Temperature Patents (Class 73/766)
  • Patent number: 11724934
    Abstract: Multiple degenerately-doped silicon layers are implemented within resonant structures to control multiple orders of temperature coefficients of frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: SiTime Corporation
    Inventors: Charles I. Grosjean, Nicholas Miller, Paul M. Hagelin, Ginel C. Hill, Joseph C. Doll
  • Patent number: 11469734
    Abstract: A resonant member of a MEMS resonator oscillates in a mechanical resonance mode that produces non-uniform regional stresses such that a first level of mechanical stress in a first region of the resonant member is higher than a second level of mechanical stress in a second region of the resonant member. A plurality of openings within a surface of the resonant member are disposed more densely within the first region than the second region and at least partly filled with a compensating material that reduces temperature dependence of the resonant frequency corresponding to the mechanical resonance mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: SiTime Corporation
    Inventors: Paul M. Hagelin, Charles I. Grosjean
  • Patent number: 11460009
    Abstract: Systems and methods relate to a manner of improving an actuator used to hold an object. In one embodiment, an actuator includes a body that is bi-stable with a coiled state and an uncoiled state. The actuator also includes a strip, coupled to the body, that coils the body according to a power source that activates in response to a detected proximity of an object. The actuator also includes a wire coupled to a side of the body opposite from the strip and the wire uncoils the body in response to heat caused by the power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryohei Tsuruta, Shardul Singh Panwar, Umesh N. Gandhi, Brian J. Pinkelman, Paul A. Gilmore
  • Patent number: 11408784
    Abstract: A flexible circuit may be provided that allows for the monitoring of a physical object. The flexible circuit includes a plurality of flexible conductive segments that are disposed in a geometric pattern. The flexible conductive segments include nodes, and the physical object is monitored by analyzing changes in electrical resistance in the conductive segments between the nodes. The flexible circuit may also include sensors disposed on the nodes for monitoring additional conditions. A processor monitors the flexible conductive segments and sensors, and may provide an output regarding the status of the physical object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: CIPHER SKIN
    Inventors: Phillip Bogdanovich, Craig Weller, Shaka Joaquin Doyle Bahadu
  • Patent number: 11293818
    Abstract: There is provided a flexure body configured to be used in detection of load applied in first direction and a load applied in second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The flexure body including: a flexure member; and a circuit pattern. The flexure member has a flexure area configured to be strained under load from detection object and an area different from the flexure area. The circuit pattern includes two pieces of first-direction strain sensitive elements, two pieces of second-direction strain sensitive elements, and at least one of a first-direction fixed resistance element and a second-direction fixed resistance element. Two pieces of first-direction strain sensitive elements and two pieces of second-direction strain sensitive elements are provided in the flexure area, and the at least one of the first-direction fixed resistance element and the second-direction fixed resistance element is provided in the area different from the flexure area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: MINEBEA MITSUMI INC.
    Inventor: Dohaku Inamori
  • Patent number: 11246496
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a systems and methods for registration of pulse wave signal and determining arterial pressure. A non-limiting example of the system includes a strain gauge sensor. A non-limiting example of the method includes receiving, to a processor, a first pressure pulse signal from a first strain gauge sensor. The method also includes receiving, to the processor, a second pressure pulse signal from a second strain gauge sensor. The method also includes determining a pulse transit time between the first strain gauge sensor and the second strain gauge sensor based at least in part upon the first pressure pulse signal and the second pressure pulse signal. The method also includes determining an arterial pressure based at least in part upon the pulse transit time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Paolo Di Achille, Viatcheslav Gurev, John J. Rice, Katsuyuki Sakuma
  • Patent number: 11029224
    Abstract: An instrumentation system for use with a component formed from a first material having non-uniform coefficients of thermal expansion includes a first sensing system configured to be mounted to the component to sense temperature and mechanical forces on the component, and a thermally compensating coupon configured to be mounted to the component adjacent the first sensing system. The thermally compensating coupon is formed from a second material having non-uniform coefficients of thermal expansion that are substantially identical to the non-uniform coefficients of thermal expansion of the first material. A thermally compensating sensing system is mounted to the thermally compensating coupon and connected to the first sensing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Allen S. Carnicke, Elias John Ervin, Blerand Qeriqi
  • Patent number: 11022481
    Abstract: The invention relates to a load cell for a scale, comprising a measuring device for producing a temperature-dependent weight measurement signal corresponding to an acting weight and at least one temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of the load cell, wherein a temperature-compensated weight can be calculated by an evaluating unit from the produced weight measurement signal and the measured temperature. The temperature sensor is designed as a sensor, in particular a thermocouple, that measures a temperature difference between a first point, in particular a measurement point, of the load cell and a second point, in particular a comparison point, of the load cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Bizerba SE & Co. KG
    Inventor: Thomas Eger
  • Patent number: 10776684
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing data. The data is sent to a processor unit comprising a group of neural cores, a group of digital processing cores, and a routing network connecting the group of digital processing cores. The data is processed in the processor unit to generate a result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
    Inventors: Sapan Agarwal, Alexander H. Hsia, Matthew Marinella
  • Patent number: 10760892
    Abstract: A sensor includes a stretchable substrate having a stretching property, and a plurality of wires provided to the stretchable substrate, and the plurality of wires includes a first wire, and a second wire larger in resistance value variation due to extension of the stretchable substrate than the first wire. Further, the sensor includes a detection section adapted to correct a resistance value of the second wire in accordance with a resistance value of the first wire, and detect the extension of the stretchable substrate based on the resistance value of the second wire which has been corrected. Further, the detection section detects deterioration of the plurality of wires in accordance with the resistance value of the first wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Tomoyuki Kamakura
  • Patent number: 10684176
    Abstract: There is provided a device for measuring a temperature of a metal object itself without being affected by an ambient temperature. A first invention provides a device for measuring a temperature of a metal object using at least one strain gauge, wherein the at least one strain gauge is attached to the metal object and a linear expansion coefficient of the strain gauge is different from a linear expansion coefficient of the metal object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: MINEBEA MITSUMI INC.
    Inventors: Satoshi Sato, Masateru Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 10642420
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a touch screen apparatus. The touch screen apparatus includes a touch screen including a touch sensor, a temperature sensing unit to measure a temperature of the touch screen, and a touch driving circuit connected to the touch screen to generate touch position data and touch force level data and correct the touch force level data according to a temperature input from the temperature sensing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: LG DISPLAY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Eunjung Kim
  • Patent number: 10605688
    Abstract: A load cell input unit capable of determining whether load cell connection cables have a broken line is provided. When the load cell input unit (30) is in a broken line detection mode, a voltage applying element (311) applies a voltage to distribution lines of an amplifying element (31), and a broken line determination element (33) determines whether the load cell connection cables (40) have a broken line based on a voltage measured by a load measuring element (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Hitoshi Oba, Hiroki Miyake
  • Patent number: 10502553
    Abstract: A weldable strain sensor includes a strain sensor having two end portions in signal communication with signal lines for transmitting a measurement signal. A sensor carrier extends in a direction of the strain sensor and is firmly connected to the strain sensor. The sensor carrier includes two end portions having slots to thereby form tongues defining tongue ends which are directed in opposition to each other. Integrally surrounding the strain sensor and the end portions thereof is a protective cover of solid plastic which is firmly connected to the sensor carrier. The protective cover is configured in a region of the strain sensor narrow and flat and in a region of coupling points of the strain sensor with the signal lines at least twice as wide and at least twice as high as in a region of the strain sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: HOTTINGER BALDWIN MESSTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventors: Jochen Maul, Tobias Kipp, Bernd Günther, Maria Marta Cabral Bobiâo Giråo, Francisco Manuel Moita Araûjo
  • Patent number: 10458134
    Abstract: A system is provided for being affixed to a portion of a construction structure that has sustained a fracture. The system can provide a repair strap, sensor and communication interface. The repair strap can be securable to the structure to span at least a portion of the fracture. The sensor can be carried on the repair strap and be configured to detect at least one condition representative of additional fracture of the structure. An electrical signal can be generated in response to said detection. The communication interface can be electrically coupled to the sensor and can receive the electrical signal generated by the sensor. The communication interface can be configured to transmit information to a remote electronic device via a public or private communication network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: EMECOLE METRO, LLC
    Inventor: John R. Kochan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10451507
    Abstract: To suppress variations in the shift amount of the zero point of a sensor output when a pipe is connected to a pressure sensor via a clamp. A pressure sensor includes two semiconductor chips in two straight lines, orthogonal to each other, that pass through a center of a diaphragm in plan view, two resistors in the region between two supporting members supporting one semiconductor chip, and two other resistors in the region between two other supporting members supporting the other semiconductor chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Azbil Corporation
    Inventors: Yuki Seto, Rina Ogasawara
  • Patent number: 10172730
    Abstract: All metal stent grafts and covered stents having either a single structural supporting stent member with concentrically positioned graft members on the luminal and abluminal surfaces of the stent member or a single graft member with concentrically positioned structural supporting stent members on the luminal and abluminal surfaces of the graft member are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Vactronix Scientific, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher E. Banas
  • Patent number: 10101145
    Abstract: A sensor system includes a plurality of strain gauges and a passive compensation circuit. The plurality of strain gauges are configured to provide an output voltage indicative of a sensed pressure using an input voltage. The passive compensation circuit that includes a span resistor, first and second compensation resistors, and a zero offset resistor. The span resistor is connected between an input voltage and the pressure sensor and is configured to control a range of an output voltage for a pressure range of the pressure sensor. The first and second compensation resistors are operatively connected in parallel with the pressure sensor and are configured to control current provided to the pressure sensor. The zero offset resistor is operatively connected between the first and second compensation resistors and the pressure sensor and is configured to control a base value of the output voltage for zero pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Rosemount Aerospace Inc.
    Inventors: Saeed Fahimi, Cuong Tho Huynh
  • Patent number: 9993309
    Abstract: A force/torque transducer comprises a first member, a second member for receiving a load, and load cells connecting the first and second members. The load cells include sensors for measuring physical deformation of the load cells. Sensor measurements are convertible into force/torque measurements using a transformation matrix configured with M rows and N columns. M and N are respectively defined by a number of degrees of freedom monitored by the transducer and a number of load cells employed by the transducer, or vice-versa. Each row or column that corresponds to each load cell has values relating to that one load cell. Each row or column that corresponds to each degree of freedom has values relating to that one degree of freedom. A sum of the values in each row or column corresponding to each degree of freedom is substantially equal to zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: STRYKER CORPORATION
    Inventor: David Gene Bowling
  • Patent number: 9690413
    Abstract: An optically transparent force sensor that may compensate for environmental effects, including, for example, variations in temperature of the device or the surroundings. In some examples, two force-sensitive layers are separated by a compliant layer. The relative electrical response of the two force-sensitive layers may be used to compute an estimate of the force of a touch that reduces the effect of variations in temperature. In some examples, piezoelectric films having anisotropic strain properties are used to reduce the effects of temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Sinan Filiz, James E. Pedder, Charley T. Ogata, John Stephen Smith, Dhaval Chandrakant Patel, Shin John Choi, Brian Q. Huppi, Christopher J. Butler, Martin P. Grunthaner
  • Patent number: 9562802
    Abstract: A load cell may include a bar having a supported end, an unsupported end and a sensor holding portion disposed between the supported end and the unsupported end. The load cell may further include a plurality of electronic sensors including a first strain gauge pair and a second strain gauge pair disposed along the sensor holding portion. The load cell may further include an interface member directly connecting the electronic sensors for weight calculation responsive to application of a load to the unsupported end. In some cases, the interface member may include a flex circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: James A. Head, Kevin M. Fruechte
  • Patent number: 9542028
    Abstract: An optically transparent force sensor that may compensate for environmental effects, including, for example, variations in temperature of the device or the surroundings. In some examples, two force-sensitive layers are separated by a compliant layer. The relative electrical response of the two force-sensitive layers may be used to compute an estimate of the force of a touch that reduces the effect of variations in temperature. In some examples, piezoelectric films having anisotropic strain properties are used to reduce the effects of temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Sinan Filiz, James E. Pedder, Charley T. Ogata, John Stephen Smith, Dhaval Chandrakant Patel, Shin John Choi, Brian Q. Huppi, Christopher J. Butler, Martin P. Grunthaner
  • Patent number: 9534993
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for identifying the location of the load on a structure. Various embodiments include calculating a plurality of potential loading sites, assessing the statistical order of each of those predictions, and selecting regions of the structure where the load most likely occurred based on the orderliness (or randomness) of the assessments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Purdue Research Foundation
    Inventors: Ray Bond, Douglas E. Adams
  • Patent number: 9429491
    Abstract: Example embodiments of the disclosed technology methods, devices, and systems for compensating a sensor having thermal gradients. In one embodiment, a system is provided that includes a sensor, including a first half-bridge transducer configured to output a first pressure signal associated with a first received pressure; a first set of span resistors coupled to the first half-bridge transducer, and configured generate a first compensated pressure signal; a second half-bridge transducer, configured to output a second pressure signal associated with a second received pressure; and a second set of span resistors coupled to the second half-bridge transducer and configured to generate a second compensated pressure signal. The system includes an output port that is configured to output a signal associated with a difference between the first compensated pressure signal and the second compensated pressure signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Bemis, Timothy Nunn, Joseph VanDeWeert
  • Patent number: 9431993
    Abstract: A device includes a substrate, an electrode supported by the substrate, an anchor supported by the substrate, and a composite structure supported by the anchor, disposed adjacent the electrode, and configured for resonant vibration. The composite structure includes an external layer and an internal dielectric region covered by the external layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: MICREL, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Wan-Thai Hsu, John Ryan Clark
  • Patent number: 9135863
    Abstract: Provided herein are devices and methods relating to detecting and/or correcting distortions and other events that can occur to a display surface so that a desired image is viewed despite the presence of a distortion in the display surface itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: EMPIRE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT LLC
    Inventors: Gary Lynn Duerksen, Seth Adrian Miller
  • Patent number: 9080907
    Abstract: This invention relates to hot film shear stress sensors and their fabrication. We describe a hot film shear stress sensor comprising a silicon substrate supporting a membrane having a cavity underneath, said membrane bearing a film of metal and having electrical contacts for heating said film, and wherein said membrane comprises a silicon oxide membrane, where in said metal comprises aluminium or tungsten, and wherein said membrane has a protective layer of a silicon-based material over said film of metal. In preferred embodiments the sensor is fabricated by a CMOS process and the metal comprises aluminium or tungsten.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: Cambridge Enterprise Limited
    Inventors: Ibraheem Haneef, Howard P. Hodson, Robert Miller, Florin Udrea
  • Patent number: 9060696
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to systems and methods for optimizing the performance and minimizing complications related to implanted sensors, such as pressure sensors, for the purposes of detecting, diagnosing and treating cardiovascular disease in a medical patient. Systems and methods for anchoring implanted sensors to various body structures is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: Neal L. Eigler, Brian M. Mann, James S. Whiting, Werner Hafelfinger
  • Publication number: 20140331778
    Abstract: Provided is a method for measurement of a change in environment at a sensor. The sensor has: a first layer formed of a piezoelectric material; a second layer formed adjacent the first layer and acoustically coupled with the first layer; and electrodes disposed to apply a driving signal to the first layer to generate bulk acoustic waves. The temperature coefficient of frequency of the first layer is different to that of the second layer. In the method, a first layer resonant frequency associated with the first layer and a combination resonant frequency associated with a combination of the first and second layers are detected. A shift in one or both of the first layer resonant frequency and the combination resonant frequency is detected. A portion of the shift caused by a temperature change at the sensor is identified. Another portion of the shift caused by an environmental change at the sensor other than the temperature change is identified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventors: Andrew Flewitt, William Milne, Luis Garcia-Gancedo, Jack Luo
  • Patent number: 8810370
    Abstract: Data is remotely collected from a plurality of fasteners in response to a query signal wirelessly transmitted by a reader. Each of the fasteners includes a sensor for measuring a parameter related to the stress on the fastener. A device adapted to be attached to each of the fasteners receives the query signal, activates the sensor to measure the parameter and wirelessly transmits the data including the parameter to the reader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Brian J Tillotson, Bradley J Mitchell, Peter E Herley, Brenda K Carlson, Kevin Y Ung, Tamaira E Ross, Steven C Venema, Kristina A Chinn, James T Farricker, Daniel A Hendricks, Richard R Rocks, Charles B Spinelli, David B Blackwell
  • Patent number: 8725430
    Abstract: A correlation is preliminarily obtained between a depth of damage and a ratio between a temperature gradient in temperature distribution on a surface of an area containing the damage and a temperature difference between a maximum temperature and a minimum temperature in the temperature distribution. The temperature distribution on the surface of the area containing the damage in the structure is then measured. Once the temperature distribution on the structure surface is obtained, attention is focused on temperature distribution between two points including the damaged area, so that a temperature difference between a maximum temperature and a minimum temperature in the distribution is obtained, and further a temperature gradient of an interval exhibiting temperature variation equal to or higher than a predetermined level is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: West Nippon Expressway Engineering Shikoku Company Limited
    Inventors: Yukio Akashi, Kazuaki Hashimoto, Shogo Hayashi
  • Patent number: 8661923
    Abstract: The present invention is a sensor interface or network of interfaces that utilizes high-temperature electronics to operate at elevated temperatures for applications that include but are not limited to aircraft and automobile engines, vehicle frames, refineries, nuclear and chemical production plants, and in downhole drilling for petroleum and natural gas. The interface or network provide connectors for a variety of sensors with analog and digital outputs, and can in turn provide data to an automated electronic control system or a monitor. Because the sensor interface may be placed in so-called “hot zones” nearer to the sensors being monitored than other systems that use conventional electronics, the sensor interface can increase noise immunity, increase reliability, decrease cost, reduce weight, and increase space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Orbital Research Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Willett, Greg Shaw
  • Patent number: 8640549
    Abstract: A strain gage includes a strain sensitive element; and a temperature compensation element, wherein the strain sensitive element and temperature compensation element are monolithically formed. A method of manufacturing the strain gage includes: exposing and developing a strain sensitive element pattern and the temperature compensation element pattern; and etching the strain sensitive element pattern and the temperature compensation element pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Minebea Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Dohaku Inamori
  • Publication number: 20130298688
    Abstract: A force sensor may include a housing having a cavity enclosing a sense die, an actuating element and an elastomeric seal. The sense die may have a force sensing element for sensing a force applied to a surface of the sense die, and a temperature compensation circuit. The temperature compensation circuit may be located on the surface of the sense die and may be configured to at least partially compensate for the temperature sensitivity of the force sensing element. The actuating element may extend outside the housing and be used to transfer a force applied externally from the housing to the sense die. The elastomeric seal may include one or more conductive elements separated from the edge of the elastomeric seal by an insulating elastomeric material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Wade, Lamar Floyd Ricks
  • Publication number: 20130239695
    Abstract: A sensing module of the disclosure comprises a sensing device, a voltage generating device, a compensating device, and a voltage controlling device. The sensing device comprises a first reference terminal and a second reference terminal. The compensating device is coupled between the second reference terminal and a voltage reference terminal. The voltage controlling device is respectively coupled to the first reference terminal, the second reference terminal, and the voltage generating device. The voltage controlling device is used for outputting a first voltage signal to the first reference terminal based on the reference voltage signal and a cross voltage of the compensating device. A temperature variation of an impedance of the compensating device positively correlates to a temperature variation of an impedance of the sensing device. A temperature variation of a sensitivity of the sensing device negatively correlates to a temperature variation of the reference voltage signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: British Virgin Islands Central Digital Inc.
    Inventor: Chun-Yu TAI
  • Patent number: 8514088
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a temperature control switch. The temperature control switch includes a bistable resistance element. The bistable resistance element includes a low-conductivity matrix; and a number of high conductivity particles dispersed in the matrix. The bistable resistance element switches from a low resistance state to a high resistance state by receiving a temperature change applied to the bistable resistance element. The present disclosure also relates to a method for using the temperature control switch and an alarm system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignees: Tsinghua University, Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chun-Hua Hu, Chang-Hong Liu, Shou-Shan Fan
  • Patent number: 8479584
    Abstract: There are provided a temperature compensation method for a force sensor and the force sensor which can perform temperature compensation in not only the steady range where the output by the force sensor is stable but also the transient range where the output is unstable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takeshi Ohsato
  • Patent number: 8297129
    Abstract: Provided is a strain gage mount, including an instrument carrier mount configured to secure a strain gage during use, a specimen mount configured to couple to a specimen during use, and a thermal insulating layer configured to be disposed between the instrument carrier mount and the specimen mount during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Inventor: Brian A. Muskopf
  • Publication number: 20120247220
    Abstract: A strain gage includes a strain sensitive element; and a temperature compensation element, wherein the strain sensitive element and temperature compensation element are monolithically formed. A method of manufacturing the strain gage includes: exposing and developing a strain sensitive element pattern and the temperature compensation element pattern; and etching the strain sensitive element pattern and the temperature compensation element pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: MINEBEA CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Dohaku INAMORI
  • Patent number: 8196477
    Abstract: A force sensor unit includes: a detection section constituted of a main unit detecting external force and changes in temperature, and a sub unit detecting the changes in temperature, detecting the external force; and an attenuator dampening the external force and imparting the dampened force to the detection section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Ohsato, Yasuhiko Jinbu
  • Publication number: 20110259111
    Abstract: There are provided a temperature compensation method for a force sensor and the force sensor which can perform temperature compensation in not only the steady range where the output by the force sensor is stable but also the transient range where the output is unstable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Takeshi OHSATO
  • Patent number: 7928343
    Abstract: The present invention provides microcantilever hotplate devices which incorporate temperature compensating strain sensors. The microcantilever hotplate devices of the present invention comprise microcantilevers having temperature compensating strain sensors and resistive heaters. The present invention also provides methods for using a microcantilever hotplate for temperature compensated surface stress measurements, chemical/biochemical sensing, measuring various properties of compounds adhered to the microcantilever hotplate surface, or for temperature compensated deflection measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
    Inventors: William P. King, Jungchul Lee, Fabian T. Goericke
  • Patent number: 7703331
    Abstract: The invention relates to an instrumented tubular device for transporting a pressurized fluid notably in the field of oil exploration and in that of the transport of gas or hydrocarbons. This device comprises a tube in which this fluid flows, with which are associated means for measuring the main deformations of this tube, and means for measuring the temperature of the fluid in the tube. This tube is equipped with measurement means integral with its surface and offset by at least one remote optical cable towards an electronic measurement system. These measurement means are means for assembling at least two non-parallel optical fibers which comprise at least three assemblies of at least two optical gages with Bragg gratings attached to at least three measurement locations and connected to the remote optical cable via optical fibers. At least one assembly further comprises a temperature gage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Commissariat A l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Sylvain Magne, Pierre Ferdinand, Pierre-Jean Daniel
  • Patent number: 7647837
    Abstract: An active temperature differential compensation for strain gage based sensors. An array of temperature sensors can be placed at the gage locations to measure the difference in temperature that induces strain on the strain gages. The output of the temperature sensor network can be placed in series with the strain gage network to directly compensate the induced voltage caused by the temperature gradient and/or employed as the input of a mathematical algorithm that can compensate the output from the strain gage bridge to dynamically correct unwanted thermally induced strain in the strain gages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Moran, Sean D. Gregory, Jason R. Robinson, John Liu
  • Patent number: 7646945
    Abstract: Structural member bend radius sensor apparatus 90 comprises three fibre Bragg grating (FBG) strain sensors 102 provided within three optical fibres 14, 16, 18. The optical fibres 14, 16, 18 and the FBGs 102 are embedded within a part-cylindrical shaped carrier member 92. The fibres 14, 16, 18 are provided at three spaced locations across the shaped carrier member 92 so that, in use, the three respective FBG strain sensors will be located at three different angular positions around the circumference of the structural member (pipe) 68. Structural member shape measurement apparatus 100 comprises four bend radius sensor apparatus 90 provided at four bend radius measurement positions along the pipe 68. The four bend radius sensor apparatus 90 shown share their optical fibres 14, 16, 18, and a single shaped carrier member 92. The shape measurement apparatus 100 further comprises FBG interrogation apparatus 104.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Martin P. W. Jones, Richard D. G. Roberts, Ian Peirce
  • Patent number: 7624645
    Abstract: The invention relates to a compensation apparatus for compensating for thermally induced relative axial positional changes between two components, having a first compensation part which brings about an axial temperature-compensating movement of one of the compensation parts via a conical sliding face in a corresponding recess of a second compensation part if the radial extent of at least one of the compensation parts changes in a temperature-induced manner. In order to optimize the compensation capability of this apparatus, and to make it as far as possible independent of production tolerances of its installation surroundings with particularly simple means, there is provision for at least one compensation part to have a joint with a joint width which is variable during operation and imparts mechanical radial spring properties to the compensation part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Schaeffler KG
    Inventor: Tomas Smetana
  • Publication number: 20090139340
    Abstract: The present invention provides microcantilever hotplate devices which incorporate temperature compensating strain sensors. The microcantilever hotplate devices of the present invention comprise microcantilevers having temperature compensating strain sensors and resistive heaters. The present invention also provides methods for using a microcantilever hotplate for temperature compensated surface stress measurements, chemical/biochemical sensing, measuring various properties of compounds adhered to the microcantilever hotplate surface, or for temperature compensated deflection measurements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventors: William P. King, Jungchul Lee, Fabian T. Goericke
  • Publication number: 20090056466
    Abstract: An active temperature differential compensation for strain gage based sensors. An array of temperature sensors can be placed at the gage locations to measure the difference in temperature that induces strain on the strain gages. The output of the temperature sensor network can be placed in series with the strain gage network to directly compensate the induced voltage caused by the temperature gradient and/or employed as the input of a mathematical algorithm that can compensate the output from the strain gage bridge to dynamically correct unwanted thermally induced strain in the strain gages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventors: Michael E. Moran, Sean D. Gregory, Jason R. Robinson, John Liu
  • Patent number: 7487683
    Abstract: An endurance testing apparatus, which is for performing an endurance test of a contacting/separating portion in which a first member and a second member repeats contacting with and separating from each other, has a contact load generator and a testing medium fluid supply means. The contact load generator reciprocates the second member relative to the first member to generate a contact load acting between the first member and the second member repeatedly. The testing medium fluid supply means supplies a testing medium fluid to the contacting/separating portion to expose the first member and the second member to the testing medium fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignees: Denso Corporation, Toyota Tsusho Corporation
    Inventors: Masaaki Kato, Maiko Futamura, Hiroshi Miyagawa
  • Publication number: 20080257056
    Abstract: The invention relates to a compensation apparatus for compensating for thermally induced relative axial positional changes between two components, having a first compensation part (11) which brings about an axial temperature-compensating movement of one of the compensation parts (10) via a conical sliding face (23) in a corresponding recess (16) of a second compensation part (10) if the radial extent of at least one of the compensation parts (10, 11) changes in a temperature-induced manner. In order to optimize the compensation capability of this apparatus, and to make it as far as possible independent of production tolerances of its installation surroundings with particularly simple means, there is provision for at least one compensation part (10) to have a joint (13) with a joint width (15) which is variable during operation and imparts mechanical radial spring properties to the compensation part (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER KG
    Inventor: Tomas SMETANA