Magnetic Or Inductive Patents (Class 73/779)
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Patent number: 11927495Abstract: The invention relates to the field of measurement technology using computational technology and can be used in the industrial field that deals with pipelines (e.g., in the oil and gas industry, the construction industry, the energy industry, the nuclear industry, the utilities industry, the diagnostics of metallic structures, and the environmental protection industry). The technical result is an increase in the accuracy of determining mechanical stresses, while simultaneously providing the proper accuracy of detecting an anomaly source in a pipeline.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2021Date of Patent: March 12, 2024Inventor: Igor Sergeevich Kolesnikov
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Patent number: 11747304Abstract: Disclose is a system and method for real-time measurement and feedback of metrology and metallurgical data during additive manufacturing (AM) part fabrication. This solution promises to provide higher performance, lower cost AM parts. A sensor is placed either in the rake/roller or following the rake/roller so that it has no impact on the process efficiency and can be used to provide real-time feedback and an archived digital map of the entire part volume. The solution provides non-contact sensing of AM layer's electrical conductivity in a high-temperature environment, metallurgical property verification, porosity imaging, local defect detection and sizing, local material temperature monitoring, and grain anisotropy imaging. Part geometry, the AM powder, and the laser/material interface are monitored in real-time. Dual mode sensing using magnetoquasistatic and optical sensors enhance results. Real-time nonlinear control of the AM fabrication process is performed based on the sensor data.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2023Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: JENTEK Sensors, Inc.Inventors: Neil J Goldfine, Todd M Dunford
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Patent number: 11747411Abstract: A magnetic sensing circuit includes a circuit portion including: a main half-bridge including series-connected main tunnel magnetoresistive sensor elements TMR1 and TMR2; a first auxiliary half-bridge connected in parallel to the main half-bridge and including series-connected auxiliary tunnel magnetoresistive sensor elements TMR3 and TMR4 with an output voltage emerging from the connection between TMR1 and TMR3 and between TMR2 and TMR4; wherein a reference magnetization of the magnetoresistive sensor element TMR1 and TMR3 are respectively oriented substantially antiparallel with respect to a reference magnetization of the magnetoresistive sensor element TMR2 and TMR4; and wherein said first auxiliary half-bridge has a sensing axis that differs from the sensing axis of the main half bridge by an angle of about 180°/n, where n is the harmonic number to be canceled. The magnetic sensing circuit allows for sensing of external magnetic fields having high magnitude, with reduced angular error.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2019Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: CROCUS TECHNOLOGY SAInventors: Andrey Timopheev, Romain Foissac
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Patent number: 11543388Abstract: Disclose is a system and method for real-time measurement and feedback of metrology and metallurgical data during additive manufacturing (AM) part fabrication. This solution promises to provide higher performance, lower cost AM parts. A sensor is placed either in the rake/roller or following the rake/roller so that it has no impact on the process efficiency and can be used to provide real-time feedback and an archived digital map of the entire part volume. The solution provides non-contact sensing of AM layer's electrical conductivity in a high-temperature environment, metallurgical property verification, porosity imaging, local defect detection and sizing, local material temperature monitoring, and grain anisotropy imaging. Part geometry, the AM powder, and the laser/material interface are monitored in real-time. Dual mode sensing using magnetoquasistatic and optical sensors enhance results. Real-time nonlinear control of the AM fabrication process is performed based on the sensor data.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2022Date of Patent: January 3, 2023Assignee: JENTEK Sensors, Inc.Inventors: Neil J Goldfine, Todd M Dunford
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Patent number: 11274979Abstract: A method for determining residual stress in a selectively hardened parts including an unhardened region adjacent to a hardened region is provided. The method includes obtaining a Barkhausen Noise (BN) value for the unhardened region and selecting a corresponding absolute residual stress value from a correlation between BN values and absolute residual stress values. The selected absolute residual stress value accurately estimates the absolute residual stress in the hardened region of the selectively hardened part. In variations of the method the unhardened region is surrounded by the hardened region, the hardened region is a laser hardened region and the unhardened region is not laser hardened.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2020Date of Patent: March 15, 2022Assignee: Ford Motor CompanyInventor: Michael A. Kopmanis
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Patent number: 11268933Abstract: Disclose is a system and method for real-time measurement and feedback of metrology and metallurgical data during additive manufacturing (AM) part fabrication. This solution promises to provide higher performance, lower cost AM parts. A sensor is placed either in the rake/roller or following the rake/roller so that it has no impact on the process efficiency and can be used to provide real-time feedback and an archived digital map of the entire part volume. The solution provides non-contact sensing of AM layer's electrical conductivity in a high-temperature environment, metallurgical property verification, porosity imaging, local defect detection and sizing, local material temperature monitoring, and grain anisotropy imaging. Part geometry, the AM powder, and the laser/material interface are monitored in real-time. Dual mode sensing using magnetoquasistatic and optical sensors enhance results. Real-time nonlinear control of the AM fabrication process is performed based on the sensor data.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2017Date of Patent: March 8, 2022Assignee: JENTEK SENSORS, INC.Inventors: Neil J. Goldfine, Todd M. Dunford
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Patent number: 11248935Abstract: A position sensor is presented. Some embodiments of a position sensor according to some embodiments includes a position sensor that includes a transmission coil; receive coils, the receive coils including at least one polarity change; a target configured to transit across the receive coils; and a controller configured to drive the transmission coil, receive signals from the receive coils, and provide a position response indicative of the target position over the receive coils, wherein the position response exhibits a first linear region of a first slope and a second linear region of a second slope.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2020Date of Patent: February 15, 2022Assignee: Renesas Electronics America Inc.Inventors: Gentjan Qama, Jürgen Kernhof
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Patent number: 11218029Abstract: There is provided a detecting apparatus including one or a plurality of magnetic coupling elements that include a plurality of coils, and a detector that measures an electrical parameter related to the one or plurality of magnetic coupling elements or to a circuit that at least includes the one or plurality of magnetic coupling elements, and determines from a change in the electrical parameter whether a foreign matter that generates heat due to magnetic flux is present. In the one or plurality of magnetic coupling elements, the plurality of coils are electrically connected such that magnetic flux produced from at least one or more of the plurality of coils and magnetic flux produced from remaining coils of the plurality of coils have approximately opposing orientations.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2018Date of Patent: January 4, 2022Assignee: SONY CORPORATIONInventors: Takashi Miyamoto, Kohei Mori, Tomomichi Murakami
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Patent number: 11187603Abstract: The invention involves utilizing variable reluctance measurement technology (“VRMT”) sensors to monitor forces and stresses on drilling risers and riser towers. The tension monitoring system described herein includes an optimized configuration of variable reluctance measurement technology sensors, wherein the sensors have increased wire turns around each end of their C-cores or alternatively are mounted on mechanical amplifiers or both. An array of optimized variable reluctance measurement technology sensors can be configured at multiple points on a riser system. The VRMT sensors may be integrally attached to the risers or flexible joints for the risers, or may be installed on existing riser or flexible joint systems.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2019Date of Patent: November 30, 2021Assignee: Oil States Industries, Inc.Inventors: John Ray Baileys, Michael Eugene Hogan, Joseph Michael O'Neil, Daniel Joseph Tye
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Patent number: 11150311Abstract: A device and a method for detecting a defect contour with omnidirectionally equal sensitivity based on magnetic excitation are provided. The device includes a magnetic sensor array arranged in a spatially uniform magnetic field and configured to collect a magnetic field signal, and a data analysis module configured to analyze the magnetic field signal, extract a distorted magnetic field signal, and obtain an image of the defect contour based on the distorted magnetic field signal.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2020Date of Patent: October 19, 2021Assignee: TSINGHUA UNIVERSITYInventors: Songling Huang, Wenzhi Wang, Lisha Peng, Wei Zhao, Shen Wang, Zijing Huang
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Patent number: 11119158Abstract: An electronic device including a continuity sensor and electrical circuitry configured to detect and report the continuity state of an article, container or product packaging is disclosed. The continuity sensor includes a first substrate with first and second coils thereon, and a second substrate with a third coil thereon. The first coil has an integrated circuit electrically connected thereto. The first substrate is part of, or is attached or secured to a part of the article, container or packaging. The second substrate is another part of, or is attached or secured to another part of the article, container or packaging. One of the article, container or packaging parts is (re)movable with respect to the other part. The first and second coils have one coupling when the article, container or packaging is closed or sealed, and a different coupling when the article, container or packaging is open or unsealed.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2017Date of Patent: September 14, 2021Assignees: Thin Film Electronics ASA, GlaxoSmithKline Intellectual Property Development LimitedInventors: Somnath Mukherjee, James Godfrey
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Patent number: 11022508Abstract: A torque detection unit for actively detecting a torque acting on a shaft, and in particular on a crankshaft, of a vehicle drivable by muscle power and/or by motor power along a rotational axis, including an excitation unit, which is configured to apply a magnetic field which changes over time to the shaft, and a first sensor unit and a second sensor unit, which are configured to detect a magnetic field carried by the shaft, the first and the second sensor unit, in particular with an otherwise identical setup, having different orientations with respect to one another so that they, during operation, are oriented differently from one another with respect to the shaft, and in particular with respect to the rotational axis.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2017Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Rolando Doelling
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Patent number: 10826369Abstract: A positioning apparatus comprising first and second relatively moveable members, and a linear motor comprising at least one elongate stator assembly and at least one armature assembly respectively mounted to the first and second moveable members for effecting relative movement of the first and second moveable members, configured so at to permit longitudinal expansion and/or contraction of the at least one elongate stator assembly and/or of the at least one armature assembly relative to its respective member.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2018Date of Patent: November 3, 2020Assignee: RENISHAW PLCInventors: Stephen Mark Angood, Hugo George Derrick, Stephen Paul Hunter, David Andrew Larkham
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Patent number: 10816414Abstract: A method for determining residual stress in a selectively hardened parts including an unhardened region adjacent to a hardened region is provided. The method includes obtaining a Barkhausen Noise (BN) value for the unhardened region and selecting a corresponding absolute residual stress value from a look-up table. The selected absolute residual stress value accurately estimates the absolute residual stress in the hardened region of the selectively hardened part. In variations of the method the unhardened region is surrounded by the hardened region, the hardened region is a laser hardened region and the unhardened region is not laser hardened.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2018Date of Patent: October 27, 2020Assignee: Ford Motor CompanyInventor: Michael A. Kopmanis
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Patent number: 10768145Abstract: A conversion section converts a change in signal information outputted from a vibration detector provided on a structural body from the change in the function of time into the change in the function of the distance between a moving object that moves on the structural body and the vibration detector. An attenuation characteristic calculation section calculates an attenuation characteristic of the structural body based on the signal information so converted as to represent the change in the function of the distance.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2016Date of Patent: September 8, 2020Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventor: Yoshihiro Kobayashi
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Patent number: 10668988Abstract: The invention relates to floating platform mooring and involves an improved platform mounted tendon tension monitoring system with porch-mounted variable reluctance measurement technology sensors configured. The variable reluctance measurement technology sensors of this system are optimized for porch mounting. The porch-mounted tendon tension monitoring system can also be configured such that the porch-mounted optimized variable reluctance measurement technology sensors are replaceable. Sensors may be replaced to extend the desired useful lifetime of a tendon tension monitoring system or in the event that a sensor happens to malfunction. A plurality of variable reluctance measurement technology sensors can be configured in sensor packs at the corners or at other locations where tendon tension monitoring can be useful for a floating platform.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2019Date of Patent: June 2, 2020Assignee: Oil States Industries, Inc.Inventors: John Ray Baileys, Michael Eugene Hogan, Joseph Michael O'Neil, Daniel Joseph Tye
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Patent number: 10663363Abstract: A system for measuring torque on a component having a residually magnetized region is provided. The system includes a torque sensor for sensing an electromagnetic characteristic of the component and transmitting a plurality of signals that are indicative of the electromagnetic characteristic. The system also includes a computer communicatively coupled to the torque sensor for receiving the signals. The computer includes a processor and a memory. The processor is programmed to determine, using the signals, that the torque sensor is affected by the residually magnetized region of the component.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2019Date of Patent: May 26, 2020Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Dan Tho Lu, Brant Wilhelm
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Patent number: 10558287Abstract: A pressure-sensitive display screen touch-control unit, a touch screen and a manufacturing method thereof. The touch-control unit mainly comprises a driving electrode, a lower electrode, and a dielectric layer sandwiched between the driving electrode and the lower electrode. When a pressure is applied between the driving electrode and the lower electrode, a tunnel current IT is formed, and a voltage VT exists between the driving electrode and the lower electrode. With the touch-control unit, an external pressure may be converted into a current signal to make pressure an information input mode; and the touch-control unit is combined with the existing capacitive touch screen or the resistive touch screen, such that the touch-control unit may be compatible with the existing multi-point touch function, and may also sense change in pressure sensitively. Functions of the existing touch screens may be enhanced to rich operations and applications of touch screens.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2014Date of Patent: February 11, 2020Assignees: KUNSHAN NEW FLAT PANEL DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY CENTER CO., LTD., KUNSHAN GO-VISIONOX OPTO-ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Shaopeng Zhu, Yong Qiu, Hong Chen, Xiuqi Huang
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Patent number: 10502642Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for determining stress in a target are provided. The systems, devices, and methods facilitate detecting stress in the target using a sensor assembly. Using a sensor, taw stress signals, which can correspond to stress in the target, can be generated by detecting a magnetic flux that travels through the target. The raw stress signals can be sensitive to a gap between the sensor and the target. A proximity sensor element can be used to determine the size of the gap by generating an electric field between itself and the target. If the size of the gap changes, the strength of the electric field can change. Using a voltage of the proximity sensor element, a corresponding gap signal can be generated. The gap signal can be used to correct the raw stress signals, thereby creating corrected stress signals, which can correspond to stress values within the target.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2017Date of Patent: December 10, 2019Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Dan Tho Lu
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Patent number: 10421647Abstract: The present invention relates generally to lifting gear such as cranes which use ropes such as high-strength fiber ropes. The invention here in particular relates to an apparatus for monitoring operating data and/or for determining the replacement state of such a rope in use on such lifting equipment having a detection device for detecting at least one rope use parameter that influences the replacement state of wear and having a data store for storing the detected rope use parameter and/or an operating parameter derived therefrom that characterizes the residual service life and/or the replacement state of wear of the rope.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2018Date of Patent: September 24, 2019Assignee: Liebherr-Werk Biberach GmbHInventor: Thorsten Hesselbein
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Patent number: 10413198Abstract: According to one embodiment, a strain sensing element is provided on a film unit configured to be deformed. The strain sensing element includes a functional layer, a first magnetic layer, a second magnetic layer, and a spacer layer. The functional layer includes at least one of an oxide and a nitride. The second magnetic layer is provided between the functional layer and the first magnetic layer. A magnetization of the second magnetic layer is variable in accordance with a deformation of the film unit. The spacer layer is provided between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer. At least a part of the second magnetic layer is amorphous and includes boron.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2017Date of Patent: September 17, 2019Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Yoshihiko Fuji, Hideaki Fukuzawa, Shiori Kaji, Akio Hori, Tomohiko Nagata, Michiko Hara, Yoshihiro Higashi, Akiko Yuzawa
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Patent number: 10308324Abstract: The invention relates to floating platform mooring and involves an improved platform mounted tendon tension monitoring system with porch-mounted variable reluctance measurement technology sensors configured. The variable reluctance measurement technology sensors of this system are optimized for porch mounting. The porch-mounted tendon tension monitoring system can also be configured such that the porch-mounted optimized variable reluctance measurement technology sensors are replaceable. Sensors may be replaced to extend the desired useful lifetime of a tendon tension monitoring system or in the event that a sensor happens to malfunction. A plurality of variable reluctance measurement technology sensors can be configured in sensor packs at the corners or at other locations where tendon tension monitoring can be useful for a floating platform.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2017Date of Patent: June 4, 2019Assignee: Oil States Industries, Inc.Inventors: John Ray Baileys, Michael Eugene Hogan, Joseph Michael O'Neil, Daniel Joseph Tye
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Patent number: 10273004Abstract: An actual position of a load tethered with a tether to a vehicle is determined using a plurality of sensors disposed on the vehicle. A required tether tension and required tether angle of the tether is determined to move the load from the actual position to a commanded position. An actual tether tension and actual tether angle of the tether is determined using the plurality of sensors. A determination is made as to a thrust vector to be applied by the vehicle to change the actual tether tension and the actual tether angle of the tether to the required tether tension and the required tether angle. The thrust vector is applied with the vehicle to reposition the vehicle to achieve the required tether angle and to create the required tether tension of the tether to move the load to the commanded position.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2013Date of Patent: April 30, 2019Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventor: Kevin M. Jenkins
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Patent number: 10267693Abstract: A system for measuring torque on a component having a residually magnetized region is provided. The system includes a torque sensor for sensing an electromagnetic characteristic of the component and transmitting a plurality of signals that are indicative of the electromagnetic characteristic. The system also includes a computer communicatively coupled to the torque sensor for receiving the signals. The computer includes a processor and a memory. The processor is programmed to determine, using the signals, that the torque sensor is affected by the residually magnetized region of the component.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2016Date of Patent: April 23, 2019Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Dan Tho Lu, Brant Wilhelm
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Patent number: 10145751Abstract: According to one embodiment, a sensor includes a deformable film portion, a first sensing element and a second sensing element. The first sensing element is fixed to the film portion, and includes a first magnetic layer of a first material, a first opposing magnetic layer, and a first intermediate layer. The first intermediate layer is provided between the first magnetic layer and the first opposing magnetic layer. The second sensing element is fixed to the film portion, and includes a second magnetic layer of a second material, a second opposing magnetic layer, and a second intermediate layer. The second material is different from the first material. The second intermediate layer is provided between the second magnetic layer and the second opposing magnetic layer.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2016Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Yoshihiko Fuji, Michiko Hara, Kei Masunishi, Yoshihiro Higashi, Shiori Kaji, Akiko Yuzawa, Akio Hori, Tomohiko Nagata, Kazuaki Okamoto, Kenji Otsu, Shotaro Baba
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Patent number: 10145907Abstract: A magnetic field sensor for sensing an external magnetic field along a sensing direction oriented perpendicular to a plane of the magnetic field sensor comprises a sensor bridge. The sensor bridge has a first sensor leg that includes a first magnetoresistive sense element and a second sensor leg that includes a second magnetoresistive sense element. The first and second sense elements include respective first and second pinned layers having corresponding first and second reference magnetizations within the plane and oriented in the same direction. The first and second sense elements further include respective first and second sense layers, each having an indeterminate magnetization state. A permanent magnet layer is proximate the magnetoresistive sense elements. In the absence of an external magnetic field, the permanent magnet layer magnetically biases the indeterminate magnetization state of each sense layer to produce a sense magnetization of the first and second sense layers.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2016Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: NXP USA, Inc.Inventors: Paige M. Holm, Lianjun Liu
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Patent number: 10060249Abstract: A method for measuring pressure exerted by earth material includes: providing a pipe with a longitudinal bore defining an inner diameter, providing a device with sensors to sense said inner diameter, wherein the device is to be moved within the pipe along the longitudinal bore, while a measurement of the inner diameter is taken in a first transversal direction at one longitudinal position of the pipe. Then a measurement of the inner diameter in a second transversal direction at the predetermined longitudinal position is taken, wherein the second transversal direction is oriented differently to the first transversal direction. Finally, an ovalization of the pipe is derived at that predetermined longitudinal position of the pipe through subtracting a diameter value of the first transversal direction from a diameter value of the second transversal direction.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2014Date of Patent: August 28, 2018Assignee: ETH ZurichInventors: Alexander Puzrin, Markus Schwager, Andreas Schmid, Ernst Bleiker
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Patent number: 9872624Abstract: According to one embodiment, a strain sensing element is provided on a film unit configured to be deformed. The strain sensing element includes a functional layer, a first magnetic layer, a second magnetic layer, and a spacer layer. The functional layer includes at least one of an oxide and a nitride. The second magnetic layer is provided between the functional layer and the first magnetic layer. A magnetization of the second magnetic layer is variable in accordance with a deformation of the film unit. The spacer layer is provided between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer. At least a part of the second magnetic layer is amorphous and includes boron.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2014Date of Patent: January 23, 2018Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Yoshihiko Fuji, Hideaki Fukuzawa, Shiori Kaji, Akio Hori, Tomohiko Nagata, Michiko Hara, Yoshihiro Higashi, Akiko Yuzawa
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Patent number: 9863859Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of systems and methods related to a load monitoring apparatus for testing of a material. The load monitoring apparatus may comprise a primary bar and one or more nested tubes substantially surrounding a portion of the primary bar. The one or more nested tubes are connected in series at alternate ends of the one or more nested tube. Further, the primary bar may comprise one or more sensors used to extract load sampling and monitor reflections of signals traversing the load monitoring apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2015Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: Mississippi State University Research and Technology CorporationInventors: Wilburn Ray Whittington, Andrew Lars Oppedal
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Patent number: 9766058Abstract: A distance measuring system includes: a reference member configured to be provided on a surface of a first pipe made of metal, the reference member serving as a reference for distance measurement; an attachment member provided on a surface of a second pipe, made of metal, connected with the first pipe through a weld; a distance sensor configured to be attached to the attachment member, to measure a distance to the reference member; and a measuring unit configured to measure the distance based on an output from the distance sensor.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2013Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignee: THE CHUGOKU ELECTRIC POWER CO., INC.Inventors: Tatsuya Kenzume, Hidetaka Nishida, Hideo Matsumura, Daisuke Arakawa
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Patent number: 9719201Abstract: A laundry machine comprising a dynamically suspended assembly including a drum for holding laundry, rotationally mounted with the dynamically suspended assembly, a supporting structure for the dynamically suspended assembly, and at least one suspension assembly coupled between the dynamically suspended assembly and the supporting structure for supporting the dynamically suspended assembly, with a load sensor between the suspension assembly and the supporting structure or between the suspension assembly and the dynamically suspended assembly.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2013Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Appliances LimitedInventors: Russell Joseph Jackson, Adam Peter Johnson
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Patent number: 9693922Abstract: Disclosed is a patient lift system having a sling bar with an inductively charged integrated scale. The lift system comprises a lift apparatus, a lift strap connected at a first end to the lift apparatus, a sling bar connected to a second free hanging end of the lift strap, the sling bar having a scale with a tension load cell integrally disposed therein for measuring forces applied thereto and a power source electrically connected to the scale to provide power to the scale and load cell. An accelerometer is disposed within the sling bar to determine a tilt angle of a lift axis of the load cell relative to a vertical direction of gravitational force. Programming stored in a processor of the integrated scale calculates an accurate weight of an active load suspended from the sling bar, based on the determined tilt angle and the measured force on the load cell.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2014Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: Liko Research & Development ABInventors: Mattias Andersson, Nils Anders Joakim Eriksson, Jean-Bernard Duvert, Philippe Kaikenger
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Patent number: 9462997Abstract: A subject information acquisition apparatus includes a first holding member that holds a subject, a probe that receives an elastic wave from the subject through the first holding member, a first holding member deformation amount measuring unit that measures an amount of deformation of the first holding member, and a processing unit that creates an area for generating subject information by using the amount of deformation of the first holding member and position information of the first holding member deformation amount measuring unit and generates an information value of subject information corresponding to the area for generating subject information by using a signal outputted by the probe.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2015Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Toshinobu Tokita
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Patent number: 9453769Abstract: The subject of this patent is a novel method for developing a sensing system that can determine a magnetic attraction force between a magnetic structure and its target level by using an Opposing Residual Magnetic Field (ORMF) to quantify said magnetic attraction force. Steps for the development and implementation of an ORMF Sensing System are set forth herein.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2015Date of Patent: September 27, 2016Assignee: Maglogix, LLCInventor: Jim G. Michael
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Patent number: 9340408Abstract: A sensor chip has a supporting structure layer and a micro-inductor layer formed on the supporting structure layer and having an inductance. The micro-inductor layer comprises an insulating layer, at least one magnetic layer, and a micro-coil layer. When an external physical quantity is applied on sensor chip, the micro-inductor layer can deform correspondingly to generate a variation of the inductance. The variation of the inductance can be measured by an inductance measurement circuit. The inductance measurement circuit can be an external circuit or be integrated into the sensor chip.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2013Date of Patent: May 17, 2016Assignee: NATIONAL TSING HUA UNIVERSITYInventors: Heng-Chung Chang, Wei-Leun Fang
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Patent number: 9250142Abstract: According to one embodiment, a pressure sensor includes a base unit, a film unit, and a plurality of sensing elements. The plurality of sensing elements is provided on the film unit radially with respect to a centroid of the film unit. The plurality of sensing elements has a first side and a second side intersecting the first side. Each of the plurality of sensing elements includes a first magnetic layer, a second magnetic layer, and an intermediate layer. Each of the plurality of sensing elements has a shape anisotropy characterized by a length of the first side being longer than a length of the second side intersecting the first side. The plurality of sensing elements is provided at lines having radial configurations extending from the centroid to have a prescribed angle between the first side and the line.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2013Date of Patent: February 2, 2016Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Hideaki Fukuzawa, Yoshihiro Higashi, Yoshihiko Fuji, Michiko Hara, Akio Hori, Shiori Kaji, Tomohiko Nagata, Akiko Yuzawa
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Patent number: 9131856Abstract: A strain sensor element comprises a laminated film which has a magnetic free layer, a spacer layer, and a magnetic reference layer. The free layer has a variable magnetization direction and a out-of-plane magnetization direction. The reference layer has a variable magnetization direction which is pinned more strongly than the magnetization of the free layer. The spacer layer provided between the free layer and the reference layer. A pair of electrodes is provided with a plane of the laminated film. A substrate is provided with either of the pair electrodes and can be strained. The rotation angle of the magnetization of the free layer is different from the rotation angle of the magnetization of the reference layer when the substrate is distorted. Electrical resistance is changed depending on the magnetization angle between the free layer and the reference layer, which allows the element to operate as a strain sensor.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2014Date of Patent: September 15, 2015Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Alexander Devin Giddings, Hideaki Fukuzawa, Yoshihiko Fuji, Hiromi Yuasa, Michiko Hara, Shuichi Murakami
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Patent number: 9121748Abstract: Provided is a support structure for a load measurement sensor having sufficient durability without adding a large load to a portion transmitting a load to the load measurement sensor. In the support structure, including a sensor body detecting a load generated from a seat having a seat frame and an extension shaft portion extending from the sensor body, to attachment brackets in a state where the extension shaft portion follows the horizontal direction, the support structure includes a load input portion which comes into contact with the sensor body and inputs a load to the sensor body. The sensor body includes a load receiving surface which comes into contact with the load input portion and receives the load, and the load input portion is formed to be movable in the axial direction of the extension shaft portion with respect to the load receiving surface.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2012Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: TS Tech Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hidetoshi Ozawa, Wataru Honda
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Patent number: 9066661Abstract: A strain sensor element comprises a laminated film which has a magnetic free layer, a spacer layer, and a magnetic reference layer. The free layer has a variable magnetization direction and a out-of-plane magnetization direction. The reference layer has a variable magnetization direction which is pinned more strongly than the magnetization of the free layer. The spacer layer provided between the free layer and the reference layer. A pair of electrodes is provided with a plane of the laminated film. A substrate is provided with either of the pair electrodes and can be strained. The rotation angle of the magnetization of the free layer is different from the rotation angle of the magnetization of the reference layer when the substrate is distorted. Electrical resistance is changed depending on the magnetization angle between the free layer and the reference layer, which allows the element to operate as a strain sensor.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2014Date of Patent: June 30, 2015Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBAInventors: Alexander Devin Giddings, Hideaki Fukuzawa, Yoshihiko Fuji, Hiromi Yuasa, Mlchiko Hara, Shuichi Murakami
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Patent number: 9047365Abstract: The invention relates to a method for monitoring the proper functioning of at least one first and a second component (109, 110) of a vehicle drive train (100). The first and the second component (109, 110) each have an effect on the torque applied to the driveshaft (111) and are controlled for this purpose by a test signal (112, 113). The test signals (112, 113) are predetermined such that the effects of the first and the second component (109, 110) onto the torque applied to the driveshaft (111) cancel each other out if the first and the second component (109, 110) function properly. When the components (109, 110) function properly, the traveling comfort is not disturbed by an unexpected torque increase or torque decrease during the carrying out of this method. Any perturbation of the vehicle drive train (100) is therefore also avoided.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2011Date of Patent: June 2, 2015Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Jens-Werner Falkenstein
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Publication number: 20150142342Abstract: A method determines isotropic stress by means of a Hall element which includes a plate-shaped area made of a doped semiconductor material and comprises four contacts contacting the plate-shaped area and forming corners of a quadrangle, two neighboring corners of the quadrangle defining an edge thereof. At least one van der Pauw transresistance value in at least one van der Pauw measurement set-up of the Hall element is determined, wherein the four contacts of the Hall element form contact pairs, a contact pair comprising two contacts defining neighbouring corners of the quadrangle. One contact pair supplies a current and the other contact pair measures a voltage. A relationship between the supplied current and the measured voltage defines the Van der Pauw transresistance value. The method comprises determining a stress signal which depends on the at least one Van der Pauw transresistance value and determining isotropic stress.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2013Publication date: May 21, 2015Inventors: Samuel Huber, Johan Raman, Pieter Rombouts, Appolonius Jacobus Van Der Wiel
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Patent number: 9032808Abstract: According to one embodiment, a magneto-resistive effect device, includes a stacked body stacked on a substrate, a pair of first electrodes that feeds current to the stacked body, a strain introduction member, and a second electrode for applying a voltage to the strain introduction member. The stacked body includes a first magnetic layer that includes one or more metals selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt, and nickel, a second magnetic layer stacked on the first magnetic layer, having a composition that is different from the first magnetic layer, and a spacer layer disposed between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2011Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Devin Giddings, Hideaki Fukuzawa, Yoshihiko Fuji, Michiko Hara, Hiromi Yuasa
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Publication number: 20150122044Abstract: A strain sensor having an active area that includes a magnetoelastic resonator and spring configured so that the spring undergoes a greater amount of strain than the resonator when the sensor is under load. The sensor is anchored at opposite ends of the active area to a substrate for which strain is to be measured. An interrogating coil is used for wireless sensor readout. A biasing magnet may be included to provide a desired sensor response for the particular application of the sensor. The strain sensor may be implemented as a differential strain sensor that includes a second, strain-independent reference resonator.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2014Publication date: May 7, 2015Inventors: Yogesh Gianchandani, Venkatram Pepakayala, Scott Green
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Patent number: 9016135Abstract: A stress sensor (1) for detecting mechanical stress in a semiconductor chip (2) has a Wheatstone bridge formed by four integrated resistors R1 to R4, the resistors R1 and R4 being p-type resistors and the resistors R2 and R3 being n-type resistors.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2012Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: Melexis Technologies NVInventors: Samuel Huber, Arnaud Laville, Wouter Leten, Christian Schott
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Publication number: 20150090044Abstract: A bending detection apparatus for a flexible device includes a plurality of antennas disposed to be bent together with a flexible device; and a bending detection unit for detecting bending of the flexible device based on inductances of the plurality of antennas or information corresponding to the inductances, a bending detection method for a flexible device, and a flexible device.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2014Publication date: April 2, 2015Applicant: LG Display Co., Ltd.Inventors: Heeseo Hwang, HaZoong Kim, SungWan Hong
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Publication number: 20150082901Abstract: According to one embodiment, a strain sensing element provided on a deformable substrate includes: a first magnetic layer; a second magnetic layer; a spacer layer; and a bias layer. Magnetization of the second magnetic layer changes according to deformation of the substrate. The spacer layer is provided between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer. The second magnetic layer is provided between the spacer layer and the bias layer. The bias layer is configured to apply a bias to the second magnetic layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2014Publication date: March 26, 2015Inventors: Yoshihiko Fuji, Hideaki Fukuzawa, Shiori Kaji
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Publication number: 20150082900Abstract: According to one embodiment, a strain sensing element to be provided on a deformable substrate, the element includes: a reference layer; a magnetization free layer; and a spacer layer. Magnetization of the magnetization free layer changes in accordance with deformation of the substrate. The spacer layer is provided between the reference layer and the magnetization free layer. The magnetization free layer has: a first magnetic layer; a second magnetic layer; and a magnetic coupling layer. The first magnetic layer is provided in contact with the spacer layer. The second magnetic layer is provided to be separated from the first magnetic layer. The magnetic coupling layer is provided between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer. Magnetization of the first magnetic layer is anti-parallel to magnetization of the second magnetic layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2014Publication date: March 26, 2015Inventors: Yoshihiko FUJI, Hideaki FUKUZAWA, Shiori KAJI
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Publication number: 20150082899Abstract: According to one embodiment, a strain sensing element provided on a deformable substrate, includes: a first magnetic layer; a second magnetic layer; and an intermediate layer. The second magnetic layer includes Fe1-yBy (0<y?0.3). Magnetization of the second magnetic layer changes according to deformation of the substrate. The intermediate layer is provided between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2014Publication date: March 26, 2015Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Shiori KAJI, Hideaki Fukuzawa, Yoshihiko Fuji
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Publication number: 20150068316Abstract: A sensor array comprises a carrier substrate and a ferro electric layer disposed on the carrier substrate, wherein the sensor array comprises means for reading the permittivity of the ferro electric layer. The sensor array is such that the ferro electric layer is disposed in a crystalline manner on the carrier substrate. A method for producing the sensor array and to use of the same is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2013Publication date: March 12, 2015Applicant: FORSCHUNGSZENTRM JUELICH GMBHInventor: Roger Woerdenweber
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Patent number: 8973446Abstract: According to one embodiment, a pressure sensor includes a base, and a first sensor unit. The first sensor unit includes a first transducer thin film, a first strain sensing device and a second strain sensing device. The first strain sensing device includes a first magnetic layer, a second magnetic layer, and a first intermediate layer provided between the first and the second magnetic layers. The second strain sensing device is provided apart from the first strain sensing device on the first membrane surface and provided at a location different from a location of the barycenter, the second strain sensing device including a third magnetic layer, a fourth magnetic layer, and a second intermediate layer provided between the third and the fourth magnetic layers, the first and the second intermediate layers being nonmagnetic. The first and the second strain sensing devices, and the barycenter are in a straight line.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2012Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Hideaki Fukuzawa, Akihiko Enamito, Osamu Nishimura, Michiko Hara, Hiromi Yuasa, Yoshihiko Fuji, Masayuki Kii, Eizo Fujisawa