By Current Modifying Elements In Circuit (e.g., Bridge) Patents (Class 374/114)
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Patent number: 10942048Abstract: A sensor chip is used for multi-physical quantity measurement. This sensor chip comprises a substrate and at least two of the following sensors: a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or a pressure sensor, which are integrated onto the same substrate, wherein the pressure sensor consists of electrically interconnected resistive elements. The humidity sensor is an interdigitated structure. Thermistor elements are placed around the pressure sensor and the humidity sensor to form a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor has a resistance adjusting circuit. A microcavity is etched on the back of the substrate in a place on the opposite side pressure sensor's location. Also disclosed is a preparation method for a sensor chip used for multi-physical quantity measurement. This multi-physical quantity measurement single chip sensor chip has the advantages of low cost, low power consumption, easy fabrication, and wide applicability.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2015Date of Patent: March 9, 2021Assignee: MultiDimension Technology Co., Ltd.Inventors: Songsheng Xue, Weifeng Shen, Lixian Feng
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Patent number: 10641108Abstract: A blade for a gas turbine engine includes an airfoil that includes an internal passage. A shroud is arranged at an end of the airfoil and has a shroud perimeter. Axially spaced knife edges extend radially from the shroud. An area is provided between the knife edges. A pocket is recessed into the area and is circumscribed by a perimeter edge that is arranged interiorly of the shroud perimeter. An outlet fluidly connects the internal passage to the pocket.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2018Date of Patent: May 5, 2020Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Russell J. Bergman, Alan W. Stoner
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Patent number: 10088532Abstract: Provided is a temperature compensation circuit capable of solely and independently adjusting a temperature compensation amount. The temperature compensation circuit includes: a first temperature compensation voltage terminal connected to a node between a first resistor and a second resistor; a second temperature compensation voltage terminal connected to a node between a third resistor and a fourth resistor; a first voltage terminal formed at a node between the first resistor and the fourth resistor; a second voltage terminal formed at a node between the second resistor and the third resistor; a fifth resistor connected between a power supply terminal and the first voltage terminal; and a sixth resistor connected between a ground terminal and the second voltage terminal.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2016Date of Patent: October 2, 2018Assignee: ABLIC INC.Inventor: Minoru Ariyama
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Patent number: 9271072Abstract: An analog input module includes an activation unit, an analog/digital converter, an input circuit with a first input and a second input and a voltage divider disposed between the first input and the second input. The activation unit is connected to the first input and the second input and is connected upstream of the analog/digital converter. The voltage divider has center tap which is connected to a first comparator input of a comparator of a closed-loop control unit. The closed-loop control unit has a switching device disposed between the second input and a reference point. The comparator includes a second comparator input which is connected to a reference source. The comparator has a control output which is connected to a control input of the switching device. The closed-loop control unit is configured such that the switching device enables or disables a current path to the reference point.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2014Date of Patent: February 23, 2016Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Thomas Nötzold
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Patent number: 8562210Abstract: A system and a method for measuring temperature within an operating circuit use a Wheatstone bridge within a temperature sensing circuit. One of the resistors in the Wheatstone bridge is a thermally sensitive resistive material layer within the operating circuit. The other three resistors are thermally isolated from the operating circuit. Particular configurations of NFET and PFET devices are used to provide enhanced measurement sensitivity within the temperature sensing circuit that includes the Wheatstone bridge.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2010Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Cathryn J. Christiansen, John A. Fifield, Dimitris P. Ioannou, Tom C. Lee, Lilian Kamal
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Patent number: 8348501Abstract: A sensor for detecting icing conditions in an airstream includes a flow housing mounted on an aircraft and in which one or more probes are mounted. At least one of the probes subjected to impingement of the airstream and liquid moisture droplets in such airstream. The heat removal, or cooling effect on the probe in the airstream carrying liquid droplets is determined. A temperature signal indicating the airstream temperature is combined with signals from the at least one probe for determining whether or not icing conditions are present.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2011Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Rosemount Aerospace, Inc.Inventor: John A. Severson
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Patent number: 8293180Abstract: An apparatus for distinguishing a liquid reducing agent which judges empty with a higher precision than heretofore is provided. The apparatus for distinguishing a liquid reducing agent is provided with a concentration sensor and a liquid-level sensor in storage tank of liquid reducing agent, and is characterized in that empty is judged by utilizing the liquid-level based on the liquid-level sensor in addition to the concentration based on the concentration sensor (step 3 and step 5). Even if a bubble is adhering to the concentration sensor and an erroneous signal indicative of empty is output although the residual quantity of liquid reducing agent is sufficient, the liquid-level sensor does not output a signal indicative of empty. Consequently, erroneous judgment is prevented and accurate judgment can be made as compared to heretofore.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2009Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignees: Nissan Diesel Motor Co., Ltd., NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hideki Matsunaga, Yoshikuni Satou, Takashi Yamamoto, Takeo Sasanuma
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Patent number: 8118487Abstract: An apparatus for detecting temperature includes an adjustable current source operable for supplying a current, a thermistor coupled to said adjustable current source, and an auto-range hysteresis logic coupled to said thermistor and said adjustable current source operable for outputting a signal to control said adjustable current source by sensing a voltage across said thermistor. A method for detecting temperature is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2008Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: O2Micro, Inc.Inventors: JiunHeng Goh, Constantin Bucur
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Patent number: 7862229Abstract: A system, device, and method for minimizing x-axis and/or y-axis offset shift due to internally produced as well as externally produced on chip temperature imbalances. At least one temperature gradient canceling device is disposed on a substrate including a temperature gradient sensitive device having at least one pair of sensors. Voltage signals generated by the temperature gradient canceling devices can be combined with voltage signals generated by each of the pair of sensors to account for the offset.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2008Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: Memsic, Inc.Inventors: Alexander Dribinsky, Gregory P. Pucci, Yongyao Cai, Mathew Varghese, Gary J. O'Brien
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Patent number: 7733615Abstract: A dynamic braking load analyzer that determines the proper resistance value for a dynamic braking load resistor to be used in combination with a variable frequency drive or servo-drive to accommodate the power dissipated from an induction motor when it is being reduced in speed. The analyzer includes a resistor bank having a plurality of resistors electrically coupled in parallel. Switches are provided between the resistors, and a resistor selector switch determines which resistors are switched into the resistor bank circuit. A heat sensing resistor in the resistor bank measures the heat generated by the resistors and provides a signal that is read by a heat meter. The combination of the temperature measurement and the resistance of the resistors in the circuit gives the proper braking resistance value for the deceleration of the induction motor.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2008Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: Powerohm Resistors, Inc.Inventors: Joseph S. Eschleman, Thomas Yingling, Michael Crowe
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Publication number: 20090282375Abstract: Disclosed is an across-chip temperature sensing circuit and an associated method that can be used to profile the across-chip temperature gradient. The embodiments incorporate a plurality of phase change elements distributed approximately evenly across the semiconductor chip. These phase change elements are programmed to have essentially the same amorphous resistance. Temperature-dependent behavior exhibited by each of the phase change elements individually is compared to a reference (e.g., generated by a discrete reference phase change element, generated by another one of the phase change elements, or generated by an external reference) in order to profile the temperature gradient across the semiconductor chip. Once profiled, this temperature gradient can be used to redesign and/or relocate functional cores, to set stress limits for qualification of functional cores and/or to adjust operating specifications of functional cores.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2008Publication date: November 12, 2009Inventors: Nazmul Habib, Mark C.H. Lamorey, Thomas M. Maffitt, Robert McMahon
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Patent number: 7481574Abstract: A thermal flow rate sensor includes: a bridge circuit having a heat-generating resistor generating heat by receiving a supplied current, a heating element temperature detector having a resistance value varying in accordance with a temperature of the heat-generating resistor and a fluid temperature detector having a resistance value varying in accordance with a temperature of a fluid; a comparison portion supplying a digital output indicating a difference between voltages at intermediate points in the bridge circuit; a DA converter converting an output from the comparison portion to an analog signal and supplying the resultant signal to the heat-generating resistor as the current; and an output operation portion accumulating outputs from the comparison portion for a prescribed period to output a result of accumulation as a flow rate for the prescribed period, of the fluid which is an object of measurement.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2006Date of Patent: January 27, 2009Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yuji Ariyoshi
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Patent number: 7416329Abstract: A sensor for detecting icing conditions in an airstream includes a flow housing mounted on an aircraft and in which one or more probes are mounted. At least one of the probes subjected to impingement of the airstream and liquid moisture droplets in such airstream. The heat removal, or cooling effect on the probe in the airstream carrying liquid droplets is determined. A temperature signal indicating the airstream temperature is combined with signals from the at least one probe for determining whether or not icing conditions are present.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2005Date of Patent: August 26, 2008Assignee: Rosemount Aerospace Inc.Inventor: John A. Severson
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Patent number: 7393136Abstract: A thermal probe system has a Wollaston thermal sensor connected in one arm of a bridge. The other arms of the bridge are provided by resistors and a voltage is applied from a low-noise source via several op-amps. The output of the bridge is connected with a primary winding of a step-up transformer, the output of which connects with the input of an output amplifier, which, in turn, provides an output to a display.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2006Date of Patent: July 1, 2008Assignee: Smiths Group plcInventors: Anthony George Ernest Atkins, Graham Poulter
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Patent number: 6991367Abstract: A circuit for determining temperature of an active semiconductor device disposed on a semiconductor substrate and a Wheatstone bridge circuit. The bridge has in each of four branches thereof a thermal sensitive device, one pair of such thermal sensitive devices being in thermal contact with an electrode of the active device. Another pair of such thermal sensitive devices is in thermal contact with the substrate. The thermal sensitive devices are resistors. The active device is a transistor. A tuning circuit is coupled to an output of the transistor, such tuning circuit having a tunable element controlled by a control signal fed to such tunable element. A processor is responsive to a voltage produced at an output of the Wheatstone bridge circuit and a signal representative of power fed to the transistor. The output provided by the Wheatstone bridge provides a measure of a temperature difference between the temperature of the transistor and ambient temperature.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2003Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventor: Michael G. Adlerstein
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Patent number: 6004471Abstract: The structure of the sensing element of a platinum resistance thermometer and method for manufacturing the same, in which the silicon wafer is used as a substrate. A silicon substrate is etched to form a desired wiring pattern, then a silicon dioxide layer is grown as a layer of thermal oxide on the silicon substrate by heating the etched substrate in an oxygen-containing atmosphere. After a platinum film is deposited onto the surface of the silicon dioxide layer, the platinum-coated substrate is subject to gentle polishing. The platinum membrane outside the etched groove is easily detached while the platinum layer inside the etched groove remains attached. Thus a platinum circuit with a desired circuit pattern is formed on the substrate. After heat treatment in a temperature range of 750.degree. C..about. 1500.degree. C. and further processing, the sensing element of a platinum resistance thermometer is obtained.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 1998Date of Patent: December 21, 1999Assignee: Opto Tech CorporationInventor: Feng-Ju Chuang
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Patent number: 5601363Abstract: A quench system cooling effectiveness meter including a reference sensor and a measurement sensor is disclosed. The reference sensor and the measurement sensor are included in a resistance bridge. The amount of heat that can be removed by the quench system from the measurement sensor is recorded to determine the cooling effectiveness of the quench system. The meter can be moved to different locations within the quench system to measure cooling variations within the system as a function of location.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 1994Date of Patent: February 11, 1997Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Gary D. Keil, Wayne A. Supak, Sheryl A. Tipton
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Patent number: 5295746Abstract: A high resolution digital thermometer capable of measuring temperature differences on the order of several micro-degrees centigrade. The device includes a bridge circuit having two thermistors in series. An output of the bridge circuit feeds a signal to an analog-to-digital convertor via a high gain amplifier. A computer maintains the balance of the bridge circuit to avoid a situation wherein the range of the analog-to-digital convertor would be exceeded.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 1992Date of Patent: March 22, 1994Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human ServicesInventors: Walter S. Friauf, Thomas R. Clem, Sr., Robert L. Berger
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Patent number: 5294909Abstract: An elongate resistive sensor useful as an element of a pneumatic manifold failure detecting and locating system. A sensing loop is based on a coaxial cable having a core of known resistance per unit length. A eutectic salt impregnated insulant separates the core and sheath but has a temperature breakdown characteristic which provides the sensing function. Upon a pneumatic manifold failure, the sensing cable is heated, the eutectic salt insulator breaks down, a core-to-sheath short occurs, and currents in the sensing cable are substantially altered as a result. The cable is connected as a loop, and differential currents into the ends of the loop are detected and processed to determine the position of the short. Terminating resistors are associated with connectors which connect multiple cable sections into a single loop, and the terminating impedance is further sensed to determine an open circuit condition at any connector.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 1993Date of Patent: March 15, 1994Assignee: Barber-Colman CompanyInventor: Glenn E. Frazier
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Patent number: 4741476Abstract: The present invention is an electronic thermostat having correction for the self heating due to the semiconductor switching device used to switch a temperature modifying apparatus on. This invention includes a semiconductor power switching device disposed on an upper portion of a vertically oriented circuit board, a first thermistor disposed on the circuit board at a lower portion thereof remote from the semiconductor power switching device, and a second thermistor disposed on the circuit board at a portion intermediate between the semiconductor power switching device and the first thermistor. A corrected ambient temperature is generated from the temperature indicated by the first thermistor and the difference in indicated temperature between the second thermistor and the first thermistor. The state of the semiconductor power switching device is then controlled based upon the relationship between the corrected temperature and a desired temperature.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 1987Date of Patent: May 3, 1988Assignee: Honeywell Inc.Inventors: James Russo, Michael R. Levine, Victor Rigotti, Nicholas Skogler
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Patent number: 4723066Abstract: An apparatus for heating a processing liquid has a heater for heating the processing liquid and a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the liquid. The heater and the sensor are housed in a protective housing made of a metal or a ceramic material. Since the heater and the temperature sensor are provided together in one unit, the mounting of the apparatus on a processing tank is facilitated. In addition, since the output of the temperature sensor changes in accordance with whether the liquid level of the processing liquid is above or below the position to the temperature sensor, it is also possible to detect the liquid level from the change in the output of the temperature sensor.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 1985Date of Patent: February 2, 1988Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toshio Kurokawa, Hideo Iwasaki, Kazushige Uenaka, Haruo Takase
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Patent number: 4583868Abstract: A temperature differential detection device for detecting the temperature differential between predetermined portions of a container wall is disclosed as comprising a Wheatstone bridge circuit for detecting resistance imbalance with a first circuit branch having a first elongated wire element mounted in thermal contact with a predetermined portion of the container wall, a second circuit branch having a second elongated wire element mounted in thermal contact with a second predetermined portion of a container wall with the wire elements having a predetermined temperature-resistant coefficient, an indicator interconnected between the first and second branches remote from the container wall for detecting and indicating resistance imbalance between the first and second wire elements, and connector leads for electrically connecting the wire elements to the remote indicator in order to maintain the respective resistance value relationship between the first and second wire elements.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 1983Date of Patent: April 22, 1986Assignee: International Coal Refining CompanyInventor: Peter M. Girling
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Patent number: 4420974Abstract: A multipurpose in situ underground measurement system comprising a plurality of long electrical resistance elements in the form of rigid reinforcing bars, each having an open loop "hairpin" configuration of shorter length than the other resistance elements. The resistance elements are arranged in pairs in a unitized structure, and grouted in place in the underground volume. The electrical resistance of each element and the difference in electrical resistance of the paired elements are obtained, which difference values may be used in analytical methods involving resistance as a function of temperature. A scanner sequentially connects the resistance-measuring apparatus to each individual pair of elements. A source of heating current is also selectively connectable for heating the elements to an initial predetermined temperature prior to electrical resistance measurements when used as an anemometer.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 1980Date of Patent: December 20, 1983Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventor: David E. Lord
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Patent number: 4361799Abstract: The invention is an over-temperature sensor and locator utilizing a temperature sensitive cable comprising (1) an electrical conductor, (2) a dielectric, and (3) a solid, conductive polymeric, positive temperature coefficient of resistance composition. An over-temperature condition at any point along the cable is detected by a drop in the capacitance of the cable, as measured from one end of the cable. The location of the over-temperature point on the cable is determined by comparing the reduced capacitance from the control end to the over-temperature point with the capacitance of the full cable length.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 1982Date of Patent: November 30, 1982Assignee: Raychem CorporationInventor: Michael A. Lutz
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Patent number: 4357113Abstract: The apparatus and method of the present invention are particularly adapted to monitor for leaks from a fluid container which is situated in a porous or semiporous medium, such as earth. A series of sensors is placed in the medium at a position which would intercept the path of fluid leaking from the container. The sensors react to the presence of fluid thereby providing an indication of the presence of a leak and the approximate location of the leak.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 1980Date of Patent: November 2, 1982Inventor: Wahner E. Brooks