Semiconductor Detector Patents (Class 340/634)
  • Patent number: 11928954
    Abstract: Hazard detectors are shown and described. Included are devices, systems, kits, and methods for a hazard detector. A hazard detector may in some embodiments include a housing, a presence detector, a hazard detector and a control system. In some examples, hazard detector systems may include a hazard detector having one or more sensors with the ability to detect a hazard and a system for evaluating the hazard for characteristics prior to signaling an alarm. A hazard detector may include power saving systems for longevity and reliability of the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Forge Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John J. Andres, Michael Rabbett, Matthew Fitzpatrick
  • Patent number: 11774422
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a selective multi-gas sensor device that detects when a high concentration level of a particular gas, such as methane, carbon monoxide, and/or ethanol, is present. The selective multi-gas sensor device detects and identifies a particular gas based on a ratio between a sensitivity of a gas sensitive material at a first temperature and a sensitivity of the gas sensitive material at a second temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics PTE LTD
    Inventors: Fangxing Yuan, Ravi Shankar, Olivier Le Neel
  • Patent number: 11774431
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a characteristic of a material by measuring electrical or magnetic properties of the material. The system includes a material monitoring device having at least one electrode and at least one magnetic coil, and is in communication with a machine learning model trained to recognize characteristics of the material based on electrical and magnetic properties of the material. The material can be stimulated with an electrical stimulus or stimulating magnetic field, and an electrical response signal or magnetic response signal can be measured. Applications to monitoring water quality, beverages, foodstuffs, and other characteristics of materials is discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: IDEACURIA INC.
    Inventor: Gregory A. Agostinelli
  • Patent number: 11733143
    Abstract: An external gas detecting device is provided. The external gas detecting device includes a casing, a gas detection module and an external connector. The gas detection module is disposed in the casing and detects a gas transported into the casing to generate a gas information. The external connector is connected to and disposed on the casing. The external connector is used to be connected to an external power supply so as to enable the gas detection module, and is used to transmit the gas information so as to achieve the outward transmission of the gas information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: MICROJET TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hao-Jan Mou, Ching-Sung Lin, Chin-Chuan Wu, Yung-Lung Han, Chi-Feng Huang, Chang-Yen Tsai, Wei-Ming Lee
  • Patent number: 11698356
    Abstract: A gas detector comprises a metal oxide semiconductor gas sensor whose resistance decreases in reducing gases and a digital information processing device that treats the output of the gas sensor and compares the output with a comparison value for gas detection. The digital information processing device extracts data representing the resistance of the gas sensor in air from the output of the gas sensor and generates the comparison value such that the larger the resistance of the gas sensor in air is, the larger the ratio between the resistance of the gas sensor in air and a resistance value corresponding to the comparison value is.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: FIGARO ENGINEERING INC.
    Inventor: Kuniyuki Izawa
  • Patent number: 11674937
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides, method, a system, and apparatus for identifying odorants. For example, the apparatus performs sensing an odorant using an olfactory sensor, encoding the sensed odorant to an electrical signal using an input processor, determining an identity representation of the odorant based on the encoded electrical signal, and determining odorant information using a time-dependent hash code based on the identity representation of the odorant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: THE TRUSTEES OF COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK
    Inventors: Aurel A. Lazar, Tingkai Liu, Chung-Heng Yeh
  • Patent number: 11592322
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods and apparatus for remote sensing with data analytics. The methods and apparatus have many applications including monitoring the quality of grain during storage and/or transport. The present disclosure describes a way to collect temperature and other environmental data to describe and predict quality of stored grains, current and future, based on a myriad factors including fumigation, external temperature and humidity, in storage grain temperature and humidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: TeleSense, Inc.
    Inventors: Naeem Zafar, Peter Goesseringer, Nicholas Garner, Pragya Kumar, Achint Jagjit Sanghi
  • Patent number: 11527769
    Abstract: To provide a method for inspecting a gas leak from a fuel cell stack, whereby a leak position can be efficiently identified in a short time. A method for inspecting a gas leak from a fuel cell stack includes a jig installation step of installing a division jig that covers an outer surface, on which stacked end faces of the fuel cell stack are exposed, that divides the outer surface into a plurality of regions, and that includes a plurality of inspection spaces on each divided region. The method further includes a first leak inspection step of identifying a leak region, in which the gas leak occurs, with a gas sensor arranged in each of the inspection spaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yusuke Okabe, Satoshi Hasegawa, Hiroshi Sekiguchi
  • Patent number: 11436908
    Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to systems and methods for gas detection. A method may comprise operating a gas detector with a first alarm setting comprising a first predefined threshold; receiving sensed data of oxygen content in the ambient air; when the sensed data is below the first predefined threshold, activating an alarm; generating an acknowledgement request asking if the gas detector has entered an inert work zone; receiving a response from the user acknowledging that the gas detector has entered an inert work zone; deactivating the alarm; changing the alarm settings of the gas detector to a second alarm setting comprising a second predefined threshold; continuing to receive sensed data of oxygen content in the ambient air; when the sensed data is above the second predefined threshold, activating an alarm; and generating an acknowledgement request for the user asking if the gas detector has entered a normal operation work zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Jesper Jensen, Jacob Thomas Spector
  • Patent number: 11419519
    Abstract: A capsule adapted to be introduced into the digestive system and gastrointestinal (GI) tract of a mammal which consists of a capsule shaped container consisting of a wall material capable of being bio compatible with the digestive system and being adapted to protect the electronic and sensor devices contained in the capsule. The capsule contains gas composition sensors operable at several temperature points for a short duration, a temperature sensor, a micro controller, a power source and a wireless transmission device. The capsule wall incorporates gas permeable membranes adjacent said gas sensors. The microprocessor is programmed to receive data signals from the sensors and convert the signals into gas composition and concentration data and temperature data suitable for transmission to an external computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: ROYAL MELBOURNE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Kourosh Kalantar-Zadeh, Kyle Berean, Nam Ha, Jian Zhen Ou
  • Patent number: 11408871
    Abstract: Various techniques are described herein for using smell sensor-based Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices to detect and identify individual users based a unique scent or smell print. Interconnected networks of such devices may be used in collaboration, along with other devices such as IoT devices and home monitoring system devices, to track user movements and activities. Such smell sensor device also may be used to detect weapons, explosives, narcotics, and other prohibited items that may be concealed and/or not detectable using security cameras. The data received from the smell sensors and smell-based IoT devices may be used, alone or in combination with other security sensors and systems, to perform safety and security screening within homes, airports or other secure areas, or within any public indoor or outdoor location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: DISH Network L.L.C.
    Inventors: Sheshank Kodam, Nicholas Newell
  • Patent number: 11333611
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining levels of gaseous elements and optionally utilizing the determined levels to calibrate one or more sensors of an air purifier. For example, in some implementations a first image is captured of a colorimetric sensor device at the start of a sensing period and a second image is captured of the colorimetric sensor device at the end of the sensing period. The colorimetric sensor device includes at least one colorimetric sensor configured to change colors in response to reaction with a gaseous pollutant. Values may be determined based on the colors of the colorimetric sensor in the first and second images and the values may be utilized to determine a pollution value indicative of the amount of the gaseous pollutant to which the colorimetric sensor was exposed during the sensing period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Declan Patrick Kelly, Weizhong Chen
  • Patent number: 11262354
    Abstract: Embodiments include disposable sensor elements, systems including the same and related methods. In an embodiment, a disposable sensor element is included having a substrate and a first measurement zone comprising a plurality of discrete binding detectors. The first measurement zone can define a portion of a first gas flow path. In some embodiments the disposable sensor element can further include a second measurement zone, separate from the first measurement zone. The second measurement zone can include a plurality of discrete binding detectors. The second measurement zone can be disposed outside of the first gas flow path. Other embodiments are also included herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory J. Sherwood
  • Patent number: 11193918
    Abstract: The vehicular carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds alarm is configured for use with a vehicle. The vehicle is further defined with a passenger space. The vehicular carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds alarm is maintained in the passenger space of the vehicle. The vehicular carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds alarm is a sensor. The vehicular carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds alarm monitors the concentration of carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds in the air in the passenger space of the vehicle. The vehicular carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds alarm generates a visible and audible alarm when the concentration of carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds in the passenger space of the vehicle exceeds a predetermined level. The vehicular carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds alarm comprises an operating circuit and a housing. The housing contains the operating circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Inventor: Michelle Brown
  • Patent number: 11125734
    Abstract: Disclosed is a gas sensor package. The gas sensor package comprises a package substrate, a controller on the package substrate, a plurality of gas sensors on the controller, and a lid on the package substrate and the lid comprising a hole extending between a first surface and a second surface of the lid, the first surface of the lid facing away the package substrate and the second surface of the lid facing toward the package substrate. The gas sensors sense different types of gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Inho Choi, Minjin Kim, Sungwoo Park, Youngdoo Jung, Eunhee Jung, Sungeun Jo
  • Patent number: 10975467
    Abstract: A gas distribution plate for a chemical vapor deposition/infiltration system includes a body having a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The body may be hollow and may define an internal cavity. The gas distribution plate may also include a plurality of pass-through tubes extending through the internal cavity, a cavity inlet, and a plurality of cavity outlets. A reaction gas may be configured to flow through the plurality of pass-through tubes and a gaseous mitigation agent may be configured to flow into the internal cavity via the cavity inlet and out of the internal cavity via the plurality of cavity outlets to mix with reaction gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: GOODRICH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ying She, Naveen G. Menon, Zissis A. Dardas, Thomas P. Filburn, Xiaodan Cai
  • Patent number: 10969357
    Abstract: A method of enhancing judgment of a gas detector contains: dividing a voltage difference between an output signal voltage and an environmental detection voltage of the gas detector into several parts. Each of multiple detecting processes of the gas detector is captured by a microprocessor at the environmental detection voltage for ten times in each microsecond, and a predetermined detection time of each detecting process is 10 seconds. When the environmental detection voltage changes linearly, the predetermined detection time of each detecting process is shorten to 1/10 second/per time. After three successive detection processes change linearly, a warning device is started. Otherwise, the microprocessor compensates the output signal voltage and recovers the predetermined detection time when the environmental detection voltage changes so as to maintain the voltage difference at a certain value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Inventor: Jing-Cheng Wei
  • Patent number: 10627391
    Abstract: A device, system and method related to a pneumatic system for fluid analysis. The device, system and method comprises a connection interface for a fluid analyser unit, a connection interface for a pump unit, a flow sensor and a pressure sensor. The device, system and method further comprises a control unit for calculating a pump stroke force or amplitude, and/or pump frequency based on measurements from the flow sensor and the pressure sensor for obtaining a constant flow through the pneumatic system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignees: SHENZHEN MINDRAY BIO-MEDICAL ELECTRONICS CO., LTD., SHENZHEN MINDRAY SCIENTIFIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sigun Israelsson, Peter Svedmyr, Johan Werner, Anders Finn, Mathias Eklund, Torbjörn Boxell
  • Patent number: 10473607
    Abstract: A gas sensor includes a first substrate, at least one first electrode, a sensing structure, at least one second electrode, and a second substrate. The at least one first electrode is located on the first substrate. The sensing structure is located on the at least one first electrode and the first substrate, and the sensing structure includes a first semiconductor layer and a second semiconductor layer. The first semiconductor layer having a first conductive type covers the first substrate and the at least one first electrode; the second semiconductor layer having a second conductive type is located on the first semiconductor layer. The at least one second electrode covers the sensing structure. The second substrate covers the at least one second electrode and the sensing structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Winbond Electronics Corp.
    Inventors: Ming-Chih Tsai, Yu-Hsuan Ho
  • Patent number: 10330624
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for detecting an analyte are disclosed and described. In one embodiment, a Metal Oxide Semiconductor (MOS) sensor pixel with a MOS active material is exposed to the analyte in the gas environment. The MOS sensor pixel is heated to a sequence of different predetermined temperatures via a heating element wherein the heating occurs for a period of time for each of the different predetermined temperatures. Response signals are detected, via an electrode, generated by the MOS sensor at each of the different predetermined temperatures. The response signals are assembled into sample data with data features for machine learning. The sample data is compared with data in a standards database. A composition of the analyte is identified based on the data features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Noureddine Tayebi, Xing Su
  • Patent number: 10215742
    Abstract: The electronic device includes at least one sensor configured to detect air flow in from outside of the electronic device, and a plurality of openings formed in the electronic device. Further, the electronic device includes a duct formed between the at least one sensor and at least one of the plurality of openings. A method for operating an electronic device having at least one sensor configured to detect air flow in from outside includes detecting a motion of the electronic device by using a motion sensor, recognizing a pattern of the detected motion, and activating a foreign matter removing unit when the recognized pattern corresponds to a predefined first motion pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jongchul Choi, Soohyung Kim, Byounguk Yoon, Taeho Kim, Hyoungwook Yi
  • Patent number: 10121026
    Abstract: A secure containment enclosure such as an equipment rack is disclosed that includes an electronic locking system. The electronic locking system locks and, upon receipt of a valid credential to a credential input device, unlocks an access door to the secure containment enclosure. The electronic locking system locks the access door during normal operation, and is prevented from unlocking the access door during normal operation and for a predetermined period of time after the secure containment enclosure is powered off to ensure that all data on electronic devices in the secure containment enclosure is erased. Other security features include storage encryption, network encryption, preventing administrative logon access to customers' compute nodes, and dedicated instances in which only virtual machines from specified customer accounts can be located on the same electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Ryland
  • Patent number: 9995593
    Abstract: A sensor array and a method are provided for operating a sensor array with a first sensor and a second sensor, the second sensor being designed for an operation at an ambient temperature, the first sensor representing a heated sensor, which is designed for being operated at an operating temperature that is above the ambient temperature, the first and the second sensor being connected to each other via a carrier, the carrier bringing about thermal coupling between the first and the second sensor, the first sensor being heated to the operating temperature during a first phase, and a measurement being carried out by the first sensor during the first phase, the heating being switched off or at least being reduced in a second phase, and a measurement being carried out by the second sensor during the second phase, an increased temperature of the second sensor as a result of the heating during the first phase being taken into account when evaluating the measurement of the second sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Michael Badeja, Andreas Krauss, Richard Fix
  • Patent number: 9861126
    Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring of biometric and contextual variables to assist in screening for, quantification of, and prediction of smoking behavior, and for assisting in smoking cessation are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Carrot, Inc.
    Inventors: David S. Utley, Allen Jameson, Jennifer Marler
  • Patent number: 9835602
    Abstract: A target odor detecting method for screening odor emitters in a relatively confined space using an animate and/or inanimate odor detector to detect one or more target odors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Inventor: Freddie R. Brasfield
  • Patent number: 9295409
    Abstract: Technologies are generally described for a system for detecting the presence of gas in the intraperitoneal space of the abdominal cavity and indicating anastomotic leakage. A sensing device may be implanted inside the abdominal cavity of a body near the location of an anastomosis. The sensing device may utilize a sensor configured to detect gas presence and measure the concentrations of gases, including hydrogen sulfide and/or methane, within the intraperitoneal space. The sensing device may be configured to transmit gas detection information to an external wireless communication device, and the wireless communication device may be configured to generate an alert if a gas concentration level rises above a predetermined acceptable level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: EMPIRE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT LLC
    Inventors: Lewis Kruglick, Ezekiel Kruglick
  • Patent number: 9000932
    Abstract: An electric apparatus including a display and a process unit is provided. The display has an active area and a peripheral area. The display panel including an active device array substrate, an opposite substrate opposite to the active device array substrate and a display medium between the active device array substrate and the opposite substrate. The active device array substrate has a plurality of active devices disposed in the active area and a humidity sensor disposed in the peripheral area. The humidity sensor is a thin film transistor having a metal oxide semiconductor layer. The process unit is electrically connected to the humidity sensor. The process unit calculates a humidity value according to a sensing current from the humidity sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: E Ink Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: Chih-Hsuan Wang, Chia-Chun Yeh, Ted-Hong Shinn
  • Patent number: 8907801
    Abstract: A smoke detector or, more generally, a danger detector, operates in an area with increased radioactive radiation disposition danger detector has at least one detector unit for detecting at least one danger characteristic, a semiconductor component and other electrical components, at least for outputting an alarm signal. The danger detector also has a temperature control circuit. The temperature control circuit is configured to control the temperature of the at least one semiconductor component. The danger detector may be embodied as a linear smoke detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hans Aebersold, Martin Arnold
  • Patent number: 8907803
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable media for continuously monitoring residential air quality and providing a trend based analysis regarding various air pollutants are presented herein. The system comprises an air quality monitor located in a residential house, wherein the air quality monitor is configured to measure the level of an air pollutant. The system also includes a server that is communicatively coupled to the air quality monitor, wherein the server is configured to generate a unique environmental fingerprint associated with the residential house.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Intwine Energy
    Inventor: David Martin
  • Patent number: 8847602
    Abstract: A plug-in module for a liquid- or gas-sensor comprised of a sensor module (SM) and a sensor module head (SMH), which can be releasably connected together, and which, when connected, enable data and energy transfer via a galvanically decoupled transfer section, wherein the sensor module head (SMH) includes an energy supply unit for operating the sensor module head (SMH) and the sensor module (SM), as well as a data memory (MEM), in order to store sensor data received from the sensor module (SM).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser Conducta Gesellschaft für Mess- und Regeltechnik mbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Detlev Wittmer, Wolfgang Babel
  • Patent number: 8803677
    Abstract: An automobile carbon monoxide detector that is removably interconenctable with an automobile cigarette lighter socket, said detector operable thereat to detect and signal the presence of carbon monoxide within an automobile interior by means of a carbon monoxide sensor disposed in operational communication with a microprocesor, said microprocessor causing the illumination of a caution light when the sensor detects the presence of carbon monoxide, said microprocessor then signaling a buzzer to alert occupants of the vehicle that levels of carbon monoxide are approaching dangerous concentrations and that corrective action is emergently requried.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Inventor: Brenda L. Miller
  • Patent number: 8791828
    Abstract: A CO detector includes a sensor configured to detect a presence of CO and generate a signal indicative of the presence of CO, and a controller in signal communication with the sensor. The controller is configured to measure a level of detected CO in response to receiving the signal generated by the sensor. The controller is further configured to detect a first trouble condition representative of an end-of-life condition of the sensor, and a second trouble condition different from the first trouble condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: UTC Fire & Security Americas Corporation, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael T. Harkins, Bradley B. Barnes
  • Patent number: 8648731
    Abstract: Techniques are generally described related to a method and system for monitoring gas concentrations. One example gas monitoring apparatus includes a light source, a MEMS micro-mirror arranged to be in an optical path of a light from the light source that has passed through a sample and configured to direct selected wavelengths of the light to a single detection point, a detector arranged at the single detection point and configured to convert incident light into electrical signals, and a processor programmed to determine a gas concentration of one or more gases in the sample based on the electrical signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Empire Technology Development LLC
    Inventors: Leilong Su, Feng Qian, Yanqi Li
  • Patent number: 8587444
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for determining which heating element on a cooking appliance is associated with a particular heating element control. More particularly, when a user of the appliance touches a control on the cooking appliance and/or comes in close proximity to such control, a visual identification of which heating element is associated with such control is provided. The visual identification can be e.g., a light that illuminates the associated heating element or a visible display that otherwise indicates the associated heating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Paul Bryan Cadima, James Carter Bach
  • Patent number: 8446285
    Abstract: An arrangement for use in a safety notification system includes a source of negative voltage, a first resistor arrangement, and a circuit arrangement. The first resistor arrangement is coupled between the source of negative voltage and the signal output of the safety notification system. The circuit arrangement is configured to detect a first voltage at the signal output of the safety notification system, and to generate a trouble signal output if the first voltage at the signal output is above a first threshold or below a second threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventor: Karen D. Lontka
  • Patent number: 8314712
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for facilitating spoilage detection in bulk grain storage bins via dust-free or substantially dust-free air sampling. Dust particles are passively removed from sampled air without the use of barrier filters or electrostatic screens, but instead through the use of a non-linear pathway that is open at one end and closed at the other end. A system is disclosed that incorporates a coiled pathway as an air inlet element combined with a carbon dioxide or other gas detector element to provide an integrated detector module suitable for permanent installation in a dusty bulk grain storage bin environment to provide spoilage gas measurements over time. The system may communicate data to a central data storage system via cellular telephone or long range radio frequency data transmission. Alerts and alarms are generated and transmitted electronically to users via email, SMS text, automated phone messages and other means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Bin Tech L.L.L.P.
    Inventors: Guy Fromme, Timothy O'Connor
  • Patent number: 8305216
    Abstract: Initialization of a semiconductor device can be efficiently performed, which transmits and receives data through wireless communication. The semiconductor device includes an antenna, a power source circuit, a circuit which uses a DC voltage generated by the power source circuit as a power source voltage, and a resistor. The antenna includes a pair of terminals and receives a wireless signal (a modulated carrier wave). The power source circuit includes a first terminal and a second terminal and generates a DC voltage between the first terminal and the second terminal by using a received wireless signal (the modulated carrier wave). The resistor is connected between the first terminal and the second terminal. In this manner, the semiconductor device and the wireless communication system can transmit and receive data accurately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoaki Atsumi, Yutaka Shionoiri, Hidetomo Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 8253526
    Abstract: A system for calibrating operation of integrated differential signal receiver circuitry mounted on a substrate and coupled via surface conductors to edge mounted interface electrodes in which compensation is provided for variances among the resistances of the surface conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Alexander A. Alexeyev
  • Patent number: 8216519
    Abstract: A hotplate chemical trace detector comprising a heatable conducting plate with a heater element having a predetermined temperature-power characteristic. A balancing circuit comprises an adjustable resistor for tuning the heater element to a predefined resistor value. A processor is provided for adjusting the adjustable resistor so as to provide a stabilized temperature in said heatable conducting plate and a detection circuit is provided for detecting a change of resistance in the heatable conducting plate in accordance with the presence of a chemical trace reacting in the presence of the conducting plate. According to the invention a test circuit is provided for measuring a dissipated power in the heater element and for calculating a real temperature from the dissipated power in the heater element based on the predetermined temperature-power characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Consultatie Implementatie Technisch Beheer B.V.
    Inventor: Albert Bos
  • Patent number: 8117894
    Abstract: A sensor system issues measurement commands at a predetermined regular rate. If a measurement indicates that a gas of interest is present, then the sensor system is signaled to wake-up thereby pulsing a heater for the sensor element that improves the accuracy of measurements. Measurements of humidity, temperature and gas concentration are made. If the gas of interest is detected then the data is used to indicate a compensated gas measurement. The gas level is classified as to its hazard and an adaptive detection algorithm is used to set an activity mode. If the gas of interest is not detected, the adaptive detection algorithm is used to set a sleep mode that saves power. Measurement rates are kept constant while heater power is controlled to reduce power consumption. Measurement rates are changed to increase concentration sensitivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Applied Nanotech Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel Abdullah, Alexei Tikhonski, Ronald I. Dass, James Novak
  • Patent number: 8018341
    Abstract: Initialization of a semiconductor device can be efficiently performed, which transmits and receives data through wireless communication. The semiconductor device includes an antenna, a power source circuit, a circuit which uses a DC voltage generated by the power source circuit as a power source voltage, and a resistor. The antenna includes a pair of terminals and receives a wireless signal (a modulated carrier wave). The power source circuit includes a first terminal and a second terminal and generates a DC voltage between the first terminal and the second terminal by using a received wireless signal (the modulated carrier wave). The resistor is connected between the first terminal and the second terminal. In this manner, the semiconductor device and the wireless communication system can transmit and receive data accurately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoaki Atsumi, Yutaka Shionoiri, Hidetomo Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 8009052
    Abstract: In a method and system for monitoring the power state of an x-ray emitter and/or an x-ray detector, the x-ray emitter is operated according to a set of test parameters, so as to emit x-rays that strike at least a portion of the detector region of the x-ray detector. At least one value characterizing the operation of the x-ray emitter and/or the x-ray detector is determined, and this detected parameter is compared with a comparable reference parameter value. The power state of the x-ray emitter and/or the x-ray detector is determined based on deviation of the detected parameter from the reference parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Mathias Hörnig, Thomas Mertelmeier, Phillip Thaler
  • Patent number: 7737700
    Abstract: Detecting air ingredients is obtained, a heater and gas sensitive acting layers are arranged on a substrate, which are connectable to an analyzing unit. Electrical resistances of n acting layers are connected in series; heater is a temperature sensor connected in parallel with this series connection, electrical resistance of heater is smaller than the sum of electrical resistances of acting layers and resistances are connected with a total of n+1 electrical terminals via electrodes so that heater is connected with two terminals and n?1 other terminals are connected with a respective junction that interconnects two acting layers. Heater is intermittently heated so that a predefined constant temperature of acting layers is achieved, temperature of acting layers is acquired by determining electrical resistance of heater; voltages in the series connection of acting layers are analyzed and a concentration of gases are determined from electrical resistances of acting layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: UST Umweltsensortechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Olaf Kiesewetter, Anatolij Ewert, Volkmar Melchert, Sven Kittelmann
  • Patent number: 7504958
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a system for detecting airborne hazards in a gaseous environment are disclosed. An embodiment of the system includes a plurality of sets of one or more detectors, where the detectors of each set measure different types of properties of gases, such as the color emitted when the gases are exposed to certain reagents or the ionization potential of the gases. Environmental gases enter the system and are split into a plurality of air flow streams, with each stream directed to pass through one of the sets of one or more detectors. Data from all the sets of one or more detectors is sent to a computer programmed to integrate this data in order to determine information related to the identity (e.g., the specific identity or a classification) of chemical compounds (e.g., hazardous compounds) present in the gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: James A. Genovese, Robert J. Pazada
  • Patent number: 7236095
    Abstract: A method of detecting a predetermined alarm condition in a combustion emission gas. The method comprises exposing to the gas a semiconductor gas sensor having a p-type mixed metal oxide semiconducting material of the first, second and/or third order transition metal series, the semiconducting material being responsive both to a change in concentration of a reducing gas in the surrounding atmosphere and to a change in concentration of oxygen in the surrounding atmosphere to exhibit a change in its electrical resistance. The resistance is monitored and an alarm signal is output if the resistance exceeds a predetermined value corresponding to the alarm condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: City Technology Limited
    Inventors: Peter John Smith, Keith Francis Edwin Pratt
  • Patent number: 7109874
    Abstract: A smoke detector unit (20) comprising a housing containing a smoke detector (24) and at least two component mounting boards, such as printed circuit boards, in a stacked arrangement, the housing having at least one air gap (34), wherein one of the boards (36) is inverted with respect to the other and the detector is positioned on the lower board whereby, in use, the detector extends upwardly between the boards. The housing may be in the form of a ceiling rose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Acbond Limited
    Inventor: David James Pilkington
  • Patent number: 7071832
    Abstract: An electronic digital pressure switch for detecting gas pressures features improved safety. The digital pressure switch that detects gas pressures and generates outputs has a housing provided with pinholes that allow a gas to pass therethrough. With this arrangement, even if a gas should leak into the housing, the leakage gas is let out through the pinholes. Thus, when the pressure of a flammable gas is detected, it is possible to eliminate the danger of an explosion caused by the flammable gas accumulating in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshio Miyamoto, Tsutomu Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 6948388
    Abstract: A sensing system includes a ring oscillator that emits electromagnetic radiation at a characteristic frequency. The ring oscillator comprises an odd number plurality of inverters that are electrically connected in series. The sensing system also comprises a temperature stabilized voltage source that is used to supply voltage to the inverters of the ring oscillator. A sensing load for sensing a change in a preselected environmental condition is operably connected to the ring oscillator. When the load senses the preselected environmental condition, the sensing load alters the characteristic frequency of the ring oscillator and hence the electromagnetic radiation as emitted by the ring oscillator. A pick-up antenna receives the electromagnetic radiation as emitted by the ring oscillator and detection electronics, operably coupled to the pick-up antenna, measure the frequency of the electromagnetic radiation as received by the pick-up antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Stanley R. Clayton, Stephen D. Russell, Mark R. Roser, Richard L. Waters
  • Patent number: 6917875
    Abstract: A signal processing apparatus for detecting and displaying the properties of diesel fuel powered compression-ignition engines senses strain pulses in the fuel injection rail structure to perform a variety of testing functions. Among other capabilities, the apparatus permits the user to establish stroboscope timing, to measure engine RPM, to view the relationship between crankshaft position and injection time, and to examine the time-dependent properties of strain pulses on individual fuel injectors in order to evaluate the condition of the diesel engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Inventors: Dale R. Boysen, Scott R. Sebastian, William W. Wittliff, III, Martin P. Franz
  • Patent number: 6888467
    Abstract: A gas detection instrument comprises a combustible gas sensor and associated circuitry, which supplies power to the sensor and measures and displays resulting sensor response. The supplied power is switched between timed pulses of electricity and steady state electricity, with the intermittent electricity being employed only when no significant change in sensor output has been detected. Alternatively, timed pulses of electricity are maintained, and predictive software algorithms are used to give readings for gas concentration during interruption of the power supply. The sensor operation enables the instrument to respond to rapid changes in gas concentration while minimizing power consumption of the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Industrial Scientific Corporation
    Inventors: David C. Green, Wenfeng Peng, Chuan-Bao Wang