By A Vibratory Effect (e.g., Resonant Frequency, Acoustical) Patents (Class 374/117)
-
Patent number: 8080767Abstract: A thermal processing apparatus comprising a processing vessel containing, in addition to a plurality of objects subject to heat treatment, an acoustic wave device for temperature measurement. A holding unit holds the plurality of objects to be processed and an object for temperature measurement utilizing an acoustic wave device. A heating unit heats the objects to be processed and the object for temperature measurement. A first conductive member functions as an antenna for transmitting an electromagnetic wave toward the acoustic wave device in the processing vessel; a second conductive member functions as a receiver antenna for receiving an electromagnetic wave dependent on a temperature of the acoustic wave device which is emitted from the acoustic wave device. A temperature analysis part obtains a temperature of the object based on the electromagnetic wave received by the receiver antenna, and a temperature control part controls the heating unit.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2009Date of Patent: December 20, 2011Assignee: Tokyo Electron LimitedInventors: Kenichi Yamaga, Wenling Wang
-
Patent number: 8066430Abstract: The invention provides a method and a device for determining the temperature of a semiconductor substrate. A resonance circuit (110) is provided on the semiconductor substrate and is formed by a junction capacitor (11) and an inductor (12). The substrate is placed on a holder and the resonance circuit (110) is irradiated with electromagnetic energy of an electromagnetic field (5) generated by a radiation device (200). A resonance frequency of the resonance circuit (110) is determined by detecting an effect of the resonance circuit (110) on the irradiated electromagnetic field (5), and a temperature of the semiconductor substrate is determined as a function of the resonance frequency. The method and device according to the invention provide for a more accurate determination of the temperature of the semiconductor substrate due to an increased sensitivity to the temperature of the junction capacitor (11).Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2007Date of Patent: November 29, 2011Assignee: NXP B.V.Inventors: Srdjan Kordic, Meindert M. Lunenborg, Jean-Philippe Jacquemin
-
Patent number: 8043000Abstract: A temperature-history sensor includes a resonance circuit composed of at least a capacitor and a coil. The temperature-history sensor has a display for indicating a predetermined set temperature of the temperature-history sensor. The capacitor has at least a thermofusion material between electrodes of the capacitor, and the melting point of the thermofusion material is in the region of the set temperature.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2009Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takayuki Sumida, Tadahiko Hirai
-
Patent number: 8024145Abstract: Aspects of a method and system for signal generation via a temperature sensing crystal integrated circuit are provided. In this regard, a temperature sensing crystal integrated circuit (TSCIC) comprising a memory and a crystal or crystal oscillator may generate a signal indicative of a measured temperature. The generated signal and data stored in the memory may be utilized to configure one or more circuits communicatively coupled to the TSCIC. The data stored in the memory may characterize behavior of the TSCIC as a function of temperature and/or time. The data characterizing the behavior of the TSCIC may indicate variations in frequency of the crystal or crystal oscillator as a function of temperature and/or time. The data characterizing the behavior of the TSCIC may comprise one or both of a frequency value and a frequency correction value.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2009Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Broadcom CorporationInventors: Evan McCarthy, John Walley, Hyun-Gyu Jeon, Amir Ibrahim, Sunil Kanekal, Jared Welz
-
Publication number: 20110222577Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the properties of a fluid, such as water, in a steam pipe without mechanically penetrating the wall of the pipe. The system uses a piezoelectric transducer to launch an ultrasonic probe signal into the pipe. Reflected ultrasonic signals are captured in a transducer, which can be the same transducer that launched the probe signal. The reflected signals are subjected to data processing, which can include filtering, amplification, analog-to-digital conversion and autocorrelation analysis. A result is extracted which is indicative of a property of the fluid, such as a height of the condensed fluid, a cavitation of the condensed fluid, and a surface perturbation of the condensed fluid. The result can be recorded, displayed, and/or transmitted to another location. One embodiment of the system has been constructed and tested based on a general purpose programmable computer using instructions recorded in machine-readable non-volatile memory.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2011Publication date: September 15, 2011Applicant: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGYInventors: Yoseph BAR-COHEN, Shyh-Shiuh Lih, Mircea Badescu, Xiaoqi Bao, Stewart Sherrit, James Samson Scott, Julian O. Blosiu, Scott E. Widholm
-
Patent number: 8016757Abstract: Ultrasound data are collected from a thermal source and a mass of tissue before initiating therapy to measure two parameters of the bio-heat transfer equation (BHTE). The parameters are the thermal diffusivity (K) of the tissue and the magnitude of the thermal source (Q). Once the parameters have been obtained, the BHTE can be calibrated to the specific mass of tissue and the specific thermal source. The calibrated BHTE can be used to generate a temperature dependence curve calibrated to the thermal source and tissue, and spatio-temporal temperature maps, to facilitate pre-therapy planning. During therapy, ultrasound data are collected to determine if Q changes during therapy, and if so, the BHTE is recalibrated using the new Q value, increasing an accuracy of the temperature estimations.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2006Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: University of WashingtonInventors: Peter J. Kaczkowski, Ajay Anand
-
Patent number: 7993056Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes: an ultrasonic probe in which a first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor are located posterior to an oscillator; and a surface temperature calculation device for calculating a surface temperature of the ultrasonic probe on the basis of a first detection temperature Ta detected by the first temperature sensor and a second detection temperature Tb detected by the second temperature sensor. Also, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes: an ultrasonic probe in which a first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor are embedded in a backing material; and a surface temperature calculation device for calculating a surface temperature Ts of the ultrasonic probe on the basis of a first detection temperature Ta detected by the first temperature sensor and a second detection temperature Tb detected by the second temperature sensor.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2008Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLCInventor: Shinichi Amemiya
-
Patent number: 7988351Abstract: The invention relates to a device (31) which comprises at least one piezoacoustic resonator element (2) having a piezoelectric layer (32) and two electrodes that are electrically contacted to the piezoelectric layer (32). The piezoacoustic resonator element (2) is configured in such a manner that, when a voltage is applied to the piezoelectric layer (32), a thickness oscillation of the piezoelectric layer (32) is excited via the electrodes with a resonant frequency. The inventive device is characterized by comprising, integrated into the piezoacoustic resonator element (2), a temperature measurement device (3) having a measuring element (37) that is configured as a thin layer.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2006Date of Patent: August 2, 2011Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Reinhard Gabl, Matthias Schreiter
-
Publication number: 20110166797Abstract: The invention provides devices and methods for acoustically determining the properties of the contents of one or more reservoirs in a plurality of reservoirs. Each reservoir is adapted to contain a fluid. An acoustic radiation generator can be positioned in acoustic coupling relationship to each of the reservoirs. Acoustic radiation generated by the acoustic radiation generator is transmitted through each reservoir to an analyzer. The analyzer is capable of analyzing a characteristic of the transmitted acoustic radiation and optionally correlating the characteristic to a property of the reservoirs' contents. Properties that may be determined include volume, temperature, and composition. The invention is particularly suited to determining the properties of the contents of a plurality of reservoirs to allow for accuracy and control over the dispensing of fluids therefrom.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2010Publication date: July 7, 2011Applicant: LABCYTE INC.Inventors: Richard N. Ellson, Richard G. Stearns
-
Publication number: 20110150030Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) resonator to monitor the platform temperature. Fabricating the resonator on a relatively low cost flexible polymer substrate rather than silicon provides mechanical flexibility as well as design flexibility with respect to sensor placement. Sensor readout and control circuits can be on silicon if desired, for example, a positive feedback amplifier to form an oscillator in conjunction with the resonator and a counter to count oscillator frequency.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2009Publication date: June 23, 2011Inventors: MOHAMED A. ABDELMONEUM, David A. Kaysen
-
Publication number: 20110150031Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) resonator to monitor temperature in an integrated circuit. Fabricating the resonator in an interconnect layer provides a way to implement thermal detection means which is tolerant of manufacturing process variations. Sensor readout and control circuits can be on silicon if desired, for example, a positive feedback amplifier to form an oscillator in conjunction with the resonator and a counter to count oscillator frequency.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2009Publication date: June 23, 2011Inventors: Mohamed A. Abdelmoneum, Tawfik M. Rahal-Arabi, Gregory F. Taylor, Kevin J. Fischer, Andrew Yeoh
-
Publication number: 20110120989Abstract: An induction heating device comprises a frequency converter that generates a high-frequency drive voltage from an intermediate circuit voltage generated at least temporarily as a function of an AC mains voltage, a resonant circuit having an induction heating coil, with the drive voltage applied to the resonant circuit, and a temperature detection device that determines a temperature of a cooking vessel base which is heated by means of the induction heating coil. An auxiliary voltage source generated the intermediate circuit voltage over predefined time periods at a constant level. The frequency converter generates the drive voltage over time periods such that the resonant circuit oscillates at a natural resonant frequency in a substantially de-attenuated manner, and the temperature detection device further measuring at least one oscillation parameter over the time periods, and to evaluate the at least one measured oscillation parameter in order to determine the temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2010Publication date: May 26, 2011Inventors: Wilfried Schilling, Tobias Schönherr, Werner Kappes, Martin Volk
-
Publication number: 20110098609Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydrogel-containing temperature indicating element for use in ultrasound therapy. The temperature indicating element of the present invention and the therapeutic device and method making use of the same enable in some embodiments an automated adaptation of the power output as a function of the tissue temperature, avoiding therefore overheating or burning of the skin.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2008Publication date: April 28, 2011Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventors: Christopher S. Hall, Ralph Kurt
-
Publication number: 20110090935Abstract: A method for performing ultrasonic testing comprising, in one embodiment, the steps of firing an ultrasonic transducer to generate an ultrasonic pulse that passes through a delay line, measuring a delay echo time of flight, and determining the temperature of the delay line using the delay echo time of flight, thereby eliminating the need for additional temperature measuring devices. Other embodiments further comprise the step of using the temperature of the delay line to determine the temperature of a test object, and using the temperature of the test object to determine a thickness of the test object that is compensated for thermal expansion and temperature dependent ultrasonic velocity.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2009Publication date: April 21, 2011Inventors: John Michael Cuffe, James Barshinger, Ying Fan
-
Patent number: 7927011Abstract: The present application discloses a method of estimating a surface temperature of an ultrasound probe having a plurality of transducer elements and a surface, involving: a) establishing a temperature rise function of the surface of the ultrasound probe due to a single active transducer element; b) selecting one of the transducer elements; c) applying a single transmission pulse signal to the selected transducer element such that the selected transducer element operates once; d) measuring a temperature rise of the surface of the ultrasound probe at predetermined positions on the surface thereof; e) completing the temperature rise function based on the measured temperature rise; and f) estimating a temperature rise of the surface of the ultrasound probe based on the temperature rise function.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2008Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Assignee: Medison Co., Ltd.Inventors: Won Suk Ohm, Jeong Hwan Kim, Eun Chul Kim
-
Patent number: 7914204Abstract: A temperature sensor includes: a first oscillator that generates a first frequency signal; a second oscillator that generates a second frequency signal; a multiplexer that selectively passes the first frequency signal and the second frequency signal; and a frequency-to-digital converter that converts a frequency difference between the first frequency signal and the second frequency signal into a digital code.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2008Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: Korea University Industrial & Academic Collaboration FoundationInventors: Chulwoo Kim, Janghoon Song, Gilwon Yoon, Sangdon Jung
-
Patent number: 7914203Abstract: A piezoelectric bimorph cantilever is used for determining physical parameters in a gaseous or liquid environment. The sensor works as a driven and damped oscillator. Contrary to common cantilever sensor systems, the piezoelectric film of the bimorph cantilever acts as both a sensor and an actuator. Using at least two resonance mode of the bimorph cantilever, at least two physical parameters can be measured simultaneously in a gas or a liquid. An optimized piezoelectric cantilever and a method to produce the cantilever are also described.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2009Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignees: IMEC, Universiteit HasseltInventors: Vincent Mortet, Rainer Petersen
-
Patent number: 7914202Abstract: A first thermometry system for measuring a temperature of an object under test includes a first detecting sheet having crystal oscillators arranged on a first sheet-like object formed of resin, and a first measuring device for measuring the temperature based on frequencies acquired from the crystal oscillators and corresponding to natural frequencies of the crystal oscillators. In this system, the first detecting sheet is placed in contact with the object under test, whereupon the crystal oscillators provide the natural frequencies corresponding to the temperature of the object under test. The first measuring device measures the temperature of the object under test accurately based on the frequencies corresponding to the natural frequencies.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2007Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: Sokudo Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kenji Kamei
-
Patent number: 7910668Abstract: Provided is a method for monitoring a polymerization reaction in a fluid bed reactor to determine in on-line fashion a current value, and preferably also a limiting value, of a stickiness control temperature, and optionally controlling the reaction in response thereto in an effort to prevent occurrence of a discontinuity event. The stickiness control temperature is a temperature indicative of a characteristic of melting behavior of polymer resin in the reactor, and may be indicative of occurrence of resin sheeting or another discontinuity event. Optionally , a predetermined relation between values of acoustic energy in the reactor and values of a stickiness control temperature in used to provide error checking for determination of the stickiness control temperature, or a current value of the stickiness control temperature is determined from acoustic data and a predetermined relation between values of an acoustic condition in the reactor and values of the stickiness control temperature.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2010Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLCInventors: Michael E. Muhle, Richard B. Pannell, Eric J. Markel, Robert O. Hagerty
-
Publication number: 20110036173Abstract: A remotely interrogatable pressure and/or temperature measuring device includes at least an acoustic wave sensor including at least one resonator coupled to a first antenna element, and an interrogation system including a second antenna element for transmission and reception. The device further includes an expandable tubular structure, the structure integrating a biocompatible material, and the acoustic wave sensor is encapsulated in the biocompatible material. The second antenna element operates at frequencies above several tens of MegaHertz.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2009Publication date: February 17, 2011Applicant: SENSEORInventors: Luc Chommeloux, Philippe Menage, Gerhard Heider
-
Patent number: 7862230Abstract: On the fulfillment of a specified condition, a temperature signal outside an actuating device is detected to which a piezoelectric actuator is assigned. A piezoelectric temperature value is determined by the temperature signal. A temperature-capacitance characteristic value of the piezoelectric actuator is determined by the piezoelectric temperature value through specified mapping. A measured capacitance characteristic value is determined by a detected piezoelectric actuator charge and voltage corresponding to the temperature signal. A first correction capacitance characteristic value is determined by the measured capacitance characteristic value and the temperature-capacitance characteristic value. Independently, the charge and the voltage of the piezoelectric actuator is detected and the measured capacitance characteristic value is determined on the basis of these.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2008Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbHInventors: Christian Borgmann, Manfred Klepatsch, Stephan Wenzel
-
Patent number: 7845847Abstract: A thermometer and extensometer for cables and conductors is described. The travel time of one or more acoustic signals along a conductor is used to determine the temperature along the conductor and the length of the conductor. The acoustic frequency is selected to minimize temporal dispersion of the propagating acoustic energy. The technique can be used to measure the temperature of the windings in a transformer or other electrical apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2009Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: FieldMetrics, Inc.Inventors: Christopher Yakymyshyn, Michael Allen Brubaker, Pamela Jane Hamilton
-
Patent number: 7845848Abstract: A thermometer and extensometer for cables and conductors is described. The travel time of one or more acoustic signals along a conductor is used to determine the temperature along the conductor and the length of the conductor. The acoustic frequency is selected to minimize temporal dispersion of the propagating acoustic energy. The technique can be used to measure the temperature of the conductor in a buried, undersea or submerged electrical power cable.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2009Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: FieldMetrics, Inc.Inventors: Christopher Yakymyshyn, Michael Allen Brubaker, Pamela Jane Hamilton
-
Patent number: 7824098Abstract: Mechanical transducers such as pressure sensors, resonators or other frequency-reference devices are implemented under conditions characterized by different temperatures. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a combination of materials is implemented for mechanical transducer applications to mitigate temperature-related changes at or near a selected turnover temperature. In one application, a material property mismatch is used to facilitate single-anchor transducer applications, such as for resonators. Another application is directed to a Silicon-Silicon dioxide combination of materials.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2008Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior UniversityInventors: Renata Melamud, Bongsang Kim, Matthew Hopcroft, Saurabh Chandorkar, Manu Agarwal, Thomas W. Kenny
-
Patent number: 7806586Abstract: Mechanical transducers such as pressure sensors, resonators or other frequency-reference devices are implemented under conditions characterized by different temperatures. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a combination of materials is implemented for mechanical transducer applications to mitigate temperature-related changes. In one application, a material property mismatch is used to facilitate single-anchor transducer applications, such as for resonators. Another application is directed to a Silicon-Silicon dioxide combination of materials.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2006Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior UniversityInventors: Renata Melamud, Bongsang Kim, Matt Hopcroft, Saurabh Chandorkar, Manu Agarwal, Thomas W. Kenny
-
Patent number: 7798705Abstract: A thermoacoustic tomographic method for imaging an object, wherein the object is thermally excited by a source and the acoustic waves from the object, which are caused by the thermal excitation, from different directions of the object are detected using at least one detector and an image of the object is reconstructed from the detected acoustic waves and the positional information, wherein the acoustic waves detected by the detector are integrated at least in one direction over a length of at least ?{square root over (8)}·d, where d denotes the maximum distance from a point of the object to be imaged to the detector.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2006Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignees: Upper Austrian Research GmbH, Universitaet InnsbruckInventors: Peter Burgholzer, Markus Haltmeier, Otmar Scherzer
-
Patent number: 7785001Abstract: An apparatus for sensing a change in environmental conditions is disclosed. The apparatus includes a coating or a wire between two surfaces that has a mechanical property changed as a result of a change in the environmental conditions. The change in the mechanical property of the coating or wire results in a change in a vibration characteristic of the apparatus, such as the frequency, phase, amplitude or quality factor. The change in the vibration characteristic can be used to determine the change in the environmental condition.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2007Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: Arizona Board of RegentsInventors: Nongjian Tao, Francis Tsow
-
Patent number: 7774042Abstract: A three-dimensional thermoacoustic imaging system uses dye markers. Thermoacoustic signals are produced by the dye markers when light from an external source is absorbed by the dye. Thermoacoustic images with and without dye stimulation may be generated using excitation frequencies both inside and outside the frequency band of fluorescence of the dye marker, and these may be combined, and/or combined with conventional ultrasound images for image enhancement. An apparatus for carrying out this method on mice, uses a commercially available array of transducers positioned opposite to the body of the mouse, which is immersed in a coupling media. A source of illumination such as a laser directs light to the mouse through the coupling media, and resulting acoustic waves are captured by the array and reconstructed to form an image.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2003Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Senco Brands, Inc.Inventor: Robert A. Kruger
-
Publication number: 20100186513Abstract: A contactless SAW based torque and temperature sensor comprising a first (2) and second (3) SAW resonator provided on a substrate made of Y+34° cut of quartz. The first SAW resonator (2) has its principle axis inclined at +45° to the X-axis of the substrate, which, in use is either aligned with the longitudinal axis of the device who torque is to be measured or is perpendicular thereto, and the second SAW (3) has its principle axis inclined at ?45° to the X-axis of the substrate. A third SAW (4) has its principle axis inclined at an angle of 30 degrees to the X-axis of the substrate. Each said SAW resonator (2,3,4) is formed by laying a film of aluminum on the substrate having a thickness (h) and the SAW resonators have an average operating wavelength ? where the ratio h/? is in the range 0.021 to 0.032.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2010Publication date: July 29, 2010Inventor: VICTOR ALEXANDROVICH KALININ
-
Publication number: 20100177801Abstract: A temperature sensor is described that includes a base, a first set of posts attached to the base having a first coefficient of thermal expansion, a second set of posts attached to the base and having a second coefficient of thermal expansion, and two substantially parallel conductive plates forming a capacitor. The first of the conductive plates is fixed to the first set of posts and the second of the conductive plates is fixed to the second set of posts. Temperature changes cause the first set of posts and the second set of posts to elongate at different rates, thereby changing a distance between the conductive plates and therefore the resulting capacitance. A system and method are also described for determining resonant frequency associated with the sensor which correlates to the temperature at the sensor when multiple sensors are networked across a system.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2009Publication date: July 15, 2010Inventors: William Preston Geren, Brian Kenneth Kormanyos, Kathryn A. Masiello, Gerardo Pena
-
Patent number: 7731420Abstract: At least one transceiver sends ultrasonic pulses through an object, which at least partially transmits ultrasonic pulses, into an element which reflects the ultrasonic pulses. The ultrasonic pulse(s) can be reflected in a temperature-correlated manner from the reflective element to the transceiver.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2005Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Hans-Gerd Brummel, Uwe Linnert, Klaus Newerla, Michael Willsch
-
Patent number: 7726875Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture for monitoring a condition of a material are disclosed. In particular, the example apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture emit a first acoustic signal into a wall of the tubular member having a first temperature value and obtain a first propagation time associated with the first acoustic signal. In addition, a second acoustic signal is emitted into the wall having a second temperature value and a second propagation time associated with the second ultrasonic acoustic signal is obtained. The second temperature value is determined based on the first temperature value and the first and second propagation times.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2008Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: Industrial Measurement Systems, Inc.Inventor: Donald E. Yuhas
-
Publication number: 20100129920Abstract: A piezoelectric bimorph cantilever is used for determining physical parameters in a gaseous or liquid environment. The sensor works as a driven and damped oscillator. Contrary to common cantilever sensor systems, the piezoelectric film of the bimorph cantilever acts as both a sensor and an actuator. Using at least two resonance mode of the bimorph cantilever, at least two physical parameters can be measured simultaneously in a gas or a liquid. An optimized piezoelectric cantilever and a method to produce the cantilever are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2009Publication date: May 27, 2010Applicants: IMEC, Universiteit HasseltInventors: Vincent Mortet, Rainer Petersen
-
Patent number: 7705292Abstract: A condition or detecting a change in the condition of an optical element of a laser arrangement is detected. An ultrasonic signal is coupled into an optical element such that the ultrasonic signal travels along a path within the optical element, and a transit time or a change in transit time for the ultrasonic signal to travel along the path within the optical element is detected.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2008Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: TRUMPF Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH + Co. KGInventors: Gerhard Hammann, Dieter Hallasch, Juergen Hohenadel
-
Patent number: 7674038Abstract: To measure and regulate temperature, a temperature measuring resistor and a control element are accommodated in one layer as metallization on a substrate. The printed or otherwise manufactured conductors of the temperature measuring resistor and of the control element are arranged in close proximity to one another.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2001Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Tesat-Spacecom GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Frank Heine, Lars Bartelt-Berger, Berry Smutny
-
Patent number: 7665891Abstract: A differential temperature sensor system and method of determining a temperature shift of an optical resonator and its surroundings are provided. The differential temperature sensor system includes a light generating device capable of generating a beam having a carrier frequency, a modulator capable of modulating the beam with a sideband frequency, and an optical resonator capable of supporting an ordinary mode and an extraordinary mode. The system includes an ordinary mode-lock setup capable of locking the carrier frequency of the beam to the ordinary mode of the optical resonator and an extraordinary mode-lock setup capable of locking the sideband frequency of the beam to the extraordinary mode of the optical resonator by providing a specific radio frequency to the modulator substantially corresponding to a frequency shift between the ordinary mode and the extraordinary mode of the optical resonator resulting from a temperature change of the optical resonator.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2007Date of Patent: February 23, 2010Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Anatoliy A. Savchenkov, Nan Yu, Lute Maleki, Vladimir S. Iltchenko, Andrey B. Matsko, Dmitry V. Strekalov
-
Patent number: 7661879Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a temperature using transistors includes a plurality of temperature detecting units that become selectively active according to predetermined temperature intervals; and a detection signal output unit that generates detection signals according to the signals transmitted by the plurality of temperature detecting units, and outputs the detection signals.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2006Date of Patent: February 16, 2010Assignee: Hynix Semiconductor Inc.Inventors: Yoon-Jae Shin, Sang-Jin Byun
-
Patent number: 7637656Abstract: A temperature measurement technique for calculating a temperature in a high temperature environment by monitoring a change in resonant frequency of a resonant structure loaded with a dielectric material. A response curve for a reflection coefficient S11 associated with the resonant structure is generated, typically by the use of a network analyzer connected to the resonant structure via a cable. A minimum point for the response curve is identified to detect the resonant frequency for the resonant structure. A calibration map is applied to the minimum point to identify a temperature associated with the resonant frequency of the resonant structure. The temperature associated with the resonant frequency of the resonant structure represents the temperature of the high temperature environment.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2007Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Assignee: Radatec, Inc.Inventors: Scott Billington, Jonathan Geisheimer, Thomas Holst
-
Patent number: 7618185Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric medical thermometer for measuring temperature of patients in cavity. The electric medical thermometer comprises a temperature detecting set, including a temperature detecting element, for capturing temperature signals and a temperature calculating device for temperature signals processing. By combining a primary sampling frequency with a secondary sampling frequency, where the primary sampling frequency is greater than the secondary sampling frequency, the temperature calculating device translates temperature signals captured from the temperature detecting device into a temperature measurement. The underlining method of the present invention is realized by imitating the physiology of the heart beat pulse, which serves as a resource engine of thermal compensation and as an example for the sampling frequency in order to attain more precise and reliable temperature measurement.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2007Date of Patent: November 17, 2009Assignee: Actherm, Inc.Inventor: Chih-Wei Hsieh
-
Patent number: 7616238Abstract: An imaging device having an in vivo CMOS image sensor, at least one illumination source and a controller. The controller controls the illumination source to illuminate for a first period and to be shut off for a subsequent period.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2002Date of Patent: November 10, 2009Assignee: Given Imaging Ltd.Inventors: Dov Avni, Arkady Glukhovsky
-
Publication number: 20090260422Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor includes a transmitting device, a receiving device, and a circuit device. The circuit device determines that the receiving device receives an ultrasonic wave reflected from an object, when an output voltage of the receiving device is equal to or greater than a first threshold. The circuit device includes a humidity detection section configured to detect an ambient humidity of the transmitting and receiving devices and a threshold adjustment section configured to calculate, based on the detected ambient humidity, a sound pressure of the ultrasonic wave that is received by the receiving device after propagating over a round-trip distance between the ultrasonic sensor and the object. The threshold adjustment section reduces the first threshold, when the output voltage corresponding to the calculated sound pressure is less than a second threshold that is greater the first threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2009Publication date: October 22, 2009Applicants: DENSO CORPORATION, NIPPON SOKEN, INC.Inventors: Makiko Sugiura, Yasuyuki Okuda, Takaaki Kawai, Takahiko Yoshida, Hisanaga Matsuoka, Toshiki Isogai, Mitsuyasu Matsuura
-
Publication number: 20090245323Abstract: At least one transceiver sends ultrasonic pulses through an object, which at least partially transmits ultrasonic pulses, into an element which reflects the ultrasonic pulses. The ultrasonic pulse(s) can be reflected in a temperature-correlated manner from the reflective element to the transceiver.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2005Publication date: October 1, 2009Inventors: Hans-Gerd Brummel, Uwe Linnert, Klaus Newerla, Michael Willsch
-
Publication number: 20090213897Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes: an ultrasonic probe in which a first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor are located posterior to an oscillator; and a surface temperature calculation device for calculating a surface temperature of the ultrasonic probe on the basis of a first detection temperature Ta detected by the first temperature sensor and a second detection temperature Tb detected by the second temperature sensor. Also, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes: an ultrasonic probe in which a first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor are embedded in a backing material; and a surface temperature calculation device for calculating a surface temperature Ts of the ultrasonic probe on the basis of a first detection temperature Ta detected by the first temperature sensor and a second detection temperature Tb detected by the second temperature sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2008Publication date: August 27, 2009Inventor: Shinichi Amemiya
-
Patent number: 7575371Abstract: A thermometer and extensometer for cables and conductors is described. The travel time of one or more acoustic signals along a conductor is used to determine the temperature along the conductor and the length of the conductor. The acoustic frequency is selected to minimize temporal dispersion of the propagating acoustic energy. The technique can be used to measure the temperature and sag of an overhead power line, the temperature of the windings in a transformer, or the temperature of the central conductor in a coaxial power cable.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2005Date of Patent: August 18, 2009Assignee: FieldMetrics, IncInventors: Christopher Paul Yakymyshyn, Michael Allen Brubaker, Pamela Jane Hamilton
-
Publication number: 20090196323Abstract: Aspects of a method and system for an energy efficient temperature sensing crystal integrated circuit (TSCIC) are provided. In this regard, one or more circuits in a temperature sensing crystal integrated circuit (TSCIC) may be configured to control power consumption of the TSCIC. The one or more circuits in the TSCIC may comprise a memory and a crystal. The one or more circuits in the TSCIC may be operable to generate an indication of temperature of the crystal. The one or more circuits in the TSCIC may be configured to control a current supplied to the crystal within the TSCIC, wherein the configuring is based on phase noise requirements of a signal generated by the crystal. Generation of the temperature indication may be enabled or disabled. The enabling or disabling may occur based on a rate of change of a temperature in the TSCIC.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2009Publication date: August 6, 2009Inventors: Evan McCarthy, John Walley
-
Publication number: 20090196322Abstract: Aspects of a method and system for a temperature sensing crystal Integrated circuit with digital temperature output are provided. In this regard, an indication of temperature may be generated in an integrated circuit (IC) comprising a memory, a crystal or crystal oscillator, and at least a portion of an analog-to-digital converter. The temperature indication may be digitized via the analog-to-digital converter. Operation of one or more circuits may be controlled based on the digital temperature indication. The digital temperature indication may be communicated over a communication bus. An analog portion of the analog-to-digital converter may be integrated in the IC and may comprise, for example, a delta-sigma modulator. A digital portion of the analog-to-digital converter may be external to the IC and may comprise, for example, a digital filter.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2009Publication date: August 6, 2009Inventors: Evan McCarthy, John Walley
-
Publication number: 20090195294Abstract: Aspects of a method and system for signal generation via a temperature sensing crystal integrated circuit are provided. In this regard, a temperature sensing crystal integrated circuit (TSCIC) comprising a memory and a crystal or crystal oscillator may generate a signal indicative of a measured temperature. The generated signal and data stored in the memory may be utilized to configure one or more circuits communicatively coupled to the TSCIC. The data stored in the memory may characterize behavior of the TSCIC as a function of temperature and/or time. The data characterizing the behavior of the TSCIC may indicate variations in frequency of the crystal or crystal oscillator as a function of temperature and/or time. The data characterizing the behavior of the TSCIC may comprise one or both of a frequency value and a frequency correction value.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2009Publication date: August 6, 2009Inventors: Evan McCarthy, John Walley
-
Publication number: 20090175313Abstract: The invention provides a method and a device for determining the temperature of a semiconductor substrate. A resonance circuit (110) is provided on the semiconductor substrate and is formed by a junction capacitor (11) and an inductor (12). The substrate is placed on a holder and the with electromagnetic energy of an electromagnetic field (5) generated by a radiation device (200). A circuit (110) is determined by detecting an effect of the resonance circuit (110) on the irradiated temperature of the semiconductor substrate is determined as a function of the resonance frequency. The method and device according to the invention provide for a more accurate determination of the temperature of the semiconductor substrate due to an increased sensitivity to the temperature of the junction capacitor (11).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2007Publication date: July 9, 2009Applicant: NXP B.V.Inventors: Srdjan Kordic, Meindert M. Lunenborg, Jean-Philippe Jacquemin
-
Patent number: 7549791Abstract: The invention relates to a remotely interrogable SAW (surface acoustic wave) temperature sensor comprising. At least two resonators (T1, saw, T2, saw) have transducers having interdigitated electrodes connected to control buses of design such that they have different characteristic operating frequencies. A first resonator has a first surface acoustic wave propagation direction, parallel to one of the axes of the substrate, and a second resonator has a surface acoustic wave propagation direction making a nonzero angle (?) with the propagation direction of the first resonator. The control buses of the second transducer are inclined at a nonzero angle (?) to the normal to the interdigitated electrodes of the second transducer so as to compensate for the power flow divergence of the acoustic waves along the second transducer.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2004Date of Patent: June 23, 2009Assignee: SenseorInventors: Louis Penavaire, Marc Solal, Thomas Pastureaud
-
Patent number: 7548263Abstract: An imaging device having an in vivo CMOS image sensor, at least one illumination source and a controller. The controller controls the illumination source to illuminate for a first period and to be shut off for a subsequent period.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2002Date of Patent: June 16, 2009Assignee: Given Imaging Ltd.Inventors: Dov Avni, Arkady Glukhovsky