Of Sensing Device Patents (Class 702/116)
  • Patent number: 8355883
    Abstract: Methods and devices to measure voltage margins of electromechanical devices are disclosed. The voltage margins are determined based on responses to test voltages which cause the devices to change states. State changes of the devices are detected by monitoring integrated current or charge used to drive the devices with the test voltages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Alok Govil, Kostadin Djordjev, Alan Lewis, Wilhelmus Johannes Robertus Van Lier
  • Publication number: 20120310583
    Abstract: To accurately test the operating state of the APD measuring device. A test device 40 includes a test signal generator 41 that generates a test signal corresponding to the center frequency of a signal to be measured and a control unit 42 that variably controls the amplitude level of a test signal in the dynamic range of an APD measuring device 1 at random, in order to test the operating state of the APD measuring device 1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: ANRITSU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sunao Ronte, Satoru Arakawa
  • Publication number: 20120304023
    Abstract: A field device for determining a process parameter value, comprising a measurement device for determining a process parameter value; circuitry for determining the reliability of the process parameter value; and signaling circuitry for providing the process parameter value and an indication of the reliability of the process parameter value to a host system via a current loop. The signaling circuitry is configurable between a first state in which the indication of the reliability is provided as a digital signal and the process parameter value is provided as an analog DC-value, and a second state in which the indication of the reliability is provided as a predetermined analog DC-value. Hereby, the number of unplanned process interruptions may be reduced when the host system is capable of receiving digital signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventor: Tomas Wennerberg
  • Patent number: 8320932
    Abstract: A system (100) and method (300) of using a context vector and database (202) for location applications can include a transceiver (104), a plurality of environmental sensors (114, 116, 118, 120, 121) including at least two location technology devices (110, 112), and a processor (102) coupled to the transceiver and the plurality of environmental sensors. The processor can be programmed to sense (302) an environmental condition for a given location, define (310) a context vector for the given location, detect (312) a context transition corresponding to a change in the environmental condition, and modify (314) an operation of the at least two location technology devices based on the context transition detected. The processor can be further programmed to form (320) a new context vector based on the context transition and attempt to match the new context vector with a pre-stored context vector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Motorola Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Ellis A. Pinder, Charles B. Swope
  • Patent number: 8301399
    Abstract: In a method for predicting the lifetime of a photo-semiconductor device that has a maximum light output value restricted by thermal saturation, the maximum light output value is extracted by measuring the characteristic of light output from the photo-semiconductor device with respect to drive current. The decrease tendency of the maximum output values with respect to drive time is predicted to predict the lifetime of the photo-semiconductor. Further, the predicted lifetime is updated as time passes. Therefore, in this method, even if drive condition changes, or an individual difference of the photo-semiconductor per se is present, it is possible to substantially accurately predict the lifetime of the photo-semiconductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Nichia Corporation
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi Ohgoh
  • Patent number: 8290748
    Abstract: The invention creates a control and evaluation apparatus for different sensor units, having: a stabilized supply unit for supplying the sensor unit with electrical energy; an amplifier device for amplifying a sensor signal generated by the sensor unit, which signal is delivered to the amplifier device as an input signal, and for outputting a measured signal dependent on the sensor signal; and an output unit for outputting the amplified sensor signal as an output signal. The amplifier device contains an integrated measuring resistor for measuring a voltage drop produced by the sensor signal, the voltage drop being delivered to the amplifier device as the input signal. In addition, in a comparator unit downstream from the amplifier device, the measured signal is compared with a definable threshold value, the threshold value being adjustable as a function of the sensor unit being used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Hartmut Schumacher, Ruediger Karner
  • Patent number: 8285514
    Abstract: A method, computer readable medium and system for detecting a sensor fault includes identifying one or more of a plurality of tools to use with at least one of a plurality of data acquisition systems based on data obtained from and at least one characteristic of the at least one of the data acquisition systems. The identified one or more tools are utilized on the obtained data to determine at least one confidence rating. An operational status for the at least one of the data acquisition systems is determined and provided based on at least the one determined confidence rating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Rochester Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Omar Anbari, Michael G. Thurston
  • Publication number: 20120253729
    Abstract: A test system, a test signal auxiliary device, and a test signal generation method thereof are disclosed. The test signal auxiliary device is used for providing a computer system to test a signal measurement device. The test signal auxiliary device includes a first signal input terminal used for receiving an analog test signal via a first audio port of the computer system. A filter module is used for filtering the analog test signal to produce a filtered signal. A first signal output terminal is used for outputting the filtered signal to the signal measurement device. A second signal input terminal is used for receiving a corresponding signal from the signal measurement device. A second signal output terminal is used for transmitting the corresponding signal to the computer system via a second audio port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Wen-Hui Shih, Chia-Yuan Wang, Huan-Chieh Hu, Ting-Wen Liu
  • Publication number: 20120245878
    Abstract: A handheld HVAC/R test and measurement instrument having a display, a keypad, a microprocessor, memory, and circuitry adapted to receive inputs from a plurality of sensors and to automatically determine the type of each sensor and automatically determine and display which HVAC/R tests and measurements are available to be performed by the field service technician using only the plurality of sensors. Different kits of sensors are used for various tests and measurements routinely performed when servicing HVAC/R systems, and the handheld instrument automatically identifies the sensors connected to it and leads the technician through the tests and measurements that can be performed using those sensor inputs in combination with technical reference information and calculation algorithms stored in memory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: UNIVERSAL ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Michael John Kane, David Lauren Wheaton, Sean Patrick Tierney
  • Patent number: 8271224
    Abstract: In particular embodiments, fusing structures includes receiving sensor data sets generated by sensors in response to sensing a structure system. Each sensor data set describes structures of the structure system. Structure pairs are generated, where a structure pair comprises a first structure from a first sensor data set and a second structure from a second sensor data set. A relational vector set is defined for each structure pair, and a relational vector score is calculated for each structure pair according to the relational vector set of the structure pair. An association score is calculated for each structure pair according to the relational vector score of the structure pair. The association score of the structure pair indicates a likelihood that the structure pair is fusable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Daniel W. Otts
  • Patent number: 8256265
    Abstract: The present invention provides, as one aspect, an apparatus for inspecting a sensor module including at least one held sensor in a housing having a plurality of outer surfaces. The held sensor detects acceleration or angular velocity. The apparatus includes a holding unit that has an apparatus-side surface and holds the housing in a state where one of the outer surfaces of the housing serving as a housing-side surface contacts the apparatus-side surface, a driving unit that moves the holding unit, a first obtaining unit that, in a state where the housing-side surface contacts the apparatus-side surface, obtains an output from the held sensor, at least one reference sensor that has a detection axis and is provided such that a direction of the detection axis matches a direction of a reference axis of the held sensor, and a second obtaining unit that obtains an output from the reference sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kobayashi, Masaki Nakiri, Nobuhiro Kohno
  • Patent number: 8260565
    Abstract: A charge amplifier for use in radiation sensing includes an amplifier, at least one switch, and at least one capacitor. The switch selectively couples the input of the switch to one of at least two voltages. The capacitor is electrically coupled in series between the input of the amplifier and the input of the switch. The capacitor is electrically coupled to the input of the amplifier without a switch coupled therebetween. A method of measuring charge in radiation sensing includes selectively diverting charge from an input of an amplifier to an input of at least one capacitor by selectively coupling an output of the at least one capacitor to one of at least two voltages. The input of the at least one capacitor is operatively coupled to the input of the amplifier without a switch coupled therebetween. The method also includes calculating a total charge based on a sum of the amplified charge and the diverted charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Brookhaven Science Associates, LLC
    Inventor: Gianluigi De Geronimo
  • Patent number: 8245562
    Abstract: A method for testing a pressure sensor having a first node and a second node includes coupling the first node to a first input of an amplifier and coupling a reference voltage to a second input of the amplifier; applying a transfer function to an output of the amplifier to provide a first output voltage that is based on a difference in voltage between the first node and the reference voltage; coupling the reference voltage to the first input and coupling the second node to the second input; obtaining a second output voltage at the output of the amplifier; and determining, based on the first and second output voltages, whether the pressure sensor passed or failed. During normal operation, the first node is coupled to the first input and the second node to the second input, and a second transfer function is applied to the output of the amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventor: Chad S. Dawson
  • Patent number: 8244427
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a power inverter module (PIM), a motor/generator unit (MGU), vehicle components, temperature sensors, and a controller. The sensors measure temperatures of a motor winding of the MGU, and temperatures of the multiple phase outputs of the PIM. The second plurality of temperature sensors measures temperatures of the vehicle components. The controller calculates an average temperature of the components, and individually diagnoses each temperature sensor using the average temperature. A control circuit for the vehicle includes the first and second plurality of sensors and the controller. A temperature performance diagnostic method includes using the first plurality to measure a temperature of the motor winding and the phase outputs of the PIM, using the second plurality to measure a temperature of the components, calculating an average temperature of the components, and individually diagnosing the performance of each of the first plurality of sensors using the average temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Hewlett-Packard Development, L.P.
    Inventors: Robert Weiss, Thomas E Mathews, Andrew M. Zettel, Wei D. Wang
  • Patent number: 8239157
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed that guides a user through a sequence of steps that will allow the user to complete a predefined task using the flow meter. The steps include: selecting a predefined task, displaying a sequence of steps that directs the user through a process for using the Coriolis flow meter to complete the predefined task, and operating the Coriolis flow meter in response to the sequence of steps to complete the predefined task.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Micro Motion, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig B McAnally, Andrew T Patten, Charles P Stack, Jeffrey S Walker, Neal B Gronlie
  • Patent number: 8230716
    Abstract: A diagnostic method and system is described for diagnosing an operating condition of a conductive particulate matter sensor. The sensor has a substrate and two electrodes on the substrate adapted to collect particulate matter between the electrodes, thereby establishing an electrically conductive path through collected particulate matter between the electrodes that can be detected by measuring electrical resistance between the electrodes, Relect. The diagnosis is performed by detecting whether water vapor condensate may be present between the electrodes and if it is, then measuring resistance between the electrodes while subjecting the sensor to conditions sufficient to evaporate any water vapor condensate and diagnosing a validation that the sensor is in proper operating condition if resistance increases in a manner consistent with evaporation of condensate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Scott Nelson, Lary R. Hocken
  • Patent number: 8224576
    Abstract: One apparatus embodiment includes an electronic assembly, equipped to sense one or more changes in an environmental condition. The assembly includes a logic circuit coupled to: one or more environmental sensors, memory that provides data storage, and a wireless communicator. The logic circuit is configured to perform time measurement, perform environmental measurement with the one or more environmental sensors, store time-stamped environmental data in the memory, and communicate with particular other electronic assemblies, equipped to sense one or more changes in an environmental condition, via the wireless communicator. The logic circuit is also coupled to a power source that provides power to at least one of the logic circuit and the wireless communicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Paksense, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas P. Jensen, Casimir E. Lawler, Jr., James Hatchett, Wayne K. Debord, Michael L. Byce
  • Patent number: 8224616
    Abstract: In a sensor network system comprising a sensor terminal and a management server, the sensor terminal transmits observation data acquired using the sensor, the management server has a latest data storage manager which manages the latest observation data among observation data received from the sensor terminal, a history data storage manager which manages the history of the observation data from any time when data was received from the sensor terminal to the latest observation data, and a missing data manager which manages missing history data, and compensates the missing history data based on a predetermined rule, and when a request for such observation data is received, at least one of the latest observation data managed by the latest data storage manager, and history data wherein the missing data has been compensated and managed by the history data storage manager, is output according to the type of request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Odaka, Keiro Muro, Minoru Ogushi, Kei Suzuki, Shoji Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8215152
    Abstract: Embodiments for testing an acoustic property of an ultrasound probe including a plurality of transducer elements are disclosed. A Schlieren image of an ultrasound probe and a visualized acoustic field of an ultrasound signal generated when one of the transducer elements is excited are acquired. A preprocessing including noise removal and position calibration upon the Schlieren image is then carried out. An acoustic property of the ultrasound probe is tested based on the preprocessed Schlieren image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Medison Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jin Ki Kim
  • Publication number: 20120173186
    Abstract: A sensor node for accurately guaranteeing a lifetime of a USN sensor node, and a control method thereof are provided. The sensor node control method includes receiving an operation time of a sensor node from a user; based on the input operation time, calculating a sensing rate which is the number of sensings of the sensor node per unit time; and according to the calculated sensing rate, controlling a sensing operation of the sensing node.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: KOREA ELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Ji Eun JUNG, Byung Hun SONG
  • Patent number: 8209151
    Abstract: In order to make error recognition, for example, in cabling, in the stored data or in the data allocation, in the allocation of a sensor unit to sensor-relevant data for calibration of an analysis unit that is connected with a sensor unit possible, a sensor identification (6) is located in or on the sensor unit that can be polled by the analysis unit (4) and to which sensor-specific data are allocated in a storage unit (5), and a data carrier (7) is located in or on the sensor unit in which a second set of sensor-specific data are stored that can be read by the analysis unit (4) and can be compared with the first set of sensor-specific data of storage unit (5). Upon agreement of the first and second set of sensor-specific data, the measuring signals are transformed into measurement data by considering the sensor-specific data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: AVL List GmbH
    Inventors: Jerome Gruaz, Klaus-Christoph Harms, Martin Rzehorska, Rüdiger Teichmann
  • Patent number: 8200455
    Abstract: A diagnosis function detecting apparatus of a vehicle is configured to detect a diagnosis function for diagnosing a malfunction of the vehicle, and a detecting method thereof. A method for detecting a malfunction diagnosis function of a vehicle may include detecting the operation condition of the engine of a vehicle, determining whether the accumulated operation time of the engine or the accumulated fuel consumption amount exceeds a predetermined value, determining whether the malfunction diagnosis function is in a normal condition when the accumulated operation time or the accumulated fuel consumption amount exceeds the predetermined value, and restricting the output torque of the engine or lighting a warning lamp when the malfunction diagnosis function is in an abnormal condition, or sustaining the normal driving condition when the malfunction diagnosis function is in a normal condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Sang Il Yoon
  • Publication number: 20120143551
    Abstract: A fixed-source array test station provides a cost-effective high-throughput test bed for testing optical sensors that require stimulus at fixed angular positions. A SAL seeker requires stimulus at fixed angular position across its FOV to calibrate its spatial transfer function (STF). An array of fixed collimated sources at different angular positions is aligned so that their beams overlap the entrance pupil of the sensor under test. Each source may comprise an inexpensive light emitting diode (LED) or vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) and collimator. To simplify alignment the sources may be positioned on and perpendicular to the surface of a sphere with the seeker's entrance pupil located at the center of the sphere. The sources are activated in accordance with an activation profile in order to calibrate or otherwise test the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Michael K. Burkland, Casey T. Streuber, Kristofer E. Tvedt
  • Patent number: 8170811
    Abstract: A drive device, which has a drive shaft mounted in such a way as to rotate about an axis, two driving cranks which are connected to the drive shaft in an angularly rigid manner in relation to the axis in the peripheral direction, and an output element which is connected to the drive shaft and transmits torque between the drive shaft and a load element. To enable the measurement of the torque transmitted by the shaft as easily and economically as possible, the drive device has at least one magnetostrictive sensor which is connected to the drive shaft in a fixed manner and axially arranged between a driving crank and the output element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Harald Grab, Michael Pausch
  • Patent number: 8165744
    Abstract: A method for controlling for improper installation of sensors of a vehicle is provided. The method comprises the steps of determining a first indication of direction based at least in part on a yaw value, determining a second indication of direction based at least in part on a steering angle value, and changing the second indication of direction, if the first indication of direction and the second indication of direction are inconsistent with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Thomas H. Tu, Steven R. Abram, Paul S. Shaub
  • Publication number: 20120095716
    Abstract: A method for modulating multiple-instruments and multiple-sensors using an electronic device. The electronic device controls an instrument to measure the working parameters of an object, and controls a sensor to detect the working temperature of the object. By comparing the working parameters against a predefined range, and comparing the working temperature against a predefined temperature value, the electronic device determines whether the instrument and the sensor need to be modulated. If any of the working parameters is not within the predefined range or if the working temperature is greater than the predefined temperature value, the electronic device controls the instrument and the sensor to be modulated by using a modulation transfer function and a predetermined direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: SHEN-CHUN LI, HSIEN-CHUAN LIANG, WEN-LAING TSENG, YU-CHANG PAI, SHOU-KUO HSU
  • Patent number: 8160834
    Abstract: The invention disclosed herein provides methods and materials for observing the state of a sensor, for example those used by diabetic patients to monitor blood glucose levels. Typically a voltage such as a voltage pulse is applied to the sensor in order to solicit a current response from which for example, factors such as impedance values can be derived. Such values can then be used as indicators of a sensor's state, for example the state of sensor hydration, sensor noise, sensor offset, sensor drift or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley Chi Liang, Larry E. Tyler, Mohsen Askarinya, Charles R. Gordon, Randal C. Schulhauser, Kenneth W. Cooper, Kris R. Holtzclaw, Brian T. Kannard, Rajiv Shah
  • Patent number: 8158063
    Abstract: A biosensor package structure with a micro-fluidic channel is provided. The biosensor package structure includes a substrate, a biochip, and a cover. The substrate has a first surface, a second surface, and an opening. The biochip is attached on the first surface. A bio-sensing area of the biochip is exposed to the opening of the substrate. The cover is attached on the second surface to cover the opening so as to form a micro-fluidic channel. By implementing the invention, the manufacturing process of the biosensor is simplified and the productivity is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: National Chip Implementation Center National Applied Research Laboratories
    Inventors: Chin-Fong Chiu, Ying-Zong Juang, Hann-Huei Tsai, Chen-Fu Lin
  • Patent number: 8155926
    Abstract: Noise discrimination in signals from a plurality of sensors is conducted by enhancing the phase difference in the signals such that off-axis pick-up is suppressed while on-axis pick-up is enhanced. Alternatively, attenuation/expansion are applied to the signals in a phase difference dependent manner, consistent with suppression of off-axis pick-up and on-axis enhancement. Nulls between sensitivity lobes are widened, effectively narrowing the sensitivity lobes and improving directionality and noise discrimination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Jon C. Taenzer, Bruce G. Spicer
  • Publication number: 20120084042
    Abstract: A method for predicting sensor output values of a sensor monitoring system, includes providing a set test input values to a system of sensors, and one or more known sensor output values from the sensor system, where other sensor output values are unknown, calculating, for each unknown sensor output value, a predictive Gaussian distribution function from the test input values and the known output sensor values, and predicting each unknown output ym by integrating over a product of the predictive Gaussian distribution function and a conditional Gaussian distribution of the unknown output sensor values with respect to the test input values and other unknown output sensor values. A mean and covariance of the predictive Gaussian distribution function are determined from a training phase, and a hyperparameter of the conditional Gaussian distribution are determined by another training phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: Siemens Corporation
    Inventor: Chao Yuan
  • Publication number: 20120078564
    Abstract: A method for improving a position sensing system which measures a rotating object is presented. In one embodiment, the method outputs the position of the rotating object while the object is rotating, and the method follows an external command on the sensor output line when the object is not rotating to output information other than the position information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: William Russell Goodwin
  • Patent number: 8131491
    Abstract: A method for evaluating data representing a plurality of excitations of a plurality of sensors; the method comprising: (a) storing the data as a plurality of entries in an information store; each respective sensor-excitation pair being a respective entry; (b) exercising a fit relationship employing at least one first sine value to determine a fit value substantially simultaneously for at least a portion of the plurality of entries; (c) ascertaining a measure of fit error between the data and the fit value for the portion of entries; (d) employing the measure of fit error to estimate at least one next sine value; (e) employing the at least one next sine value to perform a fit optimization operation with the data substantially simultaneously for the portion of entries; and (f) repeating steps (c) through (e) until a desired number of the sine values has been exercised.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Charles Edward Goodman, William Brian Hayes
  • Patent number: 8117003
    Abstract: A method of monitoring an electrochemical second order half-cell (1, 101) is provided, as is a measuring probe with at least one electrochemical second order half-cell (101), a control- and/or regulation unit (7) to close an electrochemical contact between the half-cell and a measuring medium (8), and with at least one temperature sensor (9, 10). The half-cell includes an electrolyte (4) and a first conductor element (2) in contact with the electrolyte and which holds a first electrical potential (E1). The half-cell also has a second conductor element (3) in contact with the electrolyte, the second conductor holding a second electrical potential (E2). The two conductor elements (2, 3) comprise the same metal. The first conductor element has a coating (6) of a low-solubility salt of the same metal. The control- and/or regulation unit includes a program for executing a method of monitoring the electrochemical half-cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventor: Philippe Ehrismann
  • Patent number: 8112240
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing a leak detection circuit for a data monitoring and management system using the guard trace of a glucose sensor by applying a leak detection test signal to determine whether a leakage current is present is provided. The leak detection circuit may include an interface circuit, such as a capacitor, coupled to the guard trace to detect the leakage current when the leak detection test signal is applied to the guard trace, such that the user or patient using the data monitoring and management system, such as glucose monitoring systems, is notified of a failed sensor and prompted to replace the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.
    Inventor: Martin J. Fennell
  • Patent number: 8105475
    Abstract: A method includes identifying first data associated with cyclic voltammetry measurements of a material being examined. The cyclic voltammetry measurements include applying a varying first voltage to the material and measuring a first current. The method also includes identifying second data associated with impedance measurements. The impedance measurements include applying a second voltage to the material and measuring a second current. The second data includes a scaling factor. The method further includes adjusting at least part of the first data using the scaling factor and identifying a composition of the material using the adjusted first data. The first data could include a current versus voltage curve that associates values of the first current to values of a sweep voltage. The first data could be adjusted by normalizing the curve using the scaling factor, and the normalized curve could be used to generate a current derivative curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Sébastien Tixier, Dan Bizzotto
  • Patent number: 8089237
    Abstract: A method for controlling an opening leaf of a vehicle. The method detects whether a predetermined event is occurring in the absence of a predetermined situation likenable to a trapping incident and, if appropriate, lowers a function of detecting the situation likenable to a trapping incident.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Renault S.A.S.
    Inventors: Eric Bernhard, Hoang-Giang Nguyen, Laurent Piloy
  • Patent number: 8090549
    Abstract: A device for measuring electricity usage is disclosed. The device is capable of remote disconnection via power line communication and detecting electricity theft, tampering, and reverse voltage. In another aspect, the device is capable of multi-channel metering of electricity, using: (a) a meter head operable to measure electricity usage for a plurality of electricity consumer lines; (b) a transponder operable to transmit data received from the meter head via power line communication to a remotely located computer, and to transmit data received via power line communication from the remotely located computer to the meter head; and (c) a load control module operable to actuate connection and disconnection of each of a plurality of relays, each relay of the plurality of relays corresponding to one of the plurality of electricity consumer lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Quadlogic Controls Corporation
    Inventors: Sayre Swarztrauber, Doron Shafrir, Siddharth Malik, Robert Hayward
  • Patent number: 8086418
    Abstract: An imperfect combustion detecting device includes a destructive current supplying means which supplies, under a condition that it is determined by a useful life determining means that a deterioration status corresponding value matches a use limit value, destructive current to a sensor in order to melt down a part of a circuit that configures the sensor. When it is determined that the sensor is no longer capable of performing a normal CO level detecting function, the sensor is destroyed to the extent rendering the CO level detecting function of the sensor lost to an unrecoverable level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Rinnai Corporation
    Inventor: Hideo Okamoto
  • Publication number: 20110313635
    Abstract: A device for measuring a spectrum of a light beam, in a wavelength range chosen beforehand, the spectrum being generated by a sample to be analyzed, the optical measuring device including at least one light source, a measurement cell and a measurement detector placed on a measurement optical pathway, the measurement optical pathway being taken by a measurement optical beam emitted by the light source, and encountering the measurement cell, a self-calibration unit allowing any drift of the light sources, due to environmental conditions or conditions of use, to be taken into account independently of whether a sample to be analyzed is present in or absent from the measurement cell, the self-calibration unit including elements for creating a reference optical pathway, taken by a reference optical beam emitted by the light source, and not encountering the measurement cell, and a reference detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE FRANCE
    Inventors: Jeremie Blanc, Benjamin L'Henoret, Laureen Merlina-Bonnafous
  • Patent number: 8059155
    Abstract: A measuring system (200) for measuring a FOV of a digital camera module (52) includes a measuring chart (22), a parameter inputting module (32), and a processing module (42). The measuring chart defines a colored portion. The parameter inputting module is used to input relative parameters. The processing module is connected to the parameter inputting module and receives electronic image signals converted from images of the colored portion and of the measuring chart screened by the lens module. The processing module is configured for calculating the FOV ? of the digital camera module. A measuring method for measuring the FOV ? of the digital camera module is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Altus Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Ching-Lung Jao, Kuo-Liang Tai
  • Patent number: 8060332
    Abstract: A sensor function testing method and a computer program product thereof are provided. In the present method, a rearm type corresponding to a rearm function of a sensor in a server is obtained, wherein the sensor is in a normal status or one of a plurality of failure statuses. Then, the sensor is respectively triggered to enter and exit each of the failure statuses. If the rearm type is an auto rearm type and the sensor automatically returns to the normal status every time when the sensor is triggered to exit one of the failure statuses, the rearm function is determined as normal. If the rearm type is a manual rearm type and the sensor only returns to the normal status after receiving a rearm instruction every time when the sensor is triggered to exit one of the failure statuses, the rearm function is determined as normal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Inventec Corporation
    Inventor: Chung-Nan Chen
  • Patent number: 8055456
    Abstract: An interior space of the at least one housing of a force-measuring device is filled with a gas composition that is distinguishable in at least one parameter from the ambient atmosphere. A sensor that is arranged in the interior space, or on the housing, measures this distinguishable parameter. A processing unit of the force-measuring device compares signals obtained from the sensor to monitor and determine the condition of the force-measuring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventors: Urs Loher, Kurt Jensen, Volker Ziebart
  • Patent number: 8050876
    Abstract: Improved capacitive sensor operation is achieved with improved discrimination between environmental drift and apparent drift attributable to human proximity to the sensor. A proximity algorithm detects conditions interpreted as indicating a user is close to, but not touching, a sensor. When such proximity is detected, ambient value calibration is halted, thereby avoiding treating the human's proximity as environmental drift requiring compensation and preventing miscalculation of calibration. The proximity algorithm employs two moving-average filters (implemented in hardware or software) to monitor the CDC output values over time and to make appropriate adjustments to a signal representing the ambient, while distinguishing environmental drift from proximity-induced pseudo-drift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Ken Feen, Laurent Coquerel, Richardson Jeyapaul, John Anthony Cleary
  • Patent number: 8037736
    Abstract: Determination of non-linearity of a positioning scanner of a measurement tool is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method may include providing a probe of a measurement tool coupled to a positioning scanner; scanning a surface of a first sample with the surface at a first angle relative to the probe to attain a first profile; scanning the surface of the first sample with the surface at a second angle relative to the probe that is different than the first angle to attain a second profile; repeating the scannings to attain a plurality of first profiles and a plurality of second profiles; and determining a non-linearity of the positioning scanner using the different scanning angles to cancel out measurements corresponding to imperfections due to the surface of the sample. The non-linearity may be used to calibrate the positioning scanner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: George W. Banke, Jr., James M. Robert, Carlos Strocchia-Rivera
  • Patent number: 8032311
    Abstract: A method for characterizing a desired property of a fluid downhole is described. In some non-limiting examples, the method comprises receiving an input signal representing sound speed of a fluid downhole, processing the input signal using a correlation equation expressing the desired property in terms of at least sound speed to produce an output signal representing the desired property, and outputting the output signal. In some examples, the correlation equation is derived through a chemometric analysis of a training data set, the training data set comprises a plurality of input values and a plurality of output values derived from said input values, between the desired fluid property and the first measured property, and the output values are calculated from the input values using a series of correlation equations. In at least one example, the desired property is gas oil ratio. In another example, the desired property is gas brine ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Rocco DiFoggio
  • Publication number: 20110238360
    Abstract: A method is provided for evaluating the reliability of an electrical power measuring device for measuring high-frequency electrical power. To build an evaluation system, the measuring device, together with a reference electrical power measuring device, is arranged between a high-frequency power supply device and an artificial reproduction load, which includes an impedance conversion device and a reference load. Using this system, an uncertainty range of an electrical power measured value measured by the measuring device is calculated, according to a prescribed calculation formula, from the electrical power measured value, and a judgment is made as to whether or not the electrical power measured value measured by the measuring device is within the uncertainty range. If it is within the uncertainty range, the measuring device is evaluated as being reliable, while if it is not within the uncertainty range, the measuring device is evaluated as being unreliable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: DAIHEN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ryohei TANAKA
  • Patent number: 8019178
    Abstract: In a method for determining a resolution metric, sampled touch input data is accessed for at least one of a plurality of capacitive sensor channels in capacitive touch sensors. A resolution metric is determined based on a ratio of a required resolution and a channel resolution of at least one of the plurality of capacitive sensor channels, where for a plurality of channels the resolution metric is set to a minimum of determined individual resolution metrics for each of the plurality of channels. The resolution metric is provided as an output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Synaptics Incorporated
    Inventor: Robert J. Bolender
  • Patent number: 8005638
    Abstract: Provided is a distributed test system and method for electrical devices that features bifurcated testing and analysis of test results for electrical devices by aggregating test results from multiple testing systems to a centralized server where analysis of test data is undertaken. The system includes a plurality of testing systems, each of which is configured to operate test software to provide electrical stimuli to devices under test (DUTs) and obtain measured metrics indicative of actual operational characteristics (AOCs) of the DUTs. A decision support system (DSS) is selectively placed in data communication with the plurality of testing systems to receive the measured metrics from each of the plurality of testing systems. The DSS is configured to operate on software and compare desired metrics, indicative of desired operational characteristics (DOCs) of each of the DUTs, with the measured metrics and provide a plurality of operational characteristic determinations (OCDs).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Naresh U. Mehta, Parmeshwar Roddy Bayappu
  • Patent number: 8000520
    Abstract: An image sensor testing apparatus is disclosed. The image sensor testing apparatus includes an electronic test system having a light source for illuminating an image sensor wafer to generate pixel data and a host processor for receiving the pixel data. An interface card coupled to the electronic test system has a programmable processor for processing the pixel data to generate processed data, the processed data transmitted to and analyzed by the host processor together with the pixel data to detect pixel defects in the image sensor wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Chia-Lun Chang, Chih-huei Wu, John T. Yue
  • Patent number: 7970568
    Abstract: A method for detecting steps taken by a person in locomotion on foot having a step-detection apparatus carried on the person. The step-detection apparatus generates a signal in response to locomotion of the person. The signal is compared to the timing characteristics of human gait to identify steps taken. The step-detection apparatus can be carried in a front pants pocket of the person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Inventor: John V. Schabowski