Including Sensor Having Hysteresis Or Cryogenic Property (e.g., Ferromagnetism, Superconductivity) Patents (Class 374/176)
  • Patent number: 11980105
    Abstract: The various embodiments described herein include methods, devices, and systems for operating superconducting circuits. In one aspect, an electric circuit includes: (1) a superconductor component having a first terminal at a first end and a second terminal at a second end; (2) a gate component thermally-coupled to the superconductor component at a first location between the first terminal and the second terminal, where the gate component is thermally-coupled via a first section of the gate component; and where the gate component has a smallest width at the first section so as to focus resistive heating toward the superconductor component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignees: PSIQUANTUM CORP., Government of the United States of America, as Represented by the Secretary of Commerce
    Inventors: Faraz Najafi, Qiaodan Jin Stone, Adam Nykoruk McCaughan
  • Patent number: 11739567
    Abstract: An electronic article surveillance tag including a tag body member and a connecting member having a pin portion releasably engageable with the tag body member, wherein the pin portion extends along a first axis. The tag further includes a locking member having a clutch mechanism including a plunger member formed from a non-ferromagnetic material and an unlocking member connected to the clutch mechanism. The unlocking member is moveable along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein during movement between the locked position and the unlocked position, the unlocking member moves the clutch mechanism between the first position corresponding to the locked state and the second position corresponding to the unlocked state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: SENSORMATIC ELECTRONICS, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick Claeys, Sergio M. Perez
  • Patent number: 11647673
    Abstract: An antenna comprising; a substrate; a continuous film of yttrium barium copper oxide (YBCO) disposed on the substrate having first and second regions, wherein the first region has a first oxygen doping level and wherein the second region has a second oxygen doping level that is different from the first oxygen doping level; a nano-scale conductive structure, shaped to resonate at a terahertz (THz) frequency, disposed on a boundary between the first and second regions; and a conductive path electrically connected to the first and second regions and to the conductive structure such that induced current in the structure due to incoming THz radiation heats the boundary thereby creating a thermal gradient, which results in the generation of Seebeck effect voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Taylor, Teresa H. Emery
  • Patent number: 11588092
    Abstract: A particle detector according to one embodiment includes: superconductive lines, conductive lines, insulating films, a first detection circuit, and a second detection circuit. The superconductive lines extend in a first direction and are arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The conductive lines extend in a third direction different from the first direction and are arranged in a fourth direction intersecting the third direction. The insulating films are each interposed at an intersection point between one of the superconductive lines and one of the conductive lines. The first detection circuit detects a voltage change occurring in the superconductive lines. The second detection circuit detects a current or a voltage generated in the conductive lines when the voltage change occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Kioxia Corporation
    Inventor: Takeshi Yamane
  • Patent number: 11536613
    Abstract: A temperature sensing circuit adapted for a memory device and including an oscillator, a count circuit, a control circuit, a sense circuit and a select circuit is provided. The oscillator provides an oscillation signal. The count circuit counts the oscillation signal to generate a first count signal, and generates a second count signal. The count circuit performs a logic operation on the second count signal to generate an enable signal and a sensing adjustment signal. The sense circuit generates a reference temperature voltage by dividing a reference voltage according to the sensing adjustment signal, and compares the reference temperature voltage and a monitor voltage according to the enable signal to generate a determination signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Winbond Electronics Corp.
    Inventor: Takahiko Sato
  • Patent number: 11525742
    Abstract: A temperature sensor for a battery cell of a rechargeable battery is described, and includes a resistive sensing element, a first electrode, and a second electrode. The resistive sensing element, the first electrode, and the second electrode are affixed to a porous separator. The porous separator is interposed between an anode and a cathode of the battery cell. The resistive sensing element is electrically connected in series between the first electrode and the second electrode, and the resistive sensing element, the first electrode and the second electrode are affixed onto the separator as film layers, and are porous.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Alfred Zhang, Gayatri V. Dadheech, Jing Gao, Brian J. Koch
  • Patent number: 11331993
    Abstract: A temperature conditioning unit includes a first temperature conditioning unit part, a second temperature conditioning unit part, and a blower (centrifugal blower). The first temperature conditioning unit part includes a first housing, a first air hole part, a first air chamber, a first object to be temperature-conditioned, and a second air chamber. The second temperature conditioning unit part includes a second housing, a second object to be temperature-conditioned, a second air hole part, and a third air chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shizuka Yokote, Taku Uno, Takashi Ogawa, Sho Koyama, Michihiro Kurokawa
  • Patent number: 11300853
    Abstract: A system and method to convert a wideband optical signal to a multi-bit digital electrical signal using a superconducting integrated circuit. In a preferred embodiment, the optical signal modulates the phase (i.e., adjusts the timing) of a sequence of single-flux-quantum voltage pulses. The optoelectronic modulator may comprise an optically tunable Josephson junction, superconducting inductor, or bolometric detector, with switching speeds approaching 100 ps or less. The optical signal may comprise a plurality of optical signals such as a wavelength-division multiplexed signal. The optical-to-digital converter may be applied to high-speed digital communication switches, broadband digital input/output for superconducting or quantum computing, and control/readout of detector arrays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: SeeQC Inc.
    Inventors: Oleg A. Mukhanov, Igor V. Vernik
  • Patent number: 10656028
    Abstract: A semiconductor device that may include temperature sensing circuits is disclosed. The temperature sensing circuits may be used to control various parameters, such as internal regulated supply voltages, internal refresh frequency, or a word line low voltage. In this way, operating specifications of a semiconductor device at worst case temperatures may be met without compromising performance at normal operating temperatures. Each temperature sensing circuit may include a selectable temperature threshold value as well as a selectable temperature hysteresis value. In this way, temperature performance characteristics may be finely tuned. Furthermore, a method of testing the temperature sensing circuits is disclosed in which a current value may be monitored and temperature threshold values and temperature hysteresis values may be thereby determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Darryl G. Walker
  • Patent number: 8485723
    Abstract: One-time, single-use sensor elements (22, 46) are provided for detecting the occurrence of predetermined conditions such as temperature and elapsed time-temperature. The sensor elements (22, 46) preferably comprise elongated, glass-coated, metal alloy, amorphous or nanocrystalline microwires (30, 48), which can be placed in a position to detect the predetermined condition of interest. An alternating magnetic field detector (28) may be used to continuously or periodically interrogate the sensor elements (22, 46) to determine if the predetermined condition has occurred. In one aspect of the invention, the microwires (30, 48) experience a change in configuration upon the occurrence of the predetermined condition, and have correspondingly different induced remagnetization responses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: TSI Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Evgeni Sorkine, Brian L. Clothier
  • Patent number: 8308359
    Abstract: An apparatus including a temperature-sensing circuit. The temperature-sensing circuit can include an amplifier. The amplifier can include a positive input and a negative input. The negative input can be configured to be driven by a temperature-independent signal. A first transistor electrically can be connected to the positive input. The first transistor can be configured to be controlled by a temperature signal. A temperature threshold resistance and a hysteresis resistance can be electrically connected in series to the positive input. A second transistor can be electrically connected in parallel with the hysteresis resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Intellectual Ventures Holding 83 LLC
    Inventor: Darryl G. Walker
  • Publication number: 20120243574
    Abstract: A semiconductor device that may include temperature sensing circuits is disclosed. The temperature sensing circuits may be used to control various parameters, such as internal regulated supply voltages, internal refresh frequency, or a word line low voltage. In this way, operating specifications of a semiconductor device at worst case temperatures may be met without compromising performance at normal operating temperatures. Each temperature sensing circuit may include a selectable temperature threshold value as well as a selectable temperature hysteresis value. In this way, temperature performance characteristics may be finely tuned. Furthermore, a method of testing the temperature sensing circuits is disclosed in which a current value may be monitored and temperature threshold values and temperature hysteresis values may be thereby determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventor: Darryl G. Walker
  • Patent number: 8251581
    Abstract: The temperature sensors (26,64,96) preferably include a plurality of individual, magnetically susceptible temperature sensor elements (28-34,66,92), as well as optional magnetic field-responsive data elements (38,40,20) adapted for attachment to object (44) or to a substrate (82) in turn attached to object (44). The temperature sensor elements (28-34,66,92) preferably have magnetic bodies (22,70) exhibiting a re-magnetization response under the influence of an applied alternating magnetic field, which is different below and above a set point temperature, normally the Curie temperature of the magnetic body (22) or an adjacent sheath (74,94).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: TSI Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Brian L. Clothier, Edwin T. Abbett
  • Patent number: 8061895
    Abstract: There is provided a semiconductor device which can maintain a high tuning accuracy while suppressing a cost increase and suppress an increase in the time required for tuning. There are included, in addition to variable resistors configuring a level shift circuit, an additional resistor coupled between the output node of a VBGR voltage of a BGR circuit and one of the variable resistors and an additional resistor coupled between the other of the variable resistors and a reference voltage. N-channel MOS transistors are coupled in parallel with the additional resistors, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Masaki Tsukude
  • Patent number: 7985022
    Abstract: A device and method of remote temperature sensing, the device having a temperature sensor placeable on a rotating item utilizing the temperature sensor being a plurality of rectangular shaped amorphous magnetic alloy strips connected magnetically, wherein at least one of the strips has a predetermined ferromagnetic Curie temperature and another strip has a magnetic permeability exceeding 2,000.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Metglas, Inc.
    Inventors: Daichi Azuma, Ryusuke Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 7954995
    Abstract: A sensor arrangement includes, in some embodiments, a magnetostrictive element configured to output magnetic signals in response to a magnetic field. A sensor is configured to sense a value of a property of a selected object, and to provide an electrical resistance that varies in response to variations in the sensed value. The sensor cooperates with the magnetostrictive element to vary the frequency of the signals output by the magnetostrictive element based on variations of the electrical resistance provided by the sensor. A transmitter provides an alternating magnetic field to the magnetostrictive element, and a receiver picks up the magnetic signals generated by the magnetostrictive element. The frequency of the signals received is correlated with the sensor resistance, and the resistance is correlated to a value of the property sensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Philip Gonzales, Ronald Elder
  • Patent number: 7953573
    Abstract: A semiconductor device that may include temperature sensing circuits is disclosed. The temperature sensing circuits may be used to control various parameters, such as internal regulated supply voltages, internal refresh frequency, or a word line low voltage. In this way, operating specifications of a semiconductor device at worst case temperatures may be met without compromising performance at normal operating temperatures. Each temperature sensing circuit may include a selectable temperature threshold value as well as a selectable temperature hysteresis value. In this way, temperature performance characteristics may be finely tuned. Furthermore, a method of testing the temperature sensing circuits is disclosed in which a current value may be monitored and temperature threshold values and temperature hysteresis values may be thereby determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Agersonn Rall Group, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Darryl G. Walker
  • Patent number: 7931400
    Abstract: A temperature sensor includes a plurality of rectangular shaped amorphous magnetic alloy strips connected magnetically, wherein at least one of the strips has a predetermined ferromagnetic Curie temperature, and another strip has a magnetic permeability well exceeding 2,000. The temperature sensor may be used in a related remote temperature sensing method wherein the sensor is interrogated by a magnetic field and the temperature sensor's response signal is detected electromagnetically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Metglas, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryusuke Hasegawa, Daichi Azuma
  • Patent number: 7896544
    Abstract: To provide a heat detector in which thermal responsiveness of a heat detecting unit such as a ceramic element is improved. A heat detector 1 includes a ceramic element 10 accommodated in a sensing-device main body, and measures a temperature in a monitoring area based on a dielectric constant of the ceramic element 10. The Curie point temperature of the ceramic element 10 is set in a predetermined sensitive temperature range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Hochiki Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsuya Nagashima, Manabu Dohi, Yoshimi Kawabata, Yasuo Ohmori
  • Publication number: 20110044372
    Abstract: A semiconductor device that may include temperature sensing circuits is disclosed. The temperature sensing circuits may be used to control various parameters, such as internal regulated supply voltages, internal refresh frequency, or a word line low voltage. In this way, operating specifications of a semiconductor device at worst case temperatures may be met without compromising performance at normal operating temperatures. Each temperature sensing circuit may include a selectable temperature threshold value as well as a selectable temperature hysteresis value. In this way, temperature performance characteristics may be finely tuned. Furthermore, a method of testing the temperature sensing circuits is disclosed in which a current value may be monitored and temperature threshold values and temperature hysteresis values may be thereby determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventor: Darryl G. Walker
  • Publication number: 20100322283
    Abstract: The temperature sensors (26,64,96) preferably include a plurality of individual, magnetically susceptible temperature sensor elements (28-34,66,92), as well as optional magnetic field-responsive data elements (38,40,20) adapted for attachment to object (44) or to a substrate (82) in turn attached to object (44). The temperature sensor elements (28-34,66,92) preferably have magnetic bodies (22,70) exhibiting a re-magnetization response under the influence of an applied alternating magnetic field, which is different below and above a set point temperature, normally the Curie temperature of the magnetic body (22) or an adjacent sheath (74,94).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: TSI TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Brian L. Clothier, Edwin T. Abbett
  • Patent number: 7794142
    Abstract: Small, low-cost wireless temperature sensors (26,64,96) are provided for sensing the temperature of an object (44). The temperature sensors (26,64,96) preferably include a plurality of individual, magnetically susceptible temperature sensor elements (28-34,66,92), as well as optional magnetic field-responsive data elements (38,40,20) adapted for attachment to object (44) or to a substrate (82) in turn attached to object (44). The temperature sensor elements (28-34,66,92) preferably have magnetic bodies (22,70) exhibiting a re-magnetization response under the influence of an applied alternating magnetic field, which is different below and above a set point temperature, normally the Curie temperature of the magnetic body (22) or an adjacent sheath (74,94).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: TSI Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Brian L. Clothier, Edwin T. Abbett
  • Patent number: 7789557
    Abstract: A superconducting radiometry apparatus has a micro-calorie meter that detects an energy of a radiant ray as a temperature change. A signal detection mechanism detects an electric current flowing to the micro-calorie meter. A heat addition device adds a quantity of heat to the micro-calorie meter. A peak value monitor measures, in synchronization with the addition of the quantity of heat to the micro-calorie meter, a peak value of an output voltage corresponding to an output signal from the signal detection mechanism. An energy correction device corrects, on the basis of an output from the peak value monitor, an energy value so as to become a peak value corresponding to the quantity of heat added to the micro-calorie meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: SII NanoTechnology Inc.
    Inventors: Keiichi Tanaka, Akikazu Odawara, Satoshi Nakayama
  • Publication number: 20100118915
    Abstract: A device and a method of thermal management. In one embodiment, the device includes an integrated circuit, including: (1) a conductive region configured to be connected to a voltage source, (2) a transistor having a semiconductor channel with a controllable conductivity and (3) first and second conducting leads connecting to respective first and second ends of said channel, wherein a charge in the conductive region is configured to substantially raise an electrical potential energy of conduction charge carriers in the semiconductor channel and portions of said leads are located where an electric field produced by said charge is substantially weaker than near the semiconductor channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: Alcatel-Lucent USA Inc.
    Inventor: Steven H. Simon
  • Publication number: 20100080263
    Abstract: A sensor arrangement includes, in some embodiments, a magnetostrictive element configured to output magnetic signals in response to a magnetic field. A sensor is configured to sense a value of a property of a selected object, and to provide an electrical resistance that varies in response to variations in the sensed value. The sensor cooperates with the magnetostrictive element to vary the frequency of the signals output by the magnetostrictive element based on variations of the electrical resistance provided by the sensor. A transmitter provides an alternating magnetic field to the magnetostrictive element, and a receiver picks up the magnetic signals generated by the magnetostrictive element. The frequency of the signals received is correlated with the sensor resistance, and the resistance is correlated to a value of the property sensed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Phillip Gonzales, Ronald Elder
  • Patent number: 7654736
    Abstract: A semiconductor device that may include temperature sensing circuits is disclosed. The temperature sensing circuits may be used to control various parameters, such as internal regulated supply voltages, internal refresh frequency, a word line low voltage, or the like. In this way, operating specifications of a semiconductor device at worst case temperatures may be met without compromising performance at normal operating temperatures. Each temperature sensing circuit may include a selectable temperature threshold value as well as a selectable temperature hysteresis value. In this way, temperature performance characteristics may be finely tuned. Furthermore, a method of testing the temperature sensing circuits is disclosed in which a current value may be monitored and temperature threshold values and temperature hysteresis values may be thereby determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Inventor: Darryl Walker
  • Patent number: 7651267
    Abstract: A sensor arrangement includes, in some embodiments, a magnetostrictive element configured to output magnetic signals in response to a magnetic field. A sensor is configured to sense a value of a property of a selected object, and to provide an electrical resistance that varies in response to variations in the sensed value. The sensor cooperates with the magnetostrictive element to vary the frequency of the signals output by the magnetostrictive element based on variations of the electrical resistance provided by the sensor. A transmitter provides an alternating magnetic field to the magnetostrictive element, and a receiver picks up the magnetic signals generated by the magnetostrictive element. The frequency of the signals received is correlated with the sensor resistance, and the resistance is correlated to a value of the property sensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Phillip Gonzales, Ronald Elder
  • Patent number: 7641389
    Abstract: A sensor comprises a reference sample arranged to be subject to at least one variable physical parameter such that a variation in the value of the at least one variable physical parameter causes a change in the magnetisation of the reference sample, means for measuring the magnetisation of the reference sample, and means for determining in dependence upon the measured magnetisation whether there has been a variation in the value of the at least one variable physical parameter, wherein the reference sample comprises a Heusler alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Anke Husmann, Michael Pepper
  • Publication number: 20090252197
    Abstract: The invention relates to a culinary article (100) having a bottom (101) in which heat-sensitive means (130) made of electrically conductive materials are placed. According to the invention, the heat-sensitive means (130) are made of non-ferromagnetic materials having a temperature-variable resistivity (p).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Applicant: SEB S.A.
    Inventors: Jocelyn Bonnel, Noel Burais
  • Patent number: 7575372
    Abstract: A device for contactless measurement of a rotor temperature includes a magnet supported on the rotor, electric coils which are arranged at the stator with which the rotor cooperates, and an electronic unit for measuring a voltage induced in the coil and including a component that converts the measured voltage into a temperature-proportional signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Pfeiffer Vacuum GmbH
    Inventor: Armin Conrad
  • Publication number: 20090196326
    Abstract: There is provided a semiconductor device which can maintain a high tuning accuracy while suppressing a cost increase and suppress an increase in the time required for tuning. There are included, in addition to variable resistors configuring a level shift circuit, an additional resistor coupled between the output node of a VBGR voltage of a BGR circuit and one of the variable resistors and an additional resistor coupled between the other of the variable resistors and a reference voltage. N-channel MOS transistors are coupled in parallel with the additional resistors, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventor: Masaki TSUKUDE
  • Patent number: 7537384
    Abstract: In a temperature-recording method for recording a temperature by means of an electrical circuit of a data storage medium, which electrical circuit is suppliable with energy by means of a signal feedable to the data storage medium, provision is made for a physical variable dependent on the temperature to be recorded by means of the circuit supplied with energy, the physical variable being influenced by a temperature-recording material (1, 7), preferably a piezoelectric or ferroelectric material, co-operating with the circuit, which material comprises alignable electric or magnetic elementary dipoles (3), and for which temperature-recording material (1, 7) a Curie temperature is known, exceeding of which causes the alignment of the elementary dipoles to be lost, and the temperature-recording material (1, 7) being selected in such a way that its known Curie temperature corresponds to a pre-determined limit temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventor: Achim Hilgers
  • Publication number: 20080212646
    Abstract: A device and method of remote temperature sensing, the device having a temperature sensor placeable on a rotating item utilizing the temperature sensor being a plurality of rectangular shaped amorphous magnetic alloy strips connected magnetically, wherein at least one of the strips has a predetermined ferromagnetic Curie temperature and another strip has a magnetic permeability exceeding 2,000.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: METGLAS, INC.
    Inventors: Daichi Azuma, Ryusuke Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 7310013
    Abstract: A temperature sensor device and method of sensing temperature are disclosed. The device and method include generating a reference voltage inversely correlated to the temperature, generating a plurality of analysis voltages correlated to the temperature using a reference current, comparing the reference voltage to each of the plurality of analysis voltages, and generating a temperature estimate based on the comparison. The device and method may also include a method to selectively bypass various resistors in a resistor stack used to generate the various analysis voltages. Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a semiconductor device including at least one temperature sensor according to the invention described herein. The temperature sensor and method of sensing temperature may be incorporated into a semiconductor device, which may be fabricated on a semiconductor wafer and included in an electronic system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: J. David Porter
  • Patent number: 7213967
    Abstract: A method of generating a temperature measurement for a batch or a continuous stream of material. The method includes providing a particle having a signal that changes at a pre-determined temperature; inserting the particle into the batch or continuous stream; and detecting a signal change from the particle to thereby generate a temperature measurement for the batch or continuous stream. A suitable system for use in carrying out the method is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: North Carolina State University
    Inventors: Josip Simunovic, Kenneth R. Swartzel, Eric Adles
  • Patent number: 7180211
    Abstract: A temperature sensor is comprised of a device adapted to provide a first signal having a parameter responsive to temperature. A generator provides a reference signal having a parameter that is substantially consistent over a preselected temperature range. A comparator is electrically coupled to the device and the generator and is adapted to provide a second signal in response to the parameter of the first signal differing from the parameter of the reference signal. A digital filter is coupled to the comparator and is adapted to provide a third signal in response to receiving the second signal for a preselected duration of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Micro Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Manoj K. Sinha, Glen E. Hush
  • Patent number: 7112954
    Abstract: Methods, Systems, and Devices for Evaluation of Thermal Treatment. A magnetically detectable particle and related methods, systems, and devices are provided for generating a temperature measurement for a batch or a continuous stream of material. The particle can include a first and second magnet each comprising a positive and negative pole. The particle can also include an adhesive having a release temperature and operable to attach one or both of the positive and negative poles of the first magnet proximate to the same polarity pole of the second magnet or to attach one of the positive and negative poles of the first magnet between the poles of the second magnet below the release temperature such that a first magnetic field is generated by the first and second magnet. The adhesive can also be operable to release the first and second magnets from one another above the release temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: North Carolina State University
    Inventors: Tunc Koray Palazoglu, Josip Simunovic, Kenneth R. Swartzel, Kandiyan Puthalath Sandeep
  • Patent number: 7084695
    Abstract: A temperature sensor device and method of sensing temperature are disclosed. The device and method include generating a reference voltage inversely correlated to the temperature, generating a plurality of analysis voltages correlated to the temperature using a reference current, comparing the reference voltage to each of the plurality of analysis voltages, and generating a temperature estimate based on the comparison. The device and method may also include a method to selectively bypass various resistors in a resistor stack used to generate the various analysis voltages. Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a semiconductor device including at least one temperature sensor according to the invention described herein. The temperature sensor and method of sensing temperature may be incorporated into a semiconductor device, which may be fabricated on a semiconductor wafer and included in an electronic system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: J. David Porter
  • Patent number: 7059768
    Abstract: The invention provides a set of standards for accurately calibrating a vacuum thermogravimetric analyzer (VTGA). The invention solves the problem of calibrating a VTGA by using the actual magnetic transitions and associated transition temperatures, or Curie temperatures, TC's, of a set of standards which can be used in-situ at the location of the sample holder obviating the difficulties associated with indirect methods of calibration. The set of standards permits accurate calibration through sufficiently numerous calibration points over a rather limited low-temperature range for determining vapor pressures of compounds. The set of temperature calibration standards is fabricated from slugs of ferromagnetic material. The composition of the ferromagnetic material in each slug is altered by alloying a ferromagnetic constituent with a non-ferromagnetic constituent to provide a plurality of standards with different Curie temperature over the limited temperature range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands
    Inventors: Malika Dothresa Carter, Michael Andrew Parker
  • Patent number: 7004620
    Abstract: A method of generating a temperature measurement for a batch or a continuous stream of material. The method includes providing a particle having a signal that changes at a pre-determined temperature; inserting the particle into the batch or continuous stream; and detecting a signal change from the particle to thereby generate a temperature measurement for the batch or continuous stream. A suitable system for use in carrying out the method is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: North Carolina State University
    Inventors: Josip Simunovic, Kenneth R. Swartzel, Eric Adles
  • Patent number: 6974952
    Abstract: A radiation detector comprises an energy/electricity converter having a detection area for detecting incident radiation, and electrodes connecting the converter to an external driving circuit for driving the converter to convert energy of the incident radiation detected by the detection area of the converter into an electric signal. A collimator is integrally connected to the converter and has an opening for transmitting radiation to irradiate the detection area of the converter and portions for preventing radiation from irradiating a part of the converter other than the detection area. A spacer is integrally connected to the collimator and the converter for maintaining a preselected distance between the collimator and the detection area of the converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: SII NanoTechnology Inc.
    Inventors: Toshimitsu Morooka, Keiichi Tanaka, Atsushi Nagata, Kazuo Chinone, Tatsuji Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 6907359
    Abstract: A superconducting radiation detector relies upon the abruptness of a superconducting transition edge to converts a slight heat generated by an X-ray into a high signal current and uses an electrothermal self-feedback mechanism to provide a high energy resolution and a high counting rate. A calorimeter incorporating such a radiation detector has an absorber for absorbing X-rays, a resistor formed of a superconductor provided under the absorber and having a resistance value that varies with heat generated in the absorber, superconducting wires for connecting the resistor to an external current detector, a membrane on which the resistor is provided, and an insulating film provided between the resistor and the absorber and having at least one hole penetrating therethrough, the resistor and the absorber being in contact through the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: SII NanoTechnology Inc.
    Inventors: Keiichi Tanaka, Toshimitsu Morooka, Satoshi Nakayama
  • Patent number: 6871998
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for accurately calibrating a vacuum thermogravimetric analyzer (VTGA). The invention solves the problem of calibrating a VTGA by using the actual magnetic transitions and associated transition temperatures, or Curie temperatures, Tc's, of a set of standards which can be used in-situ at the location of the sample holder obviating the difficulties associated with indirect methods of calibration. The invention encompasses a method of using a set of calibration standards comprised of a plurality of ferromagnetic slugs to provide a temperature calibration for a VTGA. The method permits accurate calibration through sufficiently numerous calibration points over a rather limited low-temperature range for determining vapor pressures of compounds. Through the use of these standards, highly accurate measurements can be made of the vapor pressures of critical hard disk drive compounds, such as lubricants, and corrosion inhibitors, that are crucial to competitive disk drive technology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Malika Dothresa Carter, Michael Andrew Parker
  • Patent number: 6836677
    Abstract: A bolometer thin film having a high temperature coefficient of resistance (|TCR|) is produced in a simple and easy production process to provide a highly sensitive infrared sensing element. The invention provides a bolometer using a thin film of an oxide represented by ZyCuOx, wherein Z is one or more alkaline earth metals, one or more rare earth element selected from yttrium and lanthanide elements, one or more elements belonging to Period 5 or Period 6 of the Periodic Table selected from bismuth, lead, thallium, mercury, and cadmium, or potassium or sodium, y is a number satisfying 0≦y≦2, and x is a number satisfying 0.5y<x≦1.5+2y. The bolometer has a temperature coefficient of resistance (|TCR|) higher than that of conventional bolometers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroko Higuma, Shoji Miyashita
  • Patent number: 6817760
    Abstract: A current probe transformer temperature monitoring method determines an initial transformer temperature of the current probe as a function of the winding resistance of the transformer. A relative temperature of the Hall Effect device is also determined as a function of resistance change of the Hall Effect device. The initial transformer temperature and the relative Hall Effect device temperature are combined to produce a continuous transformer temperature indicative of the temperature of the transformer. The current signal to the multi-turn winding is removed when the continuous transformer temperature exceeds a threshold temperature value and a visual indication may be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Mende, Jonathan S. Dandy, Michael D. Stevens, Albert S. Crane, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6776523
    Abstract: A method of generating a temperature measurement for a batch or a continuous stream of material. The method includes providing a particle having a signal that changes at a pre-determined temperature; inserting the particle into the batch or continuous stream; and detecting a signal change from the particle to thereby generate a temperature measurement for the batch or continuous stream. A suitable system for use in carrying out the method is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: North Carolina State University
    Inventors: Josip Simunovic, Kenneth R. Swartzel, Eric Adles
  • Patent number: 6505471
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting a device is provided in which characteristics of the device used at low temperature such as a high temperature superconductive filter are measured and adjusted without deterioration of the device. The device used at low temperature is disposed within an atmosphere of substitutional gas such as nitrogen and the like. The device is cooled by using cryogen, for example, liquid nitrogen, stored in a bath which is disposed in a glove box. The cryogen has a temperature near the temperature at which the device is used. The device is placed on a cooling stage which is partially soaked in the cryogen, thereby said device is cooled by the cryogen having a temperature near the temperature at which the device is used. Characteristics of the device are measured and adjusted while cooling the device by using the cryogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Wataru Hattori
  • Patent number: 6489831
    Abstract: A CMOS temperature sensor includes a first circuit portion for generating a voltage signal whose value increases with the temperature to be sensed, and a second circuit portion for generating an electric voltage signal whose value decreases with the temperature to be sensed. A comparator is provided as an output stage for comparing the values of both voltage signals. The generator element of the second circuit portion is a vertical bipolar transistor connected in a diode configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Giovanni Matranga, Luca Lo Coco, Giuseppe Compagno
  • Publication number: 20020044590
    Abstract: A method of generating a temperature measurement for a batch or a continuous stream of material. The method includes providing a particle having a signal that changes at a pre-determined temperature; inserting the particle into the batch or continuous stream; and detecting a signal change from the particle to thereby generate a temperature measurement for the batch or continuous stream. A suitable system for use in carrying out the method is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Inventors: Josip Simunovic, Kenneth R. Swartzel, Eric Adles
  • Patent number: 6357912
    Abstract: A current sensing noise thermometer is described, in which a low noise amplifier is used to measure the noise current in a sensor resistor and the sensor resistor is connected in series with a superconducting coil, or a coil assembly including at least one superconductor. The superconductor of the coil assembly is preferably positioned inside the coil, and the superconducting transition temperature of the superconductor is used to calibrate the thermometer. Preferably, the sensor resistor is grounded to enable particularly low temperatures to be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Royal Holloway & Bedford New College
    Inventor: Junyun Li