Capacitive Sensor Patents (Class 33/366.19)
  • Patent number: 11657961
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing an electric winding of an electromagnetic induction apparatus includes providing a conductor structure and forming an electric winding by means of the conductor structure. The conductor structure includes a conductor element extending longitudinally along a main extension direction and one or more spacer bands arranged on corresponding lateral surfaces of the conductor element. Each spacer band includes a supporting structure made of electrically insulating material and spacer elements made of electrically insulating material arranged on the supporting structure. The spacer elements are spaced one from another along the supporting structure. The electric winding extends axially along a winding direction and has a plurality of turns arranged around the winding direction. Each turn of the electric winding is formed by a corresponding longitudinal portion of the conductor element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Hitachi Energy Switzerland AG
    Inventors: Gianluca Bustreo, Paolo Pavanello, Massimo Carmignoto, Roberto Zannol
  • Patent number: 10634483
    Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for measuring misalignment between layers of a semiconductor device. In one embodiment, a method includes applying an input voltage to respective ones of one or more first electrodes associated with a first conductive layer of a semiconductor device; sensing an electrical property of one or more second electrodes associated with a second conductive layer of the semiconductor device in response to applying the input voltage to the respective ones of the one or more first electrodes; and calculating a misalignment between the first conductive layer of the semiconductor device and the second conductive layer of the semiconductor device in an in-plane direction as a function of the electrical property of the one or more second electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: INVENSENSE, INC.
    Inventors: Ilya Gurin, Leonardo Baldasarre
  • Patent number: 10443780
    Abstract: A camera device includes a base, an image sensing component and a gravity center adjustment mechanism. The image sensing component is located on the base. The gravity center adjustment mechanism includes a circuit board disposed on the base, an adjusting module and a weight component. An angle detecting unit on the circuit board is used to detect an inclined angle of the circuit board related to a reference surface. The adjusting module is disposed on the circuit board. The weight component is connected to the circuit board via the adjusting module. An processing unit on the circuit board drives the adjusting module to rotate the weight component according to the inclined angle, so as to change position of a gravity center of the camera device and to adjust a capturing angle of the image sensing component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Ting-Yao Cheng, Chen-Pu Yang, Chwen-Tyng Hwang, Ya-Shian Huang, Yi-Ching Lin
  • Patent number: 10088311
    Abstract: An analog floating-gate (AFG) inclinometer where a plurality of AFG sensors are provided to detect the presence of a discharge caused by settling of a conductive liquid droplet contained in a sealed microchannel under gravity. A plurality of sensor port electrodes associated with the AFG sensors are placed along the length of a curved sealed microchannel of the inclinometer at specific positions calibrated to corresponding angular inclinations. Discharge detected at a specific AFG sensor port during measurement due to the movement of the conductive liquid droplet under gravity is used in determining a surface inclination being measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Mark Eskew
  • Patent number: 10036657
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor element (1) of a capacitive sensor consisting of two or more layers of a substrate (2), the electrodes (3) of the sensor being inserted between said layers. The sensor element is characterized in that a heating element (5) is integrated into said sensor element (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: MICRO-EPSILON Messtechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Norbert Reindl, Manfred Wagner
  • Patent number: 9880217
    Abstract: A line sensor assembly is described for measuring line characteristics in a power line such as voltage, phase, current, etc. The line sensor assembly includes a set of electric field sensors, where the electric field sensors are positioned annularly about an axis of the assembly corresponding to an axis of a power line. A measurement circuit is configured to measure an electric field across each of the electric field sensors to produce a set of electric field measurements. The set of electric field measurements may be used to determine the line characteristics of a given power line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventors: Fred A. Volkening, Meghan E. Hartnett
  • Patent number: 9581444
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a rotational orientation of an object is provided. Embodiments of the present invention utilize an electrically conductive fluid enclosed within a shell attached to the object such that the conductive fluid contacts different portions of electrically conductive nodes, located on the inner wall of the shell, depending on the rotational orientation of the shell. The electrically activated nodes in contact with the conductive fluid act as sensors and individually transmit electric signals to a microcontroller for transformation into an indicator of a rotational orientation of the object. The indicator of the rotational orientation is then output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Zaid M. Alattar, Albert E. Dennes, Ernesto E. Figueroa, Thomas T. Jesukaitis, Christopher J. Miller
  • Patent number: 9086276
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid multilayer capacitive micro inclinometer, comprising at least two pairs of differential electrodes, each pair positioned in a same plane; at least one common electrode with a portion positioned in the plane of each pair of differential electrodes. The differential electrodes and the common electrode are provided in a sealed chamber, in which an immersing liquid is filled. The shape of the differential electrodes forms a sector of a circular plane. The inclinometer may further integrate a reading circuit. The present invention also discloses preparation method for the invented inclinometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: SAGATEK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jung-Hsiang Chen, Cheng-Szu Chen, Bo-Ting Chen
  • Publication number: 20140082954
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid multilayer capacitive micro inclinometer, comprising at least two pairs of differential electrodes, each pair positioned in a same plane; at least one common electrode with a portion positioned in the plane of each pair of differential electrodes. The differential electrodes and the common electrode are provided in a sealed chamber, in which an immersing liquid is filled. The shape of the differential electrodes forms a sector of a circular plane. The inclinometer may further integrate a reading circuit. The present invention also discloses preparation method for the invented inclinometer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: Sagatek Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jung-Hsiang Chen, Cheng-Szu Chen, Bo-Ting Chen
  • Publication number: 20130286064
    Abstract: A container for holding a volume of fluid and having a housing defining an interior for retaining the volume of fluid; at least one in-tank tilt sensor connected to a controller and disposed inside the housing for generating a signal corresponding to a level of fluid inside the housing; and a support material attached to the housing and connected to the at least one in-tank tilt sensor to mechanically support the at least one in-tank tilt sensor such that the at least one in-tank tilt sensor is not in direct contact with the fluid inside the housing. The in-tank tilt sensor detects a change in fluid level which may only be caused by tilting of the imaging device. When tilting is registered, protective action is taken to prevent fluid from leaking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventors: Robert H. Muyskens, Gregory T. Webb, Trevor D. Gray, Jason T. McReynolds
  • Patent number: 8549764
    Abstract: A container for holding a volume of fluid and having a housing defining an interior for retaining the volume of fluid; at least one in-tank tilt sensor connected to a controller and disposed inside the housing for generating a signal corresponding to a level of fluid inside the housing; and a support material attached to the housing and connected to the at least one in-tank tilt sensor to mechanically support the at least one in-tank tilt sensor such that the at least one in-tank tilt sensor is not in direct contact with the fluid inside the housing. The in-tank tilt sensor detects a change in fluid level which may only be caused by tilting of the imaging device. When tilting is registered, protective action is taken to prevent fluid from leaking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert H. Muyskens, Gregory T. Webb, Trevor D. Gray, Jason T. McReynolds
  • Publication number: 20110239476
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for improving the performance of displacement sensors, including inclinometers, accelerometers and linear position transducers, by reducing hysteresis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventor: Jack A. Ekchian
  • Patent number: 7254897
    Abstract: A tilt sensor having a printed circuit board disposed in a direction normal to a reference plane for measuring a tilt angle with a pair of electrodes formed on a first surface of the printed circuit board. A cover is affixed to the printed circuit board and creates a cavity between the cover and the printed circuit board with a predetermined gap between the cover and the pair of electrodes, the cover acting as a common electrode to the pair of electrodes to create a pair of capacitors. An inert liquid is contained in the cavity, the surface level of the inert fluid varying according to the tilt angle of the reference plane. A signal processing circuit is formed on a second surface of the printed circuit board that produces an output signal corresponding to a difference in capacitance between the two capacitors as a tilt angle detection output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Kavlico Corporation
    Inventors: Saleh Ahmed, Gary Casey
  • Patent number: 7188426
    Abstract: An electronic inclination sensor is provided for the determination and display of surface inclination and the direction of such inclination. The information regarding the inclination and direction of inclination can be displayed such that an end user can readily and easily comprehend and use the information without additional interpretation. Further, when the inclination is displayed in decimal values, a large range of inclination angles can be displayed with significant accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Exelys LLC
    Inventor: Keith E. Barr
  • Patent number: 6993849
    Abstract: An aerospace system includes a leveling device defining two plane levels (yz-plane and xz-plane). The plane levels are included within an inertial measurement unit and each of the plane levels includes two capacitance controlled oscillators. Each of the capacitance controlled oscillators includes a quad capacitor bubble sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Ray F. Campbell, Joan D. Wada, Michael J. Costello
  • Patent number: 6988321
    Abstract: An electrostatic capacitance tilt angle sensor having a size that is reduced without lowering detection capacity. The sensor is provided with a case including a first wall and a second wall facing each other. A common electrode is arranged on the first wall and a differential electrode is arranged on the second wall. A liquid electrostatic capacitance medium is accommodated in the case and contacts the common electrode and the differential electrode. The electrostatic capacitance medium includes an insulative liquid base and fine particles mixed in the base. The fine particles have a dielectric constant that is higher than that of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Hiroshi Ueno, Tadashi Hattori
  • Publication number: 20040205973
    Abstract: An electronic inclination sensor is provided for the determination and display of surface inclination and the direction of such inclination. The information regarding the inclination and direction of inclination can be displayed such that an end user can readily and easily comprehend and use the information without additional interpretation. Further, when the inclination is displayed in decimal values, a large range of inclination angles can be displayed with significant accuracy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Applicant: Exelys LLC
    Inventor: Keith E. Barr
  • Publication number: 20030000095
    Abstract: A tilt angle sensor is disclosed that is capable of detecting whether a tilt angle of a reference plane exceeds a predetermined value by means of only one threshold value. Although only one threshold value is used, the tilt angle can be measured with respect to either a clockwise or a counterclockwise direction from the untilted state. A pair of differential electrodes electrically independent of each other are formed in a shape symmetric with respect to upper and lower sections of a printed circuit board. A common electrode plate is mounted opposed to the pair of differential electrodes with a predetermined gap therebetween. The pair of differential electrodes and the common electrode is stored in a closed space formed by the printed circuit board and an oil case. A dielectric liquid is filled into the closed space in such a way that the level of the liquid varies according to the tilt of the reference plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Applicant: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Takeuchi, Hiroshi Kawamoto
  • Patent number: 6449857
    Abstract: An electronic inclinometer and a centrally controlled network of inclinometers are disclosed. A resistive or capacitive inclinometer sensor measures inclination in two orthogonal axes. Measuring electrodes can be provided on the exterior of a dielectric sensor cell isolated from a sensor fluid. In another embodiment, measuring electrodes comprise pins partially immersed in a cell fluid contained in a metal housing and reference electrodes are provided to compensate for temperature and electrochemical changes in the sensor. Sensor signals are converted to frequency signals that are processed by a microprocessor having a unique logical address and preferably having an external solid state memory. A plurality of inclinometers can be arranged in multiple logical branches to be centrally controlled. The controller operates the network in real time or in a programmable timed autonomous mode. Network data can be presented in a graphical 3D format using software provided on the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Inventor: Valery A. Anikolenko
  • Patent number: 6442855
    Abstract: A tilt angle sensor is disclosed that is capable of detecting whether a tilt angle of a reference plane exceeds a predetermined value by means of only one threshold value. Although only one threshold value is used, the tilt angle can be measured with respect to either a clockwise or a counterclockwise direction from the untilted state. A pair of differential electrodes electrically independent of each other are formed in a shape symmetric with respect to upper and lower sections of a printed circuit board. A common electrode plate is mounted opposed to the pair of differential electrodes with a predetermined gap therebetween. The pair of differential electrodes and the common electrode is stored in a closed space formed by the printed circuit board and an oil case. A dielectric liquid is filled into the closed space in such a way that the level of the liquid varies according to the tilt of the reference plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Takeuchi, Hiroshi Kawamoto
  • Patent number: 6381860
    Abstract: To provide an electrostatic capacitor-type sensor that does not require regulation such as zero-point adjustment and temperature compensation, etc. A pair of semi-circular differential electrodes are positioned next to each other in the vertical direction with a common electrode arranged so as to face the differential electrodes, with a fixed gap therebetween. The pair of differential electrodes and the common electrode are housed within an airtight container, and a dielectric fluid is sealed within the airtight container. The differential electrode on an upper side and the common electrode form an upper variable capacitor, and the differential electrode on the lower side and the common electrode form a lower variable capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomohiko Yashiro, Morio Sato
  • Publication number: 20020043001
    Abstract: To provide an electrostatic capacitor-type sensor that does not require regulation such as zero-point adjustment and temperature compensation, etc. A pair of semi-circular differential electrodes are positioned next to each other in the vertical direction with a common electrode arranged so as to face the differential electrodes, with a fixed gap therebetween. The pair of differential electrodes and the common electrode are housed within an airtight container, and a dielectric fluid is sealed within the airtight container. The differential electrode on an upper side and the common electrode form an upper variable capacitor, and the differential electrode on the lower side and the common electrode form a lower variable capacitor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Applicant: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomohiko Yashiro, Morio Sato
  • Publication number: 20010045019
    Abstract: A tilt angle sensor is disclosed that is capable of detecting whether a tilt angle of a reference plane exceeds a predetermined value by means of only one threshold value. Although only one threshold value is used, the tilt angle can be measured with respect to either a clockwise or a counterclockwise direction from the untilted state. A pair of differential electrodes electrically independent of each other are formed in a shape symmetric with respect to upper and lower sections of a printed circuit board. A common electrode plate is mounted opposed to the pair of differential electrodes with a predetermined gap therebetween. The pair of differential electrodes and the common electrode is stored in a closed space formed by the printed circuit board and an oil case. A dielectric liquid is filled into the closed space in such a way that the level of the liquid varies according to the tilt of the reference plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Takeuchi, Hiroshi Kawamoto
  • Patent number: 6311406
    Abstract: To provide an electrostatic capacitor-type sensor that does not require regulation such as zero-point adjustment and temperature compensation, etc. A pair of semi-circular differential electrodes are positioned next to each other in the vertical direction with a common electrode arranged so as to face the differential electrodes, with a fixed gap therebetween. The pair of differential electrodes and the common electrode are housed within an airtight container, and a dielectric fluid is sealed within the airtight container. The differential electrode on an upper side and the common electrode form an upper variable capacitor, and the differential electrode on the lower side and the common electrode form a lower variable capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomohiko Yashiro, Morio Sato