Measuring, Testing, Or Sensing Electricity, Per Se Patents (Class 324/76.11)
  • Publication number: 20150042373
    Abstract: A semiconductor device capable of simplifying wiring work is provided. A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor element (insulated gate bipolar transistor IGBT) provided with an emitter main electrode and an emitter sense electrode, an integrated circuit having a detection terminal and a mold resin body that seals the semiconductor element and the integrated circuit, and a lead. The lead is provided with an inner lead part sealed in the mold resin body and electrically connected to the emitter sense electrode, an inner lead part sealed in the mold resin body and electrically connected to the emitter main electrode, and an outer lead part connected to the lead part on one side, connected to the inner lead part on the other side and exposed outside the mold resin body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroyuki NAKAMURA
  • Publication number: 20150039913
    Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic control unit capable of identifying an abnormality in a power supply voltage without narrowing the operating voltage range, and having minimal effects on cost and the circuit mounting surface area. The ECU includes a microcomputer containing an input terminal VCCin and an input terminal Vrin, a power supply IC that supplies a power supply voltage VCC to the input terminal VCCin, and as a reference-voltage-generator circuit a voltage-divider resistor and a voltage-divider resistor configuring a voltage-dividing circuit that outputs a sub-divided voltage Vc is sub-divided from the power supply voltage VCC, a capacitor coupled at one end to the input terminal Vrin and coupled on at the other end to ground, and a voltage isolation element coupled between the voltage-dividing circuit and the input terminal Vrin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Yasushi Sugiyama, Takuya Mayuzumi, Ryosuke Ishida, Yasuhiko Okada, Kiyoomi Kadoya, Kenichi Hoshino
  • Patent number: 8947070
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing driver write-ability strength on an integrated circuit includes one or more drive detection units each including a number of drivers. At least some of the drivers may have a different drive strength and each may drive a voltage onto a respective driver output line. Each drive detection unit may include a number of keeper circuits, each coupled to a separate output line and configured to retain a given voltage on the output line to which it is coupled. Each detection unit may also include a number of detection circuits coupled to detect the drive voltage on each of the output lines. In one implementation, the drive voltage appearing at the output line of each driver may be indicative of that the driver was able to overdrive the voltage being retained on the output line to which it is coupled by the respective keeper circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Ashish R. Jain, Edgardo F. Klass
  • Publication number: 20150028848
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is hardware that can be fitted to a pre-existing circuit breaker panel to allow for the monitoring of power draws in the various circuit breaker branches, which hardware includes current transducers coupled to a wireless hub. The current transducers are coupled to the wires proceeding from each of the circuit breaker branches. The hub computes the power draws for each of the branches using the information provided by the CT as well as the AC input voltages provided to the panel. The hub reports these power draws to an Internet gateway, where the results can be viewed at a web server. The web server may also comprise an analysis module that reviews present and historical power draw data to provide useful power consumption information to a customer for example.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Matthew Lynch, Brian Smith, Alec Manfre
  • Publication number: 20150028931
    Abstract: The application discloses a voltage regulation method, and a corresponding HPM, chip, and chip system. The method is used to regulate a working voltage of the chip, which includes an AVS module and at least one HPM. The method includes: outputting, by the AVS module, a clock signal to the HPM; generating, by the HPM, a corresponding pulse signal according to the clock signal and at least performing first delaying for the pulse signal to acquire a first actual output value and performing second delaying for the pulse signal to acquire a second actual output value; and fitting, by the AVS module, the first and second actual output values at least according to weights of the first and second actual output values to acquire a fitting output value and determine, by comparing the fitting output value with a predetermined reference value, whether to regulate the working voltage of the chip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Qian Xie, Xinru Wang
  • Publication number: 20150028850
    Abstract: An exemplary method for calibrating a current transducer of the Rogowski type including a Rogowski coil sensor and an electronic device is performed by determining and correcting the sensitivity of the current transducer of the Rogowski type through the measurement of the self-inductance LRCCT of the coil using the electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: ABB TECHNOLOGY AG
    Inventors: Joris PASCAL, Rolf DISSELNKĂ–TTER, Franz ZURFLUH, Bernhard DECK
  • Publication number: 20150028849
    Abstract: Foreign object detection apparatus for an IPT system, includes a control means adapted to detect the presence of a foreign object on or adjacent to an IPT primary pad of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Grant Anthony Covic, John Talbot Boys
  • Patent number: 8941108
    Abstract: A method performs electrical testing and assembly of an electronic device on a wafer and comprising a pad made in an oxide layer covered by a passivation layer. The method includes connecting the electronic device to a testing apparatus; providing said electronic device with a metallization layer extending on the passivation layer from the pad to a non-active area of said wafer. The method comprises-performing the electrical testing on wafer of the electronic device by placing a probe of on a portion of the extended metallization layer; performing the cut of said wafer, reducing the extension of the metallization layer to the edge of the electronic device; embedding the device inside a package, forming on the metallization layer an electrical connection configured to connect the metallization layer to a circuit in said package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventor: Alberto Pagani
  • Publication number: 20150022183
    Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic circuit with a first terminal for connecting an accessory thereto, and with a functionality for detecting the presence of an accessory connected to the first terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventor: Wolfgang Furtner
  • Publication number: 20150023104
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for measuring an electrical characteristic of a model signal line and providing measurement information based at least in part on the measurement of the electrical characteristic. An example apparatus includes a signal line model including a model signal line configured to model electrical characteristics of a signal line. The apparatus further includes a measurement circuit coupled to the signal line model and configured to measure the electrical characteristic of the model signal line responsive to an input signal provided to the model signal line. The measurement circuit is further configured to provide measurement information based at least in part on the measurement to set a signal applied to the signal line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventor: TORU TANZAWA
  • Publication number: 20150015234
    Abstract: An electrical safety system and associated method may be used on an electrical enclosure containing phase to phase and phase to ground electricity. The system includes a volt meter having a probe and a receptacle having a number of ports adapted to receive the probe of the volt meter. The receptacle is mounted to a panel, cabinet or enclosure having at least one conducting wire therein. The method allows a worker to use a contact voltage detector to check for the presence or absence of voltage inside the closed electrical panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: CINTAS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eric Ayanegui, Willie A. Isaacs, Dudley L. Rogers, III, Gardner Sorrell
  • Publication number: 20150015233
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for tracking energy consumption. An energy tracking system comprises at least one switching element, at least one inductor and a control block to keep the output voltage at a pre-selected level. The switching elements are configured to apply the source of energy to the inductors. The control block compares the output voltage of the energy tracking system to a reference value and controls the switching of the switched elements in order to transfer energy for the primary voltage into a secondary voltage at the output of the energy tracking system. The electronic device further comprises an ON-time and OFF-time generator and an accumulator wherein the control block is coupled to receive a signal from the ON-time and OFF-time generator and generates switching signals for the at least one switching element in the form of ON-time pulses with a constant width ON-time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Horst Diewald, Johann Zipperer, Peter Weber, Anton Brauchle
  • Publication number: 20150015235
    Abstract: In a method and device for measuring current at a converter, the prevailing phase current is determined at the output of the converter by current-measuring devices, in order to supply it to a closed-loop control device assigned to the converter. The prevailing phase current to be ascertained at an output of the converter is measured independently at two current-measuring devices, and the measuring results of both current-measuring devices are utilized to determine the prevailing phase current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventor: Christian Brendel
  • Publication number: 20150015236
    Abstract: A consumer consumption monitoring system includes a plurality of measurement devices disposed in corresponding supply paths of coupled consumer devices located within a building. A network node circuit coupled to the plurality of measurement devices retrieves measurement data from the plurality of measurement devices, and stores and analyzes the measurement data over time to develop one or more consumer device consumption profiles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: BROADCOM EUROPE LIMITED
    Inventors: Jonathan Ephraim David Hurwitz, Dale Stubbs
  • Publication number: 20150008897
    Abstract: A scanning unit adapted for scanning a measuring graduation of a scale for purposes of position measurement in a measurement direction includes a housing having a detector configured to generate position-dependent scanning signals. An electrical lead passes out through the housing in the measurement direction. A rotatable member, in which the electrical lead is routed, has a first section extending in the measurement direction and a second section extending in a second direction at an angle relative to the measurement direction. The rotatable member is rotatably mounted on the housing about an axis of rotation extending in the measurement direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Bernhard Riesemann, Wolfgang Pucher, Stefan Kuehnhauser
  • Patent number: 8929411
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a laser system and a light sensor system. The laser system is associated with a housing and configured to generate a first laser beam and direct the first laser beam toward a surface of an object in which the surface has a plurality of quantum dots. The first laser beam is configured to cause the plurality of quantum dots to generate light. The laser system is further configured to generate a second laser beam and direct the second laser beam toward the light generated by the plurality of quantum dots. The second laser beam is configured to amplify a portion of the light generated by the plurality of quantum dots. The light sensor system is associated with the housing and configured to detect the portion of the light to form data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Morteza Safai
  • Patent number: 8930154
    Abstract: Examples disclose a processor with a measurement point to receive an input voltage and a voltage measurer to obtain a first voltage measurement. Further, the examples provide the processor with a switch, based on a signal, to enable a second voltage measurement at the measurement point. Additionally, the processor is to adjust the voltage measurer based on a difference between the first and second voltage measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Ted A Hadley
  • Patent number: 8928328
    Abstract: A testing device for solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is disclosed. The testing device which combines the original cell housing with a four-point probe equipment is set for measuring SOFC MEA. The current collectors on anode and cathode in the original cell housing are respectively replaced by four independent probe units. They are not only to collect current but also to become measuring probes. Therefore, the lateral impedance of anode and cathode can be measured. Furthermore, the local characteristics are examined by open circuit voltage (OCV), I-V curve, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements. The results show that the lateral impedance is substantially varied with temperatures. The distributions of OCV, current density, EIS and cell voltage in long-term test at the center of the cell are different from the edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Institute of Nuclear Energy Research Atomic Energy Council, Executive Yuan
    Inventors: Shih-Wei Cheng, Yaw-Hwa Shiu, Yung-Neng Cheng, Ruey-Yi Lee
  • Patent number: 8928307
    Abstract: A signal detection circuit is provided, and includes a signal conversion module, a threshold control module, and a comparison module. The signal conversion module is configured to: convert a reference voltage signal into a reference current signal, and send the reference current signal to the threshold control module; convert a voltage signal to be detected into a current signal to be detected, and send the current signal to be detected to the comparison module. The threshold control module is configured to: generate a threshold current signal according the reference current signal, and send the threshold current signal to the comparison module; and receive a threshold control signal, and change magnitude of the threshold current signal according to the threshold control signal. The comparison module is configured to compare magnitude of the current signal to be detected with the magnitude of the threshold current signal, and output a comparison result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Zhengxiang Wang
  • Publication number: 20150002133
    Abstract: A method for operating a microcomputer apparatus includes provisioning an electrical reference voltage that is independent of an electrical supply voltage, continuously comparing a defined level of the electrical reference voltage with the electrical supply voltage, and performing a defined operation with the microcomputer apparatus for at least one defined ratio between the defined level of the electrical reference voltage and the electrical supply voltage. The provisioning and the continuous comparing involves using a functional module of the microcomputer apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Daniel Rombach, Kamil Pogorzelski, Jacek Wiszniewski, Marcus Prantner
  • Patent number: 8922193
    Abstract: Apparatus, usable to measure current in a multiple-conductor cable having supply and return conductors spaced apart by a nominal conductor spacing and carrying respective supply and return currents in opposite directions, includes (1) a non-magnetic body having a cable-engaging portion defining a location and an orientation axis of the multiple-conductor cable relative to the apparatus when the cable-engaging portion engages the cable during use, (2) a planar, multi-turn wire coil supported by the body immediately adjacent to the location and lying in a plane parallel to the orientation axis, the wire coil having a coil diameter at least four times the nominal conductor spacing, and (3) signal conditioning circuitry operative in response to a voltage signal developed across output ends of the wire coil to generate a conditioned voltage signal having a voltage magnitude determined by and indicative of a magnitude of the supply current during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Brandeis University
    Inventors: Hermann F. Wellenstein, Paul Keselman
  • Publication number: 20140375350
    Abstract: A method of testing an integrated circuit clearance distance device (“ICCDD”) having a predetermined clearance distance in air requirement and a predetermined isolation voltage limit including calculating a value of the breakdown voltage at the predetermined clearance distance for at least one gas; and selecting a gas in which the ICCDD has a breakdown voltage that is less than the predetermined isolation voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventor: John Paul Tellkamp
  • Publication number: 20140373899
    Abstract: Provided is a concentrator photovoltaic system including: a concentrator photovoltaic panel; a driving device configured to cause the concentrator photovoltaic panel to perform operation of tracking the sun; and a control device configured to detect a change pattern repeatedly occurring in temporal change in generated power of the concentrator photovoltaic panel, and configured to compare the detected change pattern with a form characteristic to deviation in an azimuth and a form characteristic to deviation in an elevation, to detect the presence/absence of deviation in tracking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Takashi IWASAKI, Kenichi HIROTSU, Hideaki NAKAHATA, Seiji YAMAMOTO, Naoki AYAI
  • Publication number: 20140375303
    Abstract: A charge measuring device detects focused ion beam attacks on an integrated semiconductor circuit with a capacitor, a field effect transistor, and a charge collecting device all manufactured in the integrated semiconductor circuit and insulated from additional circuit elements. A first pole of the capacitor is conductively connected to the charge collecting device and a gate of the field effect transistor. When a voltage is applied to the second pole of the capacitor, a drain source current flows through the field effect transistor, and a relationship between the voltage and the drain source current is ascertained. A comparison of the relationship with a previously ascertained relationship indicates a change of the charge quantity stored in the capacitor by the charge collecting device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Clemens Helfmeier, Christian Boit, Uwe Kerst
  • Publication number: 20140375300
    Abstract: A printed circuit board includes: a substrate, in which a hole for fixing a component is formed, in a first region, which is a region in which the component is detachably installed; a plurality of electrodes that are formed in the first region on the substrate; and a detection circuit that outputs detection signal corresponding to an aspect of an electrical connection between the plurality of electrodes and a fixing member that is fixed in the hole for installing the components on the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventor: Ryota Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8918583
    Abstract: An embodiment is a technique to adapt behavior of a solid-state drive (SSD) to extend lifespan of the SSD. Real environmental information is received from an environmental processor. The real environmental information corresponds to an environment of the SSD. A behavior model is selected based on a real environmental model and an internal data usage model. If a new behavior model is selected, the environmental processor is informed about the new behavior model. The environmental processor sends control commands to a power management module to apply new power policy to the SSD. Information on the new behavior model is made available for query. If current behavior model is selected, the current behavior model is maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Virtium Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Pho Hoang, Jian Chen
  • Patent number: 8917079
    Abstract: A reference potential adjusting apparatus is provided. The reference potential adjusting apparatus includes a reference potential measuring unit configured to measure a potential of a solution, a counter electrode disposed in the solution, and configured to change the potential of the solution through oxidation-reduction reactions with the solution, and a comparator configured to compare a measurement voltage provided by the reference voltage measuring unit to a reference voltage provided by a reference voltage supply unit, and to adjust reactions of the counter electrode with the solution according to the result of the comparison. The reference potential measuring unit includes a reference electrode, a common electrode disposed to be spaced apart from the reference electrode, and at least one nano structure contacting the reference electrode and the common electrode, and having electrical conductivity changing according to the potential of the solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: SNU R&DB Foundation
    Inventors: Jin Hong Ahn, Young June Park
  • Publication number: 20140368183
    Abstract: A method of correcting the non-linearity of a sensor on a linear, high voltage power line comprises removably fixing a sensor on a conductor carrying an AC signal amplifying the current signal and calculating and calibrating a desired gain such that a non-linear signal from the sensor is converted to a linear signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2013
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: Awesense Wireless Inc.
    Inventors: Mischa Steiner-Jovic, Rick Slamka
  • Publication number: 20140368263
    Abstract: A voltage detection circuit includes a voltage detection unit suitable for comparing a voltage level of a reference voltage terminal with a voltage level of an internal voltage terminal and for generating a detection signal based on a comparison result, a test reference voltage generating unit suitable for receiving an external reference voltage through a pad and for supplying the received external reference voltage to the reference voltage terminal as the reference voltage by using a first input resistance, during a test operation, and a normal reference voltage generating unit having a current mirror structure, wherein the normal reference voltage generating unit is suitable for generating an internal reference voltage, and for supplying the internal reference voltage to the reference voltage terminal as the reference voltage by using a second input resistance different from the first input resistance, during a normal operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: SK hynix Inc.
    Inventor: Seung-Han OK
  • Publication number: 20140368147
    Abstract: Techniques are described for determining the amount of current flowing through an electrical conductor of an isolation device by measuring the voltage level across the electrical conductor. The isolation device also includes a sensor that provides a measure of the amount of current flowing through the electrical conductor. By using both the voltage level and the sensor to determine the amount of current flowing through the electrical conductor, the techniques provide for verifying the current measurements made by the isolation device. Also, the techniques provide for fast overcurrent protection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventor: Jens Barrenscheen
  • Publication number: 20140361883
    Abstract: A collision sensor assembly is attachable to a stationary structure such as a pallet rack, a door frame, the corner of a wall, or the like. The collision sensor is configured to sense when a collision occurs with the stationary structure such as when a piece of movable machinery contacts the stationary structure. The collision sensor assembly includes a sensor operatively connected to a processor which determines when a collision occurs, and produces a signal to an output signal generator to provide an external indication of the collision.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: Sentry Protection Products
    Inventors: James P. Ryan, Jeffrey P. Wagner
  • Patent number: 8907664
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for non-intrusive power monitoring and current measurement in a circuit breaker without modification of the breaker panel or the circuit breaker itself. In one example, an inductive pickup sensor senses current from the breaker face, an inductive link transmits power through a steel breaker panel door, and a passive balanced JFET modulator circuit modulates a carrier signal on the inductive link with information regarding the sensed current. A demodulated breaker current signal is available outside of the breaker panel door. The JFET modulator circuit does not require DC power to modulate the carrier signal with the information regarding the sensed current from the breaker. Such methods and apparatus may be interfaced with a spectral envelope load detection system that can monitor multiple loads from a central location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Steven B. Leeb, Zachary A. Clifford, John J. Cooley, Al-Thaddeus Avestruz
  • Patent number: 8907688
    Abstract: A clock supplying device for supplying a clock signal to be used in an operation of a communication apparatus, includes an oscillator for generating the clock signal; a measurement unit for acquiring a reference clock signal extracted from a transmission line connected to the communication apparatus, and measuring a frequency difference between the clock signal and the reference clock signal; and a determiner for determining whether a warm-up operation of the oscillator unit has been completed or not, in accordance with measurement results of the frequency difference and a status of power supplying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Hiroyoshi Yoda
  • Patent number: 8907658
    Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a system for measuring power produced by a power source. The system includes a first voltage sensor for sensing a first voltage difference between a first voltage and a second voltage and a second voltage sensor for sensing a second voltage difference between a third voltage and the second voltage. The system further includes a first current sensor for sensing a current difference between a first current and a second current, and a second current sensor for sensing a current difference between a third current and the second current. The system further includes a power measuring device that determines the power produced by the power source using the first and second voltage differences and the first and second current differences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Kohler, Inc.
    Inventor: Isaac S. Frampton
  • Publication number: 20140354439
    Abstract: An electrical sensor is described. The electrical sensor including an electrical signal input configured to receive an electrical signal, an alarm, one or more inputs configured to set a configuration value and at least one display configured to display said configuration value. The monitor is coupled with the electrical signal input, the alarm, the display, and the one or more inputs. Further, the monitor is configured to determine a characteristic of the electrical signal received on the electrical signal input. The monitor is configured to activate the alarm based on the configuration value set by the one or more inputs and the characteristic of the electrical signal. And, the monitor configured to generate at least one display signal based on the configuration value to be used by the at least one display to display the configuration value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: Neilsen-Kuljian, Inc.
    Inventors: Huy D. Nguyen, Roger Borders, Tom Lik-Chung Lee
  • Publication number: 20140354265
    Abstract: A voltage sensing circuit of a converter senses input and output voltages of a converter with only one sensing circuit. The voltage sensing circuit is capable of reducing the number of the components for a controller and the volume thereof to save cost, and detecting whether the discontinuous mode (DCM) is entered or not, thereby to apply a separate control algorithm thereto when the DCM is entered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Jung Hwan NA, Tae Hwan CHUNG, Sang Hoon KWAK, Hyun Wook SEONG
  • Patent number: 8901940
    Abstract: A sensing edge for providing a signal to a controller indicating that a forward edge of a door is obstructed during operation includes an elongated sheath and first and second end plugs. The elongated sheath is mounted to the forward door edge and has a first end, second end and first cavity connecting the ends. First and second spaced apart electrically conductive materials are disposed within the elongated sheath. The first end plug includes an inner end having first engaging structures positioned within the first cavity in an assembled configuration and an outer end having a first depression for housing an electronic component. The electronic component is electrically coupled to the electrically conductive materials. The second end plug includes an inner end having a sensing component and second engaging structures positioned within the first cavity in an assembled configuration. The sensing component is electrically coupled to the electrically conductive materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Miller Edge, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack Provenzano, Vinay Sao, Krishnaraj Tejeswi
  • Patent number: 8901915
    Abstract: An external signal sensor uses a single sensing circuit to detect a DC voltage or an AC voltage or a contact closure. The circuit can sense different isolated signals with relatively low power consumption. According to various embodiments, an isolation transformer has a primary winding that is fed by an oscillator signal. A secondary winding of the isolation transformer is open when no contact closure or AC or DC voltage is present, but is closed when a contact closure is present or when an AC or DC voltage is present. When the secondary winding is open, a status signal at an output of the sensing circuit has a logical high value. When the secondary winding is closed, the status signal has a logical low value. In this way, the same sensing circuit can be used to detect either a contact closure or an AC or DC voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Elster Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Kenneth C. Shuey
  • Patent number: 8901918
    Abstract: This load connection state detection circuit includes a PNP type transistor whose emitter is connected to a power source terminal, a NPN type transistor where the emitter thereof is connected to the power source terminal, the collector thereof is connected to the base of the PNP type transistor, and the base thereof is connected to the collector of the PNP type transistor, and a diode inserted between the collector of the PNP type transistor and an external antenna load, wherein the diode is configured to perform temperature compensation for the base voltage of the NPN type transistor and prevent currents from flowing from the external antenna load to the PNP type transistor and the NPN type transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: ALPS Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Maruyama
  • Publication number: 20140347033
    Abstract: A measuring arrangement for determining at least one measured variable with a sensor device (2), a signal outlet for outputting of an output signal and a current-adjusting device for adjusting the current of the output signal provides a measuring arrangement whose power consumption is at a maximum for preferably all states of operation. The object is obtained the measuring arrangement that a load current device and a regulating device are provided. Here, the regulating device controls the load current device based on a voltage drop via the current-adjusting device (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: KROHNE Messtechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Steffen Dymek
  • Publication number: 20140347034
    Abstract: A selector circuit selects either a class upper-limit voltage or a class lower-limit voltage as a reference voltage of a comparator. A control logic controls the selector circuit, and generates a count-up signal or a count-down signal in accordance with the output of the comparator. An up/down counter counts up upon reception of the count-up signal from the control logic, and counts down upon reception of the count-down signal. A digital-analog converter outputs the class upper-limit voltage and the class lower-limit voltage in accordance with a digital value that is outputted by the up/down counter. A timer circuit is configured to be reset by the count-up signal from the control logic to the up/down counter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: FUJI ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kouhei Yamada
  • Patent number: 8897395
    Abstract: There is provided a clock generating apparatus for generating a recovered clock by recovering a clock from an edge of a received signal, including a recovered clock generating section that generates the recovered clock, a multi-strobe generating section that generates a plurality of strobes with different phases, in accordance with a pulse of the recovered clock, a detecting section that detects a position of an edge of the received signal relative to the strobes, by referring to values of the received signal obtained at respective timings of the strobes, and an adjusting section that adjusts a phase of the recovered clock, in accordance with the position of the edge of the received signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Advantest Corporation
    Inventor: Nobuei Washizu
  • Publication number: 20140340072
    Abstract: A utility meter and related methods are disclosed. The utility meter includes a sensor device positioned around a conductor to sense current flowing through the conductor. The sensor device includes a non-magnetic substrate, a coil comprising a plurality of turns wound about the substrate, and a dielectric material having a dielectric constant and positioned between the coil and the conductor. The utility meter also includes a meter control board in communication with the sensor device to determine an amount of electricity transmitted through the conductor from the power source to the user over time. The dielectric constant of the dielectric material is selected to reduce a capacitive coupling between the coil and the conductor and to reduce a sensitivity of the sensor device such that the meter control board comprises only one calibration coefficient for calibrating the sensor device over a current range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventors: Subramanyam Satyasurya Chamarti, Steven Lee Bietz
  • Patent number: 8890509
    Abstract: A sensor for use in detecting a time-varying current in a conductor (106) comprises plural sets of two oppositely-configured sensor elements (104-1 . . . 104-6) arranged around a sensing volume having a central axis, the sensor elements (104-1A, 104-1B) of each set being provided substantially in a common plane that does not intersect the central axis, and each set having a different common plane, the sensor elements of each set being arranged such that a normal (N) of their common plane at a point between central parts of sensor elements lies on a plane (P) that is radial to the central axis of the sensing volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Sentec Ltd.
    Inventors: Andrew Dames, Matthew Storkey, Edward Colby, Oliver Burstall
  • Patent number: 8890507
    Abstract: A method of measuring the phase transient response of a device under test automatically provides a flattened phase transient response without any user intervention. The method comprises the steps of calculating an instantaneous phase waveform based on an instantaneous voltage waveform that represents an output signal of the device under test as it steps from a first frequency to a second frequency, calculating an instantaneous frequency waveform based on the instantaneous phase waveform, automatically estimating the second frequency based on the instantaneous frequency waveform without any user intervention, and flattening the instantaneous phase waveform based on the estimate of the second frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventors: Kathryn A. Engholm, Soraya J. Matos, Shigetsune Torin
  • Publication number: 20140333283
    Abstract: An energy measuring system for a mobile electrical power system has an electrical energy storage connected to at least one to an electrical energy receiver and/or an electrical energy source, and to an output connectable to a stationary electrical power system. A measuring system includes a first register for measured signals of electrical energy flowing between the mobile storage and the stationary system and a second register for measured signals of electrical energy flowing within the mobile system between the storage and the receiver and/or the source. A switch system transfers a signal from one of its inputs, which is connected to the output of a signal processor, to a selected one of two outputs, each output connected to a different register depending on a first control input signal. The first control input is connectable to a source based on a status of the connection between the mobile system and the stationary system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventor: Marek Miskiewicz
  • Publication number: 20140333281
    Abstract: A method and device are disclosed for estimating a power demand level of an active circuit on a power supply line. A ripple amplitude and a ripple frequency associated with operation of the active circuit may be monitored on the power supply line. The ripple amplitude and ripple frequency may be compared with corresponding references. The ripple amplitude and ripple frequency may be associated with an estimated power demand level of the active circuit on the power supply line based on the comparison. A ripple generator generates a controlled ripple on the power supply line for calibration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventor: Qing LI
  • Publication number: 20140333282
    Abstract: A voltage and/or current sensing device for low-, medium- or high voltage switching devices is disclosed as a constructively enhanced measuring device with high performance for use in switching devices. The sensing device can include a first voltage sensing part, a second voltage sensing part and a current sensing part all arranged in a same common single housing separated, from the switching device, in a way that an output wire from the first voltage sensing part, for sensing voltage at an upper terminal of the switching device, is located close to the current sensing part, the output wire being applied with an insulating cover, and mechanically fixed to the current sensor part, and/or the output wire being implemented in an isolation body, and only located near to the current sensing part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: ABB TECHNOLOGY AG
    Inventors: Radek JAVORA, David RASCHKA
  • Publication number: 20140333284
    Abstract: A flexible current sensor arrangement comprises a plurality of discrete current sensing elements distributed along an elongate flexible carrier. An elongate flexible member for a current sensor arrangement comprises a plurality of carrying portions linked to one another by hinge portions, each carrying portion being configured for receiving a discrete current sensing element. A method of manufacturing a flexible current sensor arrangement comprises providing an elongate flexible carrier, and distributing a plurality of discrete sensing elements along the elongate flexible carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: Sentec Ltd
    Inventors: Andrew Nicholas Dames, Mathew Price, Robert Davidson
  • Publication number: 20140334051
    Abstract: In a current detection circuit, a first circuit is connected between a first terminal and a second terminal, and a second circuit is connected between a third terminal and a fourth terminal. The second terminal and the fourth terminal are commonly connected. When a first current flows between the first and second terminals, voltage drop occurs in the first circuit. A current control circuit controls the first current to make an application voltage between the first and second terminals substantially same as an application voltage between the third and fourth terminals. When the first circuit has voltage drop same as the second circuit, the first current has the amount proportional to the second current. A detection circuit detects a current flowing between the first terminal and the third terminal by detecting the first current controlled by the current control circuit or the second current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventors: Keisuke Yagyu, Kazuhiro Umetani