By Current Modifying Sensor Patents (Class 374/183)
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Patent number: 11543296Abstract: A method may include heating a substrate in a first chamber to a platen temperature, the heating comprising heating the substrate on a platen; measuring the platen temperature in the first chamber using a contact temperature measurement; transferring the substrate to a second chamber after the heating; and measuring a voltage decay after transferring the substrate to the second chamber, using an optical pyrometer to measure pyrometer voltage as a function of time.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2019Date of Patent: January 3, 2023Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Eric D. Wilson, Steven Anella, D. Jeffrey Lischer, James McLane, Bradley M. Pomerleau, Dawei Sun
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Patent number: 11219412Abstract: This document describes techniques for, and systems that enable, in-ear health monitoring. The techniques described herein enable early detection of health conditions (e.g., contagious disease) through use of an in-ear health-monitoring and audio device. These techniques prompt a user, often through the user's smart phone, to listen to audio content through the device, which also takes the user's temperature. Through repetitive use, the techniques are capable of determining a temperature differential for the user, which aids in early detection of a contagious disease or other malady.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2018Date of Patent: January 11, 2022Assignee: Google LLCInventors: Jeffrey L. Rogers, Brian Derek DeBusschere
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Patent number: 10801898Abstract: A temperature probe is configured to be used in a domestic oven and comprises a sensing portion for inserting into food during cooking and a cable for coupling the sensing portion to a control unit of the oven. The cable is semi-rigid so that it is configured for self-supporting the sensing portion of the probe.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2017Date of Patent: October 13, 2020Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Cristiano Vito Pastore, Marco Giuliani, Giulio Ghiglieri, Riccardo Nava
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Patent number: 10488873Abstract: Techniques for monitoring surface temperature of devices are described. Generally, surface temperature of devices is monitored and controlled to prevent user discomfort and/or injury that may result from user contact with an excessively heated surface. In at least some embodiments, temperature of an external surface of the device is indirectly monitored. For instance, a temperature sensor is positioned at an internal location in a device that has a known temperature relationship to a temperature of an external surface of the device. Alternatively or additionally, a temperature of an external surface of a device may be directly detected. In at least some embodiments, when a temperature of an external surface of a device is determined to reach or exceed a threshold temperature, procedures can be implemented to reduce the temperature of the external surface and/or prevent further heating of the external surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2017Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Andrew Douglas Delano, Timothy Jakoboski, Ying Huang
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Patent number: 10458858Abstract: A micromachined apparatus includes micromachined thermistor having first and second ends physically and thermally coupled to a substrate via first and second anchor structures to enable a temperature-dependent resistance of the micromachined thermistor to vary according to a time-varying temperature of the substrate. The micromachined thermistor has a length, from the first end to the second end, greater than a linear distance between the first and second anchor structures.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2018Date of Patent: October 29, 2019Assignee: SiTime CorporationInventors: Carl Arft, Aaron Partridge, Paul M. Hagelin
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Patent number: 10386246Abstract: A nonintrusive temperature measuring apparatus for measuring the fluid temperature in at least partially thermally insulated tubes of installations in the processing industry, has the tube is completely sheathed by a thermal insulation layer at least at the measurement point, wherein a sensor electronics system with a temperature sensor is mounted onto the tube within the thermal insulation layer, a connecting electronics system is arranged outside the thermal insulation layer, and wherein the sensor electronics system and the connecting electronics system have one or more energy transmitters for wireless energy transmission for supplying the sensor electronics system and one or more temperature transmitters for wireless communication for transmitting the temperature measurement values from the sensor electronics system to the connecting electronics system.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2017Date of Patent: August 20, 2019Assignee: ABB SCHWEIZ AGInventors: Rolf Disselnkoetter, Joerg Gebhardt, Stephan Wildermuth
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Systems, methods, and apparatus for foreign object detection loop based on inductive thermal sensing
Patent number: 10295693Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for detecting foreign objects. An apparatus for detecting a presence of an object is provided. The apparatus includes a coil configured to inductively sense a presence of an object based on an electrical characteristic of the coil that varies as a function of a temperature of the object when the object is exposed to an alternating magnetic field. The apparatus further includes a controller configured to detect a change in the electrical characteristic.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2014Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Assignee: WiTricity CorporationInventor: Hanspeter Widmer -
Patent number: 10163686Abstract: A temperature sensor arrangement in an integrated circuit (IC) includes a sensor array configured to determine a temperature of the IC. The sensor array includes a first transistor having a first terminal, a second terminal and a gate. The temperature sensor array further includes a guard ring region between the sensor array and another circuit of the IC. The guard ring region includes a transistor structure having a first terminal, a second terminal and a gate. The temperature sensor arrangement further includes a thermally conductive element connected to the transistor structure and a first terminal of the first transistor. The thermally conductive element is configured to provide a thermally conductive path from the transistor structure to the first terminal of the first transistor.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2015Date of Patent: December 25, 2018Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.Inventors: Jaw-Juinn Horng, Szu-Lin Liu
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Patent number: 10130205Abstract: A cooking appliance including a temperature sensing system having an upper housing having a first heating surface and a lower housing having a second heating surface includes a temperature sensing probe, a control panel and a control unit in electrical communication with the temperature sensing probe and the control panel. The temperature sensing probe is removably received by the upper housing and extends through the first heating surface. The control panel has one or more input buttons for allowing a user to select at least one input parameter including a desired internal temperature of a food item.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2013Date of Patent: November 20, 2018Assignee: CONAIR CORPORATIONInventors: Kam Fai Fung, Kin Man Lai
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Patent number: 9477251Abstract: A reference voltage circuit including a constant voltage circuit and a resistance voltage divider circuit. The constant voltage circuit includes a Zener diode, and a bias current circuit connected in series with the Zener diode and causing a constant current to flow into the Zener diode. The resistance voltage divider circuit is connected in parallel with the Zener diode, and includes first and second resistors connected in series. The first resistor is connected to a cathode side of the Zener diode, and is formed of a low temperature coefficient resistor body that is temperature-independent. The second resistor is connected to an anode side of the Zener diode, and is formed of a resistor body having temperature characteristics that are the reverse of output temperature characteristics of the Zener diode.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: FUJI ELECTRIC CO., LTD.Inventor: Masashi Akahane
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Patent number: 9429479Abstract: A method for determining a value of a parameter of an object or an environment includes positioning a device having a balanced circuit in or on an object or within a particular environment, wherein the balanced circuit comprises elements which are operationally sensitive to changes in a parameter of the object or the environment. The method further includes measuring a common mode signal of the balanced circuit and determining, from the common mode signal, a value of the parameter. An exemplary implementation of the method includes determining temperature using a resistive sensor having a Wheatstone bridge circuit with two variable resistors and two fixed resistors. Embodiments of systems and devices configured to employ such methods are provided, particularly medical probes, electronic signal monitoring devices, and systems employing such devices.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2012Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: Millar InstrumentsInventors: Huntly D. Millar, Richard T. Thornton, Robert L. Pauly
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Patent number: 9086442Abstract: Methods and apparatus to detect leakage current in a resistance temperature detector are disclosed. An example method includes providing a resistance temperature detector circuit with a first resistance circuit and a second resistance circuit, measuring a first voltage at the first resistance circuit in response to applying a first current to the first resistance circuit, measuring a second voltage at the second resistance in response to applying a second current to the second resistance circuit, comparing the first and second voltages to determine a difference value, and determining that a current leak exists in the resistance temperature detector circuit when the difference value is not within a first range.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2013Date of Patent: July 21, 2015Assignee: BRISTOL, INC.Inventors: Paul Gerard Mayer, Jeffrey Barry McGaughey, Xuedong Liu
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Patent number: 9039280Abstract: A micro-electromechanical system-type (MEMS) sensor arrangement for wirelessly measuring temperatures is disclosed. The MEMS sensor arrangement includes a multimorph sensor, a sensor coil coupled to the multimorph sensor, and a readout coil configured to be magnetically coupled to the sensor coil to i) energize the sensor coil, and ii) provide a readout of the natural frequency of the multimorph sensor, the sensor coil and the readout coil.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2013Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: Purdue Research FoundationInventors: Dimitrios Peroulis, Andrew S Kovacs, David Joseph Koester, Farshid Sadeghi, Sean M Scott, Douglas Edward Adams
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Publication number: 20150129765Abstract: An infrared sensor includes a heat sensing element in which a first electrode, a dielectric film, and a second electrode are sequentially laminated; and an electric charge detection device. The dielectric film represents antiferroelectricity and has a spontaneous polarization in a predetermined measurement environment. The electric charge detection device calculates an amount of relaxation current flowing by a change of the spontaneous polarization, and senses heat of the heat sensing element based on temperature dependence of the amount of relaxation current.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2014Publication date: May 14, 2015Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATIONInventors: Takayuki YONEMURA, Takafumi NODA, Yasushi TSUCHIYA, SR.
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Patent number: 9028142Abstract: Temperatures in microelectronic integrated circuit packages and components may be measured in situ using carbon nanotube networks. An array of carbon nanotubes strung between upstanding structures may be used to measure local temperature. Because of the carbon nanotubes, a highly accurate temperature measurement may be achieved. In some cases, the carbon nanotubes and the upstanding structures may be secured to a substrate that is subsequently attached to a microelectronic package.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2012Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Nachiket R. Raravikar, Neha Patel
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Patent number: 9028138Abstract: An electronic device includes a heat source, a heat-absorbing cold point, a thermally insulating material for insulating the heat source from the cold point with a conductivity at a use-temperature of electronic device, that is below a thermal-conductivity threshold, and a thermal bridge having first and second ends connected by pads to the heat source and the cold point, and a thermal switch. The thermal bridge extends between the two ends and switches reversibly between conductive and non-conductive states. It includes material of variable thermal conductivity capable of switching over, in response to an addition of energy, between a conductive phase and a resistive phase, and a control module for causing the thermal switch to switch between the conductive state and the resistive state.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2012Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: Commissariat á l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternativesInventors: Haykel Ben Jamaa, Julien Buckley, Patrick Leduc
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Patent number: 9025080Abstract: A camera system includes a camera and a camera housing structured to at least partially enclose the camera. The camera comprises an internal heat sink thermally coupled to electronics of the camera and a lens ring positioned around a lens of the camera. The camera housing comprises a thermal conductor. An interior portion of the thermal conductor makes contact with the lens ring when the camera is enclosed within the housing, and an exterior portion extends outside the housing. The thermal conductor is configured to transfer heat from the interior of the housing to the exterior to dissipate heat from the camera's electronics.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2013Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Assignee: GoPro, Inc.Inventors: Rudy Samuels, David Christophe Northway
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Patent number: 9010999Abstract: A method for determining the temperature of a power semiconductor, wherein a first control contact is connected to a first pole of a series resistor integrated in the power semiconductor. A second pole—which continues to the power semiconductor—of the series resistor is connected to a second control contact. A first control contact and a second control contact are connected to a first connection terminal and second connection terminal via respective bonding wires. The resistance value of the series resistor is determined by an electrical measurement between the two connection terminals. On the basis of the resistance value and a temperature-resistance characteristic curve of the series resistor, the temperature of the power semiconductor is determined based on the temperature of the series resistor.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2011Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: Semikron Elektronik GmbH & Co., KGInventor: Stefan Schuler
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Publication number: 20150103867Abstract: In one aspect, methods of detecting ice formation on an aircraft are described herein. In some implementations, a method of detecting ice formation on an aircraft comprises disposing an ice detector on an exterior surface of the aircraft, the ice detector comprising a probe surface and a pyroelectric material layer disposed on at least a portion of the probe surface. The method further comprises generating a charge on a surface of the pyroelectric material layer of the ice detector to increase the local freezing point of water on the surface of the pyroelectric material layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2013Publication date: April 16, 2015Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Charles S. Meis, Todd J. Germeroth
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Publication number: 20150103868Abstract: A battery temperature monitoring circuit, which has a cold comparator and a hot comparator, achieves high accuracy in a small cell size by utilizing a cold current optimized for the cold comparator and a cold reference voltage, and a hot current optimized for the hot comparator and a hot reference voltage, along with switching circuitry that provides the cold current to the cold comparator as the battery temperature approaches the cold trip temperature, and the hot current to the hot comparator as the battery temperature approaches the hot trip temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2014Publication date: April 16, 2015Inventors: Luan Minh Vu, Thomas Y. Tse, Tuong Hoang
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Patent number: 9004756Abstract: A temperature sensor includes a constant current source and a transistor stack connected to the constant current source. The transistor stack includes a first transistor having a base connected to the constant current source and a collector coupled to a supply voltage. The collector of the first transistor is electrically isolated from the base of the first transistor. The transistor stack includes a second transistor connected to the first transistor. The second transistor has a collector connected to an emitter of the first transistor and has a base connected to the collector of the second transistor. The transistor stack includes an output node disposed between the constant current source and the base of the first transistor. A voltage of the output node is indicative of a temperature.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2012Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.Inventors: Jay P. John, David G. Morgan
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Publication number: 20150098488Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring temperature distribution in downhole equipment using magnetostrictive probes. In one embodiment, an ESP motor has a stator with a rotor and shaft rotatably positioned within the stator. Magnetostrictive sensors are positioned within the motor. Each magnetostrictive sensor has a transducer, a probe, and electronic circuitry coupled to the transducer. The circuitry generates an initial electrical signal that is conveyed to the transducer. The signal passes through one or more coils in the transducer, generating magnetic fields that induce an acoustic signal in the probe. The acoustic signal propagates through the probe and waves are reflected from reflection points in the probe.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2014Publication date: April 9, 2015Applicant: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Ke Wang, Zhiyue Xu
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Publication number: 20150091591Abstract: An approach for maximizing the resolution of a resistance sensor with a variable current source.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2013Publication date: April 2, 2015Applicant: Siemens Industry, Inc.Inventor: Donald E. Charles
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Patent number: 8992075Abstract: A sensor apparatus and sensor apparatus system for use in conjunction with a cassette, including a disposable or replaceable cassette. In some embodiments, the cassette includes a thermal well for permitting the sensing of various properties of a subject media. The thermal well includes a hollow housing of a thermally conductive material. In other embodiments, the cassette includes sensor leads for sensing of various properties of a subject media. The thermal well has an inner surface shaped so as to form a mating relationship with a sensing probe. The mating thermally couples the inner surface with a sensing probe. In some embodiments, the thermal well is located on a disposable portion and the sensing probe on a reusable portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2012Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Dean Kamen, N. Christopher Perry, Jason A. Demers, Brian D. Tracey, Arun D. Chawan, Kevin L. Grant
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Patent number: 8985850Abstract: An adaptive algorithm running on a processing device receives a temperature value that represents a temperature at a gate terminal of a transistor. The adaptive algorithm, determines a drive strength value that represents a drive strength for a signal based on the temperature value. A signal with the determined drive strength is applied to the gate terminal of the transistor.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2010Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: Cypress Semiconductor CorporationInventors: Kedar Godbole, Hariom Rai, Anita Meng
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Patent number: 8974115Abstract: In one or more implementations, a temperature measuring system is provided, including a temperature sensing probe having (a) a thermistor operatively connected to a first conductor and (b) a resistor operatively connected to a second conductor, and a temperature determination application stored in a memory of a computing device operatively connected to the temperature sensing probe.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2013Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: Kinsa, Inc.Inventors: Edo Segal, Kent Suzuki, Michael Fusaro, Dmitro Panin, Inder Singh
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Patent number: 8967857Abstract: A temperature detection device that detects a temperature of a rotor of a motor. The temperature detection device has a current detection unit configured to detect a current value of a current flowing through a winding with which any one of a stator and the rotor of the motor is provided, an iron loss estimation unit configured to estimate an iron loss of the rotor using the current value, and a rotor temperature estimation unit configured to estimate the temperature of the rotor using the iron loss.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2012Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Fanuc CorporationInventor: Tatsuya Senoo
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Publication number: 20150055681Abstract: Provided is a contact type internal thermometer including: a measurement surface that is brought into contact with a measurement object; a first temperature sensor stack including a first measurement surface side temperature sensor and a first back surface side temperature sensor arranged on opposite sides of a first thermal resistor; a second temperature sensor stack including a second measurement surface side temperature sensor and a second back surface side temperature sensor arranged on opposite sides of a second thermal resistor; and a controller configured to calculate an internal temperature of the measurement object based on measurement results of the respective temperature sensors, in which the controller has a first mode of calculating the internal temperature based on a heat conduction equation in a non-steady state, and a second mode of calculating the internal temperature based on a heat conduction equation in a steady state.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2013Publication date: February 26, 2015Inventor: Masato Tsuchida
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Publication number: 20150048886Abstract: The invention provides a temperature detecting apparatus, a switch capacitor apparatus and a voltage integrating circuit. The voltage integrating circuit includes an operating amplifier, a capacitor and a current source. The operating amplifier has a positive input end, a negative input end and an output end. The output end of the operating amplifier generates an output voltage, and the positive input end receives a reference voltage. The capacitor is coupled between the output end and the negative input end of the operating amplifier. The current source is coupled to the output end of the operating amplifier. The current source draws a replica current from the capacitor, and a current level of the replica current is determined according to a current level of a current flowing to the negative input end of the operating amplifier.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2013Publication date: February 19, 2015Applicant: NANYA TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventor: Dong Pan
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Publication number: 20150036722Abstract: Disclosed is a film type temperature sensor characterized in that an electrode configured to sense temperature is formed on a film by a printing method, and the film type temperature sensor is detachable from a connector module having a wireless transmission function, thus transmitting the sensed temperature values to a central control center located in a distant place and being used in a disposable type. The film type temperature sensor comprises a sensor film which includes a pair of temperature sensing terminals disposed close to each other on a base film, wherein the temperature sensing terminals are electrically connected through a wiring to a connection terminal formed at an end of the base film, and the temperature sensing terminals, the connection terminal and the wiring are formed by a printing method; and a connector module which is connected to the connection terminal of the sensor film.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2013Publication date: February 5, 2015Applicants: YUMIN SYSTEM TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventor: Hong Geun Yu
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Publication number: 20150023391Abstract: The invention relates to a temperature sensor (1) for a motor vehicle comprising:—a housing (3) defining an internal volume comprising a temperature sensitive element (5),—electrical wires (9) linked electrically to said temperature sensitive element (5) and configured to transmit an item of temperature information from said sensitive element (5) to the exterior of the housing (3),—a seal (13) partially surrounding the said electrical wires (9) so as to isolate the sensitive element (5) with respect to the exterior of the housing (3), the seal (13) extending preferably in a direction, termed the longitudinal direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2013Publication date: January 22, 2015Applicant: SC2NInventors: Jean Sannier, Stéphane Massiera, Marc Seigneur
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Patent number: 8920026Abstract: In one embodiment, a current sensing circuit corrects for the transient and steady state temperature measurement errors due to physical separation between a resistive sense element and a temperature sensor. The sense element has a temperature coefficient of resistance. The voltage across the sense element and a temperature signal from the temperature sensor are received by processing circuitry. The processing circuitry determines a power dissipated by the sense element, which may be instantaneous or average power, and determines an increased temperature of the sense element. The resistance of the sense element is changed by the increased temperature, and this derived resistance Rs is used to calculate the current through the sense element using the equation I=V/R or other related equation. The process is iterative to continuously improve accuracy and update the current.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2011Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Linear Technology CorporationInventors: Kalin V. Lazarov, Matthew J. Maloney, Christopher Pollard, Edson W. Porter
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Publication number: 20140371944Abstract: Various embodiments of methods and systems for estimating environmental ambient temperature of a portable computing device (“PCD”) from electrical resistance measurements taken voice coils in a speaker or microphone component are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, it may be recognized that the PCD is in an idle state, thus producing little or no thermal energy. Electrical resistance measurements are taken from a voice coil and used to estimate the environmental ambient temperature to which the PCD is exposed. Certain embodiments may simply render the estimated ambient temperature for the benefit of the user or use the estimated ambient temperature as an input to a program or application running on the PCD. It is envisioned that certain embodiments of the systems and methods may use the estimated ambient temperature to adjust temperature thresholds in the PCD against which thermal management policies govern thermally aggressive processing components.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2013Publication date: December 18, 2014Applicant: Qualcomm IncorporatedInventors: UNNIKRISHNAN VADAKKANMARUVEEDU, ZENGHUI ZHAO, VINAY MITTER, ROY SILVERSTEIN, ANKUR JAIN, JON ANDERSON
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Patent number: 8911144Abstract: A product critical temperature during freeze drying is determined. The product is imaged using optical coherence tomography (“OCT”). The product is freeze dried while the temperature of the product is measured. The product critical temperature is the temperature at which a product structure event occurs during freeze drying.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2012Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: Physical Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Mircea Mujat, William J. Kessler
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Patent number: 8905634Abstract: A temperature detection apparatus includes a transformer, a thermostat attached directly to an electrically conductive site of the heating element and has contacts that become short-circuited or come into an open-circuit condition depending on whether or not the temperature of the heating element is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the contacts being connected to a secondary coil in the transformer, a DC voltage source and a transistor configured to supply required AC power to a primary coil in the transformer, a current detection resistor configured to detect a current flowing through the primary coil in the transformer, and a comparison circuit detecting a voltage generated across the current detection resistor when a current flows through the current detection resistor, the comparison circuit outputting an alarm signal when the current flowing through the primary coil in the transformer exceeds a preset threshold current.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2013Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: Netcomsec Co. LtdInventors: Yukihira Nakazato, Junichi Matsuoka
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Publication number: 20140354308Abstract: A temperature-measurement input stage is disclosed. In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, a temperature-measurement input stage may comprise a resistor, a thermistor, a first multiplexor, an amplifier, a second multiplexor, and an output stage. The first multiplexor may be configured to couple the resistor to a first amplifier input during a first multiplexor state, and couple the thermistor to the first amplifier input during a second multiplexor state. The amplifier may comprise the first amplifier input, a second amplifier input coupled to a voltage reference, and an amplifier output coupled to a feedback path. The second multiplexor may be configured to route a feedback current to the resistor during the first multiplexor state and route the feedback current to the thermistor during the second multiplexor state. The output stage may be configured to provide an output current based on the feedback current.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2013Publication date: December 4, 2014Inventors: Merit Hong, David Harnishfeger, Kris Kaufman
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Publication number: 20140340802Abstract: A system, for use in protecting an active-material actuator from overheating without using a temperature sensor. The system includes an active material being transformable between a first state and a second state in response to a pre-determined stimulus, and being pre-tensioned to at least a pre-determined threshold, yielding the pre-tensioned active material. The system also includes a processing unit configured to perform operations comprising obtaining a value for electrical resistance of the pre-tensioned active material, estimating, based on the electrical resistance obtained, an strain value for the active material, yielding an estimated strain value, and obtaining an actual strain value for the active material. The operations also include determining a difference between the estimated strain value estimated and the actual strain value and determining, based on the difference determined, whether an overheating condition exists for the active material.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2013Publication date: November 20, 2014Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: Avshalom Suissa
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Publication number: 20140334525Abstract: A sensor probe may include an elongated body and a temperature sensor. The elongated body may include at least one first aperture, a first passageway and a second passageway. The first passageway may be in communication with the first aperture and may extend along a longitudinal axis of the elongated body. The second passageway may be in communication with and may extend from the first passageway. The temperature sensor may be disposed within the first passageway and may include a wire extending through a portion of the first passageway and the second passageway. The wire may include a diameter that is less than a diameter of the first passageway such that the first passageway defines a pressure path around the wire.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2014Publication date: November 13, 2014Inventor: Jeffrey N. ARENSMEIER
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Publication number: 20140334523Abstract: A probe thermometer comprises a main body, a probe, a self-tapping thread, a temperature sensing unit and a display unit. The interior of the main body has a circuit board. The probe includes a measuring end and a coupling end which couples the main body. The self-tapping thread is formed on the measuring end. The temperature sensing unit is disposed within the probe and the temperature sensing unit is electrically connected to the circuit board. The display unit is disposed on the main body. The display unit, the temperature sensing unit and the circuit board are electrically connected. Thereby, the probe thermometer of the instant disclosure is convenient and effectively reduces cost.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2013Publication date: November 13, 2014Applicant: RADIANT INNOVATION INC.Inventors: TSENG-LUNG LIN, HSIAO-YU TSAI, AN-CHIN LAI
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Patent number: 8882346Abstract: The present invention relates to a washing machine (2), in particular a laundry washing or washing/drying machine or a dishwasher, comprising: a tub (3) adapted to contain a wash liquid (4), an electric resistance (1) for heating the wash liquid (4), a temperature sensor (5) for detecting the temperature of the wash liquid (4), wherein the resistance (1) and the temperature sensor (5) are put in a condition of thermal exchange by conduction. The invention also relates to a method for evaluating whether the resistance is emerged from or submerged in the wash liquid and to a method for removing calcareous deposits (17) from an electric resistance (1) adapted to heat a wash liquid (4) in a washing machine (2), in particular a laundry washing or washing/drying machine or a dishwasher, characterized in that the resistance (1) is subjected to at least one heating and cooling cycle while the resistance (1) is kept above the wash liquid (4).Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2009Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: Indesit Company S.p.A.Inventors: Giovanni Bombardieri, Mariano Funari, Giuseppina Pia Potena, Fernanda Gaggioli, Maria Angela Mariotti, Elisa Mariotti
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Patent number: 8876374Abstract: A temperature sensor generates a variable voltage whose level decreases linearly as a temperature increases, and compares the variable voltage with first and second reference voltages to generate first and second temperature codes to measure the temperature.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2010Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: SK Hynix Inc.Inventor: Hyun Sik Jeong
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Patent number: 8869426Abstract: A washing and/or drying appliance includes a heating circuit (140) for heating a washing liquid and/or a drying air flow, connected to voltage distribution lines (105a,105b) distributing power inside the appliance. The heating circuit includes at least one heating resistor (205) in series to switch means (210a,210b) controlled by an appliance control unit (125) for selectively energizing the heating resistor when required. The switch means of the heating circuit includes a first and a second switch (210a,210b) in series to the heating resistor, the heating resistor being interposed between the first and second switches. A monitoring circuit arrangement is provided, which includes a first resistor (R1) in shunt to the heating resistor and having a resistance substantially higher than that of the heating resistor, and a pull-up network connected between a first terminal (215b;215a) of the heating resistor and one of the voltage distribution lines.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2011Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V.Inventors: Marco Lorenzi, Paolo Driussi
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Patent number: 8870451Abstract: An electrical seat heater of a vehicle has a heating resistor which is connected to a seat ground cable has a temperature-dependent sensor resistor in the vehicle seat. A control unit is outside the vehicle seat is connected to a control unit ground remotely from the vehicle seat. The voltage measurement for determining the temperature is carried out with the seat heater briefly disconnected from the supply voltage. The heating resistor is connected to the supply voltage via a series circuit including the sensor resistor and a further resistor or to the supply voltage via a power path. The control unit measures the voltage drop at the sensor resistor by a measuring signal cable. The control unit measures the potential difference between the seat ground cable and the control unit ground, which is used to correct the seat temperature.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2012Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: Audi AGInventor: Werner Mayer
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Publication number: 20140314124Abstract: Methods and circuits for measuring the temperature of a transistor are disclosed. An embodiment of the method includes, providing a current into a circuit, wherein the circuit is connected to the transistor. A variable resistance is connected between the base and collector of the transistor. The circuit has a first mode and a second mode, wherein the current in the first mode flows into the base of the transistor and through the resistance and the current in the second mode flows into the emitter of the transistor. Voltages in both the first mode and the second mode are measured using different resistance settings. The temperature of the transistor is calculated based on the difference between the different voltages.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2013Publication date: October 23, 2014Applicant: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventors: Mikel K. Ash, Krishnaswamy Nagaraj, Paul Kimelman, Steve Vu
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Publication number: 20140294047Abstract: A temperature sensor generates a variable voltage whose level decreases linearly as a temperature increases, and compares the variable voltage with first and second reference voltages to generate first and second temperature codes to measure the temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2014Publication date: October 2, 2014Inventor: Hyun Sik JEONG
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Publication number: 20140283626Abstract: A high-transmittance sampler of dissolved gases and volatile organic compounds (VOC) is described that is based upon a thin polymer membrane with tubular geometry. Very high hydrostatic pressures are maintained by surrounding the polymer tube or coating with sintered material. The sintered material can be surrounded by additional metal support, with holes for passage of molecules into the vacuum chamber of a sensor system such as a mass spectrometer. A method is described that uses the plastic behavior of the polymer to seal the ends of the sampler against leakage. Other features of the sampler are compact size, varied vacuum housing geometry, and provision for heat with regulation to the vacuum assembly of the sampler. The hydrodynamic design of fluid flow through the sampler and the compact and variable vacuum geometry allow greater response and sensitivity than previous samplers, and allow its operation to very high hydrostatic pressures.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2014Publication date: September 25, 2014Inventors: Gary Michael McMurtry, Daniel N. Kokubun
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Patent number: 8840301Abstract: A diverse and redundant resistance temperature detector (“D&R RTD”) is provided. The D&R RTD is utilized in obtaining temperature readings in environments, such as fluids and gasses, by measuring electrical characteristics of the D&R RTD that are influenced by the temperature. Furthermore, the D&R RTD's are arranged such that a plurality of measurements can be obtained, which provides sufficient diversity and redundancy of the measurements for enhanced diagnostics to be performed, such as optimization for fast dynamic response, calibration stability, in-situ response time testability, and in-situ calibration testability.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2011Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Inventor: Hashem M. Hashemian
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Publication number: 20140269835Abstract: A method, device, and system for improved measurement of fluid temperatures are provided. In one embodiment, a temperature probe structure comprises a header having a cavity; a longitudinal probe disposed at least partially within the cavity of the header; a temperature detector disposed within the longitudinal probe; and an insulator disposed between the header and the longitudinal probe for insulating the longitudinal probe from the header.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.Inventors: ROBERT GARDNER, Louis DeRosa
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Publication number: 20140269838Abstract: A head transducer comprises a reader coupled to reader bond pads and configured to interact with a magnetic storage medium. A first thermal sensor is configured to produce a first sensor signal. The first sensor is biased relative to a common mode voltage at the reader bond pads. A second thermal sensor is configured to produce a second sensor signal. One of the first and second sensors is situated at or near a close point of the head transducer in relation to the magnetic storage medium, and the other of the first and second sensors spaced away from the close point. Circuitry is configured to combine the first and second sensor signals and produce a combined sensor signal indicative of one or both of a change in head-medium spacing and head-medium contact.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: SEAGATE TECHNOLOGY LLCInventor: Declan Macken
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Publication number: 20140269840Abstract: A temperature detecting circuit and method thereof, adapted to a voltage converter circuit which includes a current detecting circuit having a detecting output port outputting a current detecting signal proportional to an output current of the voltage converter circuit, includes: a current signal processing unit, having a signal input port coupling to the detecting output port, a first detecting output port generating a first processing signal with a first temperature coefficient, a second detecting output port generating a second processing signal with a second temperature coefficient, wherein the first and the second processing signals are proportional to the current detecting signal; and, a temperature calculating unit, receiving the first and the second processing signals and performing calculation to derive a temperature value.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: RICHTEK TECHNOLOGY CORPInventors: Sheng-Fu Hsiao, Hung-Shou Nien, Kuang-Feng Li, Yu-Wei Chang