrode pad; a second bonding wire that connects one terminal of one lead frame to one second electrode pad; and a sealing member that seals all of the components.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2022Date of Patent: December 26, 2023Assignee: LAPIS SEMICONDUCTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Toshihisa Sone, Kazuya Yamada, Akihiro Takei, Yuichi Yoshida, Kengo Takemasa
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Patent number: 11714075Abstract: A chemical sensor and a system and method for sensing a chemical species. The chemical sensor includes a plurality of nanofibers whose electrical impedance varies upon exposure to the chemical species, a substrate supporting and electrically isolating the fibers, a set of electrodes connected to the plurality of fibers at spatially separated points to permit the electrical impedance of the plurality of fibers to be measured, and a membrane encasing the fibers and having a thickness ranging from 50 ?m to 5.0 mm. The system includes the chemical sensor, an impedance measuring device coupled to the electrodes and configured to determine an electrical impedance of the plurality of fibers, and an analyzer configured to identify the chemical species based on a change in the electrical impedance.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2020Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: Research Triangle InstituteInventors: David S. Ensor, Li Han
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Patent number: 11714381Abstract: A humidity detection device includes a humidity sensor, a resistor connected to one-side of the humidity sensor, a first switching part connected to the resistor; a diode connected to the first switching part; a second switching part connected to the other-side of the humidity sensor, a potential difference generating part connected to the second switching part, a power supply supplying a voltage, and a control part applying the voltage as an alternating voltage to the humidity sensor by controlling the first switching part and the second switching part. The control part applies a current to the diode, the resistor and the humidity sensor in a first direction by connecting the second switching part to the ground, and applies the current to the resistor and the humidity sensor in a second direction, which is an opposite direction from the first direction, by connecting the first switching part to the ground.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2020Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Toru Kosaka
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Patent number: 10996188Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device in particular, a sensor for determining a measurand correlated with a concentration of an analyte in a measuring medium, including a housing that has a region provided for contacting the measuring medium, a fluid line arranged in the housing, an interface that is arranged within the region provided for contacting the measuring medium and has a first side which is in contact with the fluid line and a second side which is in contact with an environment of the housing in particular, with the measuring medium in contact with the housing, a first reservoir that is arranged in the housing and fluidically connected to the fluid line and which contains a reagent intended for contacting and/or interacting with the analyte, and a transport mechanism that is designed to transport reagent from the first reservoir into the fluid line.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2017Date of Patent: May 4, 2021Assignee: Endress+Hauser Conducta GmbH+Co. KGInventors: Torsten Pechstein, Thomas Wilhelm, Michael Hanko
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Patent number: 10670567Abstract: A testing system and methods for using the same are provided. The testing system can include a sensor and a radiofrequency (RF) tag mounted on the sensor. The RF tag can be configured to store sensor information regarding the sensor and to wirelessly communicate at least a portion of the sensor information to a portable computing device upon request. The portable computing device can be configured to allow an operator to obtain selected sensor information from the RF tag and display it on the portable computing device. The portable computing device can also be configured to retrieve additional sensor information from external sources, such as a sensor manufacturer, via a network. Thus, sensor information can be retrieved in the field by the portable computing device for use in operating the testing system.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2017Date of Patent: June 2, 2020Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Torsten Behrendt
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Patent number: 9304014Abstract: Systems and methods for temperature compensation in a utility meter are provided. According to one embodiment of the disclosure, there is disclosed a method. The method can include receiving, from a sensor of a device, a temperature and a current associated with a first portion of the device. The method can also include determining, based at least in part on a correlation between at least one prior measured temperature and current associated with the first portion of the device and a prior measured temperature and current associated with a second portion of the device, a predicted temperature associated with the second portion of the device.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2012Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Sanjiv C. Komati, Harish Sarma Krishnamoorthy
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Patent number: 9250637Abstract: A temperature control device includes a temperature detector, a difference operation unit, a controller, a saturation processing circuit unit, a rewritable storage unit, and a conversion unit. The difference operation unit operates a digital value corresponding to a difference value between a detected temperature value and a target temperature. The controller calculates a manipulated variable using the digital value operated by the difference operation unit. The saturation processing circuit unit includes a digital circuit to limit an output value of the controller to a pre-set upper limit value. The rewritable storage unit stores the upper limit value read from a storage area of the rewritable storage unit and input into the saturation processing circuit unit. The conversion unit converts the output value of the saturation processing circuit unit into an analog signal to output the converted value as a control command value to the heater.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2014Date of Patent: February 2, 2016Assignee: NIHON DEMPA KOGYO CO., LTD.Inventor: Tsukasa Kobata
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Patent number: 9109989Abstract: A compact corrosion measurement apparatus and system includes an air fan, a corrosion sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a heater element, and an air flow sensor all under control to monitor and maintain constant air parameters in an environment and minimize environmental fluctuations around the corrosion sensor to overcome the variation commonly encountered in corrosion rate measurement. The corrosion measurement apparatus includes a structure providing an enclosure within which are located the sensors. Constant air flow and temperature is maintained within the enclosure where the corrosion sensor is located by integrating a variable speed air fan and a heater with the corresponding feedback loop control. Temperature and air flow control loops ensure that corrosivity is measured under similar conditions in different facilities offering a general reference point that allow a one to one comparison between facilities with similar or different pollution levels.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2012Date of Patent: August 18, 2015Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Hendrik F. Hamann, Levente I. Klein
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Patent number: 8975901Abstract: Measurement devices, systems, and methods to measure a high field conductivity of a fluid are provided herein. The measurement device includes a fluid cell, a pair of electrodes, a voltage switch, and a measurement unit. The fluid cell is on an inclined plane to receive the fluid. The pair of electrodes are connected to the fluid cell. The pair of electrodes are spaced apart from one another to receive the fluid therebetween and positioned parallel to one another to pass an electrical current therethrough. The power unit provides a high voltage power supply to one electrode of the pair of electrodes. The measurement unit measures the electrical current that passes between the pair of electrodes through the fluid.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2011Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Henryk Birecki, Omer Gila, Michael H Lee, William D Holland
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Publication number: 20150054531Abstract: A current sense resistor and a method of manufacturing a current sensing resistor with temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) compensation are disclosed. The resistor has a resistive strip disposed between two conductive strips. A pair of main terminals and a pair of voltage sense terminals are formed in the conductive strips. A pair of rough TCR calibration slots is located between the main terminals and the voltage sense terminals, each of the rough TCR calibration slots have a depth selected to obtain a negative starting TCR value observed at the voltage sense terminals. A fine TCR calibration slot is formed between the pair of voltage sense terminals.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2014Publication date: February 26, 2015Applicant: VISHAY DALE ELECTRONICS, INC.Inventors: Clark L. Smith, Thomas L. Bertsch, Todd L. Wyatt, Thomas L. Veik
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Patent number: 8838404Abstract: A pressure detector detecting a pressure of cold or hot water; a temperature detector detecting a temperature of a pressure sensor; correcting equation storage storing, cold water correcting equation information applied when the temperature detected by the temperature detector is included in a cold water temperature range, and hot water correcting equation information applied when the temperature detected by the temperature detector is included in a hot water temperature range; a temperature range determiner determining the temperature range that includes the temperature detected by the temperature detector as either a cold water temperature range or a hot water temperature range; and a correction calculating portion using the correcting equation corresponding to the temperature range determined by the temperature range determiner correcting the detection signal by the pressure detector, and outputting the post-correction signal as a measurement signal.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2011Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: Azbil CorporationInventor: Tomohisa Sasaki
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Patent number: 8823400Abstract: A diagnostic method and system is described for diagnosing an operating condition of a conductive particulate matter sensor. The sensor has a substrate with electrical resistance that varies with temperature and two electrodes on the substrate adapted to collect particulate matter between the electrodes, thereby establishing an electrically conductive path through collected particulate matter between the electrodes that can be detected by measuring electrical resistance between the electrodes, Relect. The diagnosis is performed by heating the substrate in the area between the electrodes and using the resistance between the electrodes to determine detecting whether contamination is present on the surface of the sensor. Heat may be maintained on the sensor to attempt to burn off a detected contaminant, and a subsequent resistance reading may be used to determine if the contaminant was successfully burned off.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2011Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Lary R. Hocken, Charles S. Nelson
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Patent number: 8810267Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a device identification circuit and a temperature sensor diode connected in parallel from a common node. The device identification circuit includes a resistor connected to a diode-connected transistor. The device identification circuit and the temperature sensor diode are adapted to not be simultaneously operating in an ON state. A first voltage is applied to the common node to place the device identification circuit in an ON state and place the temperature sensor diode in an OFF state to identify the integrated circuit. A second voltage is applied to the common node to place the device identification circuit in an OFF state and place the temperature sensor diode in an ON state to determine a temperature of the integrated circuit.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2011Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Truesense Imaging, Inc.Inventors: Shen Wang, Edward T. Nelson
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Publication number: 20140159754Abstract: In an electrical machine which has unidirectional excitation applied to its windings, the mean values of voltage and current can be computed from the instantaneous phase voltage and current by the use of, for example, low-pass filters (in either the analogue or digital domain). The value of winding resistance can then be calculated by dividing the mean voltage by the mean current. This avoids the cost, fragility and potential inaccuracy of conventional temperature sensors, and provides the controller with an ongoing estimate of winding temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2013Publication date: June 12, 2014Applicant: Nidec SR Drives Ltd.Inventor: Michael James Turner
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Patent number: 8350571Abstract: An electronic salt meter including a sensor rod, salt meter body and receiving components to measure a temperature and salinity. The electronic salt meter includes a first and sensor electrode and a temperature sensor to detect a temperature of the measurement object. A measurement monitoring unit detects whether the first and second sensor electrodes are electrically connected to each other. A salinity measurement unit applies an AC power to the first and second sensor electrodes to measure salinity of the measurement object. A temperature measurement unit applies a power to the temperature sensor to measure the temperature of the measurement object. A thermal equilibrium detection unit stores the temperature value previously measured, and when the temperature variation is less than a predetermined threshold, it is determined as a thermal equilibrium state. A room-temperature salinity conversion unit converts the salinity value into a salinity value at room temperature.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2010Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Inventor: Yun-Ho Son
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Patent number: 8330476Abstract: A supply voltage management system and method for an integrated circuit (IC) die are provided. The supply voltage management system includes one or more temperature sensing elements located on the IC die and configured to sense temperature of the die and to output a sensed temperature value for the die. A dynamic voltage controller is located on the die and is configured to receive the sensed temperature value for the die and to identify a technology process category of the die. Based on the sensed temperature value and the identified technology process category of the die, the dynamic voltage controller adjusts an output voltage to at least one circuit of the die.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2005Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: ATI Technologies ULCInventors: Nancy Chan, Ramesh Senthinathan
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Patent number: 8314623Abstract: A system includes a first module, a second module, and a third module. The first module determines a first temperature and a first power dissipation value of a thermistor based on a resistance of a first resistor connected in series with the thermistor. The second module, after disconnecting the first resistor and connecting a second resistor in series with the thermistor, determines a second temperature and a second power dissipation value of the thermistor based on a resistance of the second resistor. The third module determines a thermal dissipation factor based on the first and second temperatures and the first and second power dissipation values, and corrects temperature sensed by the thermistor based on the thermal dissipation factor.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2010Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Inventors: Brian Carl Nelson, Christian G. Masson, Marilyn L. Kindermann, Brian K. Kowalczyk
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Patent number: 8237454Abstract: Measuring device for local measurement of an electrical property of the content of a container, wherein at least three electrodes are disposed adjacently of each other in height direction and electrically insulated from each other, wherein each of the electrodes can be connected to an electrical measuring circuit for measuring, via one of the electrodes and one other electrode connected to an electrical earth, the electrical property of the content of the container in the vicinity of the electrodes, and wherein the electrical measuring circuit is adapted to generate at least one electric measuring signal representing the measured electrical property, and a control unit for connecting the one electrode to the electrical measuring circuit and connecting the other electrode to an electrical earth.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2008Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Fluid Well Instruments B.V.Inventors: Marian Jozef Slezak, Cornelis Wijnand Schoenmakers
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Patent number: 8149004Abstract: A corrosion sensor having a corrodible element that is corrodible in a lubricant or hydraulic oil, wherein the corrosion sensor is adapted to monitor degradation of the lubricant or hydraulic oil is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2007Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Raghurama A. Raju, Sanjeeb Tripathy, Jicang Zhou
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Publication number: 20120001649Abstract: A current sensor is disclosed. The current sensor includes a leadframe having a die paddle, a portion of the die paddle being configured as a resistive element through which current can flow, and an integrated circuit (IC) die attached and thermally coupled to the die paddle. The IC die includes a current sensing module configured to measure a voltage drop across the resistive element and convert the voltage drop measurement to a current measurement signal and a temperature compensation module electrically coupled to the current sensing module. The temperature compensation module is configured to adjust the current measurement signal to compensate for temperature-dependent changes in the resistive element. The temperature compensation module includes a temperature-sensitive element, with a portion of the temperature-sensitive element located directly over a portion of the resistive element.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2010Publication date: January 5, 2012Applicant: Linear Technology CorporationInventors: Edson Wayne Porter, Robert C. Chiacchia, Wan Wah Loh
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Patent number: 8081006Abstract: A sensor temperature compensation circuit that includes a sensor and non-linear temperature compensation circuit that compensates for non-linear temperature dependencies in offset and/or gain generated by the sensor. For instance, to at least partially compensate for offset temperature dependencies, a summer adds two offset compensation signals, the ratio of the second to the first being a function of temperature. The summed signal may then be multiplied by a function of temperature. The summed signal may then be used to provide the non-linear temperature compensation to the offset. Alternatively or in addition, to at least partially compensate for gain temperature dependencies, a summer adds two gain compensation signals, the ratio of the second to the first being a function of temperature. The summed signal may then be multiplied by a function of temperature. The summed signal may then be used to provide non-linear temperature compensation to the gain.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2006Date of Patent: December 20, 2011Assignee: Semiconductor Components Industries, LLCInventors: Munenori Tsuchiya, Lucas Laren Piquet, Larry Petersen
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Publication number: 20110018728Abstract: The invention relates to a method and sensing device capable of determining a temperature of a liquid and an electrical conductivity of said liquid at said temperature. The sensing device comprises at least one temperature sensor for providing temperature measurement data arranged such that said temperature sensor is physically isolated from said liquid when said sensing device is immersed in said liquid. The device further comprises an electrical conductivity sensor, storage means containing temperature characteristics and a processor. The processor is arranged for instantly measuring an electrical conductivity of a liquid and for evaluating temperature measurement data for determining the temperature of the liquid on the basis of the temperature characteristics.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2007Publication date: January 27, 2011Applicant: JOHNSONDIVERSEY, INC.Inventors: Jan Robert Uhlhorn, Lambertus Gerardus P. Van Der Heijden, Jan E. Veening
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Patent number: 7852098Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a heating circuit configured to heat the integrated circuit under the control of a controller. A transfer function with adjustable pole, zero and overall gain is implemented in the controller such that a temperature response of the integrated circuit can be changed by adjusting one or more of the adjustable pole, zero and overall gain.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2005Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: Marvell World Trade Ltd.Inventors: Jody Greenberg, Sehat Sutardja
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Patent number: 7696768Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a heating circuit configured to heat the integrated circuit under the control of a controller. A transfer function with adjustable pole, zero and overall gain is implemented in the controller such that a temperature response of the integrated circuit can be changed by adjusting one or more of the adjustable pole, zero and overall gain.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2007Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Assignee: Marvell International Ltd.Inventors: Jody Greenberg, Sehat Sutardja
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Patent number: 7622030Abstract: Simultaneous determination of general corrosion and localized corrosion rate measurements is achieved with polarization applied by the electrodes themselves rather than externally applied polarization. Two or more working electrodes may be galvanically coupled. A localized pitting corrosion event on one of the electrodes will lead to a potential transient. The area within the potential transient is measured with the baseline being the initial starting potential. This gives localized corrosion as a function of time. The relationship Rp=?V/?I is calculated, where Rp is the polarization resistance of the working electrodes and is a measure of generalized corrosion rate.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2006Date of Patent: November 24, 2009Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Raymond Paul Gill, Vladimir Jovancicevic, Wai Yeung Mok, Paul Hammonds
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Patent number: 7598722Abstract: Method and system for periodically measuring the junction temperature of a semiconductor device. The junction exited by at least two sequential predetermined currents of different magnitudes. The voltage response of the junction to the at least two currents is measured and the temperature of the junction is calculated, while substantially canceling ohmic effects, by using the voltage response and a correction factor obtained by periodically. Whenever desired, the junction is exited by a set of at least four sequential different currents having known ratios. The voltage response to the set is measured and the correction factor is calculated by using each voltage response to the set.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2006Date of Patent: October 6, 2009Assignee: Nation Semiconductor CorporationInventor: Ohad Falik
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Patent number: 7573275Abstract: A temperature sensor control apparatus includes a reference potential section, a driving potential section set to a driving electric potential, a temperature sensor configured to vary a resistance in accordance with a temperature, and disposed between the reference potential section and the driving potential section, a conduction path, two reference resistance elements each connected in series with the temperature sensor, a potential controlled point disposed in the conduction path between the reference resistance elements, a potential setting section configured to set an electric potential of the potential controlled point to the driving electric potential; and a resistance switching control section configured to control the potential setting section to switch the electric potential of the potential controlled point, and to switch each of the reference resistance elements to one of an energized state and a deenergized state.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2006Date of Patent: August 11, 2009Assignee: NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Inagaki, Yuji Oi
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Publication number: 20090167330Abstract: In some embodiments, the arrangement includes a sense element to convey a current from a source to a load and a compensation element located proximate to the sense element. The compensation element has a resistance that changes proportional to a change in temperature of the sense element. In several embodiments, the arrangement further includes an operational amplifier having a first input connected to the sense element, a second input connected to the compensation element and an output that provides an output signal that biases a current through the compensation element in response to a voltage across the sense element. In such embodiments, the bias current provides an output signal proportional to the conveyed current and the compensation element provides temperature compensation for the output signal. Other embodiments are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2009Publication date: July 2, 2009Inventor: Viktor Vogman
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Patent number: 7508225Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method provide device identification and temperature sensing of a device with a temperature sensing circuit (TSC) within the device. The TSC includes a temperature sensing element (TSE) connected in parallel with a voltage clamping network (VCN) that limits the voltage across the TSE to an identification voltage within an identification voltage range when the voltage is greater than or equal to a lower voltage of the identification voltage range. When a voltage below the lower range is applied to the TSC, the VCN appears as an open circuit and the resistance of the TSC corresponds to temperature. For cost or other concerns, a first TSC may omit the VCN to provide a maximum identification voltage and other TSCs may include VCNs with lower identification voltage ranges.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2006Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Assignee: Kyocera Wireless CorporationInventor: John Philip Taylor
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Patent number: 7492171Abstract: One arrangement includes a sense element to convey a current from a source to a load and a compensation element located proximate to the sense element. The compensation element having a resistance that changes proportional to a change in temperature of the sense element. The arrangement further includes an operational amplifier having a first input connected to the sense element, a second input connected to the compensation element and an output that provides an output signal that biases a current through the compensation element in response to a voltage across the sense element. The bias current provides an output signal proportional to the conveyed current and the compensation element provides temperature compensation for the output signal. Other embodiments are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2006Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Intel CorporationInventor: Viktor Vogman
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Publication number: 20080278183Abstract: A fuel cell test system including a controller, a housing defining a test chamber, a test subject fuel cell positioned in the test chamber, the test subject fuel cell being in communication with the controller to provide the controller with signals indicative of a performance of the test subject fuel cell, a fuel feed in communication with the test subject fuel cell, the fuel feed having a humidity, a flow rate and a pressure, wherein at least one of the humidity, the flow rate and the pressure of the fuel feed is controllable by the controller, and an oxidant feed in communication with the test subject fuel cell, the oxidant feed having a humidity, a flow rate and a pressure, wherein at least one of the humidity, the flow rate and the pressure of the oxidant feed is controllable by the controller, wherein the controller monitors the performance of the test subject fuel cell in response to the fuel feed and the oxidant feed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2008Publication date: November 13, 2008Applicant: MOUND TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS, INC.Inventors: Douglas A. McClelland, Daniel P. Kramer
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Patent number: 7443178Abstract: An electrical circuit for the temperature compensation of at least one measuring resistor structure integrated in a semiconductor body includes at least one further resistor structure which is likewise concomitantly integrated into the semiconductor body and is thermally coupled to the measuring resistor structure. The electrical circuit also includes a circuit arrangement which is electrically connected to the further resistor structure, feeds a current into the further resistor structure, and evaluates a temperature-dependent voltage dropped across the further resistor structure as a result. The temperature-dependent voltage dropped across the further resistor is used for temperature compensation of the measuring resistor structure.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2006Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventor: Martin Graefling
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Patent number: 7443176Abstract: An integrated circuit temperature sensor includes a sensor to determine whether the integrated circuit is currently exposed to a relatively low or high temperature. A measured voltage across the base-emitter of a bipolar transistor is selected if the sensor indicates exposure to the relatively low temperature or, a measured delta voltage across the base-emitter of the bipolar transistor is selected if the sensor indicates exposure to the relatively high temperature. The voltage across the base-emitter is compared against a first reference for determining exposure to a too cold condition or the selected measured delta voltage across the base-emitter is compared against a second reference for determining exposure to a too hot condition. In a test mode, the measured delta voltage across the base-emitter and/or the measured voltage across the base-emitter are scaled.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2006Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Assignee: STMicroelectronics, Inc.Inventors: David C. McClure, Sooping Saw
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Patent number: 7429866Abstract: A method for improved cable resistance measuring is provided including coupling a measurement test device including a master unit and a remote unit, via at least one connector, to at least one network cable and determining a terminating impedance using field calibration. The method additionally including transmitting an AC signal across the network cable for determining a resistance of the network cable, and measuring a length of the network cable. The method still further including measuring a capacitance of the network cable, and measuring an impedance of the network cable terminated by the measurement test device. The method additionally including extracting the resistance of the network cable from the impedance measurement, and correcting for error in at least one of capacitance, termination resistance, and nominal cable effects for a corrected resistance value.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2006Date of Patent: September 30, 2008Assignee: Avo Multi-Amp CorporationInventor: Gerald Wayne Beene
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Patent number: 7394264Abstract: The invention relates to a device for measuring current in an inductor and being connected in parallel with said inductor. The device includes a network in parallel with the inductor and connected to the terminals A and B comprising a resistor R2 in series with a resistor R1 in parallel with a capacitor C1; a voltage offset circuit having a DC voltage generator E connected in parallel with an offset resistor (Roffset) in series with two parallel resistors R3 and R4, the positive pole of the voltage source being connected to terminal B of the inductor; a temperature compensation circuit comprising a current source controlled as a function of the temperature, one of the two terminals of the current source being connected to the negative pole of the generator E, the other terminal of the current source being connected to different points of the measurement device.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2004Date of Patent: July 1, 2008Assignee: ThalesInventors: Flavien Blanc, Christophe Taurand
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Publication number: 20080116908Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2006Publication date: May 22, 2008Inventors: Radislav Alexandrovich Potyrailo, David James Monk, Ryo Tamaki
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Publication number: 20080079446Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method provide device identification and temperature sensing of a device with a temperature sensing circuit (TSC) within the device. The TSC includes a temperature sensing element (TSE) connected in parallel with a voltage clamping network (VCN) that limits the voltage across the TSE to an identification voltage within an identification voltage range when the voltage is greater than or equal to a lower voltage of the identification voltage range. When a voltage below the lower range is applied to the TSC, the VCN appears as an open circuit and the resistance of the TSC corresponds to temperature. For cost or other concerns, a first TSC may omit the VCN to provide a maximum identification voltage and other TSCs may include VCNs with lower identification voltage ranges.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2006Publication date: April 3, 2008Inventor: John Philip TAYLOR
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Publication number: 20080024147Abstract: A sensor temperature compensation circuit that includes a sensor and non-linear temperature compensation circuit that compensates for non-linear temperature dependencies in offset and/or gain generated by the sensor. For instance, to at least partially compensate for offset temperature dependencies, a summer adds two offset compensation signals, the ratio of the second to the first being a function of temperature. The summed signal may then be multiplied by a function of temperature. The summed signal may then be used to provide the non-linear temperature compensation to the offset. Alternatively or in addition, to at least partially compensate for gain temperature dependencies, a summer adds two gain compensation signals, the ratio of the second to the first being a function of temperature. The summed signal may then be multiplied by a function of temperature. The summed signal may then be used to provide non-linear temperature compensation to the gain.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2006Publication date: January 31, 2008Inventors: Munenori Tsuchiya, Lucas Laren Piquet, Larry Petersen
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Patent number: 7268566Abstract: A sensor circuit is provided that includes at least one pair of interconnected T-networks. Each pair has a first T-network including a first impedance serially connected to second impedance at a first junction and a first variable resistance sensor element connected to the first junction. Each pair also has a second T-network including a third impedance serially connected to a fourth impedance at a second junction and a second variable resistance sensor element connected to the second junction. The sensor circuit further includes an operational amplifier connected to the first T-network of a selected one of the at least one pair of T-networks and a constant voltage source connected to the second T-network of the selected T-network pair.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2006Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Tao of Systems Integration, Inc.Inventors: Garimella R. Sarma, Siva M. Mangalam
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Patent number: 7265560Abstract: A chemiresistor sensor system that compensates for changes in resistance caused by changes in ambient temperature, thereby increasing the accuracy of the sensor system's ability to detect target analytes. The sensor system generally includes a first resistor, a second resistor, and a load regulator or switch that is sensitive to changes in ambient temperature. At least one of the first resistor and the second resistor is a sensing element having a resistance that changes in response to the presence of one or more of the analytes. The switch manages an electrical load across the first resistor and the second resistor. The switch prevents passage of the electrical load across the first and/or second resistor when the ambient temperature is at a first value. The switch permits passage of the electrical load across the first and/or second resistor when the ambient temperature is at a second value.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2005Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Assignee: Therm-O-Disc, IncorporatedInventors: Jeffrey A. West, Jared Starling
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Patent number: 7176701Abstract: A temperature sensor including two transistors having different emitter current densities and performing temperature detection based on the fact that the difference in voltage between base and emitter changes with temperature. The temperature sensor is provided with a feedback circuit for controlling respective collector voltages and emitter currents such that the collector voltages of both transistors vary according to similar temperature characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2003Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takatsugu Wachi, Akira Nakamura
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Patent number: 7170275Abstract: Method and system for periodically measuring the junction temperature of a semiconductor device. The junction is excited by at least two sequential predetermined currents of different magnitudes. The voltage response of the junction to the at least two currents is measured and the temperature of the junction is calculated, while substantially canceling ohmic effects, by using the voltage response and a correction factor. Whenever desired, the junction is excited by a set of at least four sequential different currents having known ratios. The voltage response to the set is measured and the correction factor is calculated by using each voltage response to the set.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2005Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: National Semiconductor CorporationInventor: Ohad Falik
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Patent number: 7132838Abstract: A sensor circuit is provided that includes a first T-network including a first impedance serially connected to a second impedance at a first junction and a first variable resistance sensor element connected at a first end to the first junction and at a second end to ground. The sensor circuit also includes a second T-network including a third impedance serially connected to a fourth impedance at a third junction and a second variable resistance sensor element having first and second sensor element ends. The first sensor element end is connected to the third junction and the fourth impedance is connected to the second junction. The sensor circuit further includes a constant voltage source connected to the third impedance and to ground. The second end of the second variable resistance sensor element is connected to a fourth junction intermediate the constant voltage source and ground.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2005Date of Patent: November 7, 2006Assignee: Tao of Systems Integration, Inc.Inventors: Garimella R. Sarma, Siva M. Mangalam
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Patent number: 7015706Abstract: A semiconductor sensing device has a semiconductor substrate with a pressure sensing bridge circuit including piezo-resistance elements formed on the substrate. Further, the semiconductor sensing device has a temperature sensing bridge circuit including resistance elements formed on the semiconductor substrate. A pair of the resistance elements is connected with a power supply terminal, and the other pair of the resistance elements is connected with a grounding terminal. The resistance elements in either or both of these pairs are formed of different resistance types from each other and of the same conductivity type.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2004Date of Patent: March 21, 2006Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Seiji Hattori, Noboru Endo
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Patent number: 6936158Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for measuring accumulated and instant rate of material loss or material gain of metal elements for the detection of metal deposition (material gain) caused for example during deposition of coatings used in plating processes and corrosion (material loss) caused for example in pipelines during transportation of hazardous media. The apparatus and the method provides means for measuring accumulated and instant rate of material loss or material gain by inserting a probe in a measurement environment causing a probe experience metal deposition or corrosion. Further the apparatus and the method provides means for performing a temperature independent measurement of accumulated and instant rate of material loss or material gain accomplished without use of a temperature sensor device.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2002Date of Patent: August 30, 2005Assignee: Metricorr ApsInventors: Kaj V. Nielsen, Lars V. Nielsen
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Patent number: 6919729Abstract: An improved corrosion measurement system for determining the rate of corrosion of a fluid medium. The system is comprised of a highly sensitive excitation and amplification electronic circuitry for registering and displaying the stable and accurate measurement results. A novel current feedback amplifier maintains a constant alternating current voltage across the reference element, by simultaneously controlling the current through the serially connected reference and corroding elements, thereby keeping the corrosivity measurement independent of the probe's ambient temperature. The unique unitized electrical resistance measurement probe is also temperature stabilized using thermally bridged and balanced metallic elements; the first reference element being coated with an impermeable insulating coating, the second, the sacrificial corroding element, being fully exposed to the corrosive fluid medium.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2003Date of Patent: July 19, 2005Assignee: Rohrback Cosasco Systems, Inc.Inventor: Eugen Tiefnig
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Patent number: 6906537Abstract: An airfoil temperature control arrangement includes a resistive heater element. A plurality of detectors allow a controller to gather resistance information at various intervals along the resistive heater element. Determining the resistance of the corresponding portions of the heater element allows the controller to utilize a known relationship between resistance and temperature for the material selected to make the resistive heater element. In one example, a nickel alloy or other material having a high coefficient of resistance is chosen to provide the controller with the ability to determine a temperature for each portion of the heater element. The determined temperature information is used, for example, to monitor whether any portion of the heater element has become delaminated from the airfoil surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2003Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Hamilton SundstrandInventors: Joshua I. Goldberg, Randy P. Holbrook
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Patent number: 6867605Abstract: A device for measuring the probe impedance of a linear lambda probe of an internal combustion engine which is caused by an AC current measurement signal which is fed into the lambda probe, comprises a voltage amplifier for amplifying an AC voltage which drops across the probe impedance, and a rectifier for rectifying the amplified AC voltage, wherein the rectifier is a synchronous demodulator, by which in each case the upper and lower amplitude of the AC voltage signal is sampled with its frequency, filtered and stored, and by which the difference of the stored signals is amplified with a gain factor and made available as output signal at its output for controlling the temperature of the lambda probe.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2003Date of Patent: March 15, 2005Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Stephan Bolz
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Patent number: 6809538Abstract: Leakage power consumed by an integrated circuit is estimated as the difference between total power consumption and a nominal expected power consumption. Leakage power is reduced by cooling the integrated circuit in an active cooling system. By expending power in the active cooling system, the integrated circuit is cooled and the total power consumption is decreased. When the decrease in total power consumption is greater than the power expended in the cooling system, an overall power savings is achieved.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2001Date of Patent: October 26, 2004Assignee: Intel CorporationInventor: Shekhar Y. Borkar