53rd week of 2009 patent applcation highlights part 22 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20090322277 | PORTABLE COMPUTERIZED DATA COMMUNICATION DEVICE - In one embodiment, a portable computerized data communication device in a data communication system may include, for example, a user interface; a computerized system controlling operation of the device; a device housing having a normal closed condition defining an interior space within the device housing, and having an interior electrical connector within the interior space; and the device having an open condition providing access to the interior space while the device housing is in the open condition to enable connection with the interior electrical connector of a peripheral device equipping the device to perform a new function. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322278 | DOCKING STATION FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICE - A docking station for an electronic device includes a magnet that holds the electronic device in a mated orientation relative to the docking station. The docking station may include a mounting surface with two or more different charge-contact regions, each charge-contact region electrically coupled to a terminal of an electric power source and positioned to form an electrical connection with a charging terminal of the electronic device when the electronic device mates with the mounting surface. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322279 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR A WALL MOUNTED UNIVERSAL POWER SUPPLY - Methods and Systems for charging portable equipment having divergent power requirements and exhibiting different structural features are provided by devices having adapters to accommodate the portable equipment in the form of a wall mounted universal power supply. Adapters are configured in plate formats that fit into cradles capable of charging cell phones, video cameras, and wireless routers. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322280 | POWER TRANSMISSION CONTROL DEVICE, POWER TRANSMISSION DEVICE, POWER RECEIVING CONTROL DEVICE, POWER RECEIVING DEVICE, AND ELECTRONIC APPARATUS - A power transmission control device included in a contactless power transmission system in which power is transmitted from a power transmission device to a power receiving device by electromagnetically coupling a primary coil and a secondary coil and the power is supplied to a load of the power receiving device, includes a controller controlling the power transmission control device, and a load condition detection circuit detecting a load condition on a power receiving side. The controller determines the load condition on the power receiving side based on threshold information received from the power receiving device and load condition detection information from the load condition detection circuit. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322281 | POWER TRANSMISSION CONTROL DEVICE, POWER TRANSMISSION DEVICE, POWER RECEIVING CONTROL DEVICE, POWER RECEIVING DEVICE, ELECTRONIC APPARATUS, METHOD FOR CONTROLLING POWER TRANSMISSION, AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING POWER RECEIVING - A power transmission control device included in a contactless power transmission system that transmits power by electromagnetically coupling a primary coil and a secondary coil from a power transmission device to a power receiving device so as to supply the power to a load of the power receiving device includes: a controller that controls the power transmission device. The controller includes: a negotiation processing section that performs a negotiation process of contactless power transmission; and a setup processing section that performs a setup process of the contactless power transmission based on a result of the negotiation process. In the device, normal power transmission from the power transmission device to the power receiving device is started after the setup process. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322282 | CHARGING SYSTEM AND CHARGING APPARATUS THEREOF - A charging system includes a robot and a charging apparatus for charging the robot. The robot includes a casing and at least one power receiving terminal. The casing defines at least one slot receiving the at least one power receiving terminal. The charging apparatus includes at least one deformable power supply terminal. The at least one power receiving terminal is pressed to be deformed by the casing of the robot. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322283 | Method for battery capacity estimation - An embodiment contemplates a method for estimating a capacity of a battery. A state of charge is determined at a first instant of time and at a second instant of time. A difference in the state of charge is determined between the first instant of time and the second instant of time. A net coulomb flow is calculated between the first instant of time and the second instant of time. The battery capacity is determined as a function of the change in the state of charge and the net coulomb flow. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322284 | BATTERY PROTECTION CIRCUIT AND PROTECTION METHOD - A battery protection circuit and protection method for a rechargeable battery is provided. The rechargeable battery includes a positive voltage pin, a negative voltage pin, and a temperature sensing pin. A resistance of the temperature sensing pin varies with the temperature of the rechargeable battery. The battery protection circuit includes a temperature and voltage detection unit and a discharging unit. The temperature and voltage detection unit is coupled between the positive voltage pin and the temperature sensing pin, and configured to determine the temperature of the rechargeable battery according to the resistance of the temperature sensing pin. The discharging unit discharges the rechargeable battery when the temperature of the rechargeable battery is higher than a predetermined temperature and stops discharging the rechargeable battery when a voltage of the positive voltage pin is lower than a first predetermined value. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322285 | Method and Apparatus for Wireless Charging Using a Multi-Band Antenna - In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, a multi-band antenna is configured to receive signal information at a signal frequency and electric power at an energy frequency. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322286 | ENERGY SOURCE - A magneto-charged power system for a vehicle, comprising a battery and a bank of ultracapacitors in parallel. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322287 | CHARGING SYSTEM - A method for controlling a charging system having multiple loads is disclosed. Power is supplied from an AC/DC adapter to a first charger, a second charger, and system loads. The first charger is operated at a setting value having smaller power consumption than a setting value necessary for a first battery pack when output power of a power source reaches a first threshold value during a time when the first battery pack is required to be charged in a standard charging mode. The first charger is operated at a setting value according to a specific charging mode even when the output power of the power source reaches the first threshold value during a time when the first battery pack is required to be charged in the specific charging mode. A second charger is operated at a setting value having smaller power consumption than a setting value necessary for a second battery pack when the output power of the power source reaches a second threshold value larger than the first threshold value. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322288 | Internal Packaged Alternator with Microprocessor Controlled Multi-Input Regulator - A vehicle alternator comprises a housing with a voltage regulator positioned within the housing. The alternator further comprises a rotor having a field coil positioned within the housing and a stator positioned within the housing. The stator includes stator windings configured to provide an output voltage in response to rotation of the rotor. The voltage regulator is configured to receive a battery temperature signal from outside of the alternator and control the current provided to the field coil based at least in part on the received battery temperature signal. In at least one embodiment, the battery temperature signal is provided from a temperature sensor positioned adjacent to the vehicle battery. The voltage regulator of the alternator includes a processor configured to control the current provided to the field coil based at least in part on the particular type of vehicle battery used in association with the alternator. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322289 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PERFORMING ULTRACAPACITOR CELL BALANCING - A circuit for balancing a sub-stack voltage in a stack of ultracapacitors includes a pair of electrical leads that are connectable across a first sub-stack of one or more ultracapacitors, wherein a stack includes N sub-stacks of ultracapacitors coupled to an electrical bus, a discharge device switchably connectable with the pair of electrical leads, the discharge device configured to discharge the sub-stack of ultracapacitors, a voltage sensing circuit coupled to the electrical bus and configured to sense and output a voltage of the stack of ultracapacitors after the first sub-stack of one or more ultracapacitors has been discharged to a given threshold, and a voltage amplifier coupled to the output of the voltage sensing circuit and coupled to the pair of electrical leads, the voltage amplifier configured to provide a re-charge voltage to the first sub-stack of one or more ultracapacitors. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322290 | REGULATED HYBRID PERMANENT MAGNET GENERATOR - A permanent magnet rotor for an electrical generator has pole pieces with permanent magnets. A control coil is associated with the pole pieces. A current flow through the coils is controlled to achieve a desired output voltage at an output for the generator. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322291 | Integrated circuit with output drive power section - In some embodiments, one or more configurably or selectably engageable power transistors are integrated into a chip comprising an output drive power module for a voltage regulator (VR). In some embodiments, a chip with an output drive power module may have a pulse width modulator (PWM) input that can accommodate both a single PWM drive signal and independent high side and low side PWM drive signals. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322292 | LINEAR VOLTAGE REGULATOR WITH ACCURATE OPEN LOAD DETECTION - A linear voltage regulator is provided which has a pair of complementary power transistors connected “back to back” in series between a voltage input and a voltage output. A current sense circuit is connected in parallel across one of the power transistors, such as the one connected to the voltage input. The current sense circuit includes a current sense resistor. A reference current path has a reference resistor connected in series with a current sink between the voltage input and a reference terminal, usually ground. A comparator has a first input connected to a terminal of the current sense resistor and a second input connected to a node between the reference resistor and the current sink. The comparator compares the voltage drop across the current sense resistor with the constant voltage drop across the reference resistor and provides an output signal indicative of an open load condition when the voltage drop across the current sensor falls below that of across the reference resistor. As long as the voltage drop in the current sense circuit remains small, i.e. less than app. 0.7V, the current flowing through the bulk diode of the power transistor remains negligible and the entire output current flows through the current sense circuit. For higher output currents the voltage drop across the current sense circuit is limited by the parallel bulk diode of the power transistor. With this approach, the current sense resistor can be dimensioned to generate a relatively high voltage drop of e.g. 100 mV, and a high accuracy of open load detection is achieved without the requirement for a high precision comparator. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322293 | SWITCHING CONVERTER INCLUDING A RECTIFIER ELEMENT WITH NONLINEAR CAPACITANCE - A switching converter including a rectifier element with nonlinear capacitance. One embodiment provides a switching element configured to be driven in the on state and in the off state. A first capacitive element is between the load path terminals of the switching element and has a nonlinear capacitance characteristic curve dependent on a voltage between the load path connections. A rectifier element is coupled between the inductive storage element and the capacitive storage element such that it enables a current flow between the inductive storage element and the capacitive storage element when the switching element is driven in the off state. A second capacitive element is between the load path terminals of the rectifier element and has a nonlinear capacitance characteristic curve dependent on a voltage between the load path connections. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322294 | CONTROL DEVICE FOR TRANSIENT RECOVERY OF DC-DC CONVERTERS - A control device for fast transient recovery of the output voltage of DC-DC converters. The control device is characterized by using a dual-threshold method to compare the actually received loading voltage values on the loading terminals of DC-DC converters, i.e., a total of four threshold levels including a negative-ripple falling-edge threshold and a negative-ripple rising-edge threshold on the negative polarity, and a positive-ripple rising-edge threshold and a positive-ripple falling-edge threshold on the positive polarity. During the transient, the load current charging/discharging control device disclosed in the invention may be switched between charging and discharging mode based on the relation between two-pairs threshold values and output voltage amplitude of DC-DC converters. This mechanism may allow DC-DC converters with higher slew rate to make transient ripples on output voltage to return to steady state more quickly. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322295 | TECHNIQUE TO IMPROVE DROPOUT IN LOW-DROPOUT REGULATORS BY DRIVE ADJUSTMENT - An electronic device includes a low drop-out regulator for providing a regulated output voltage. The low drop-out regulator generally comprises a power MOSFET transistor having a gate coupled to a driver. The driver has a first path including an NMOS transistor and being coupled to the gate of the power MOSFET, a second path having a PMOS transistor and being coupled to the gate of the power MOSFET, and a switch for alternately switching between the first and second paths so as to provide a voltage to the gate of the power MOSFET ranging from ground to a power supply level. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322296 | Multi-chip module for power supply circuitry - A multi-chip module (MCM) for power supply circuitry integrates a controller, a driver and two power MOSFETs in a single chip to shorten the signal path between the controller and the driver. When applied to a voltage regulator, the MCM shortens the feedback paths between the current sensors and the controller, so as to reduce the loss of and interference with the feedback signals, thereby improving the efficiency of the voltage regulator and simplifying the PCB traces routing. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322297 | SERIES REGULATOR CIRCUIT AND SEMICONDUCTOR INTEGRATED CIRCUIT - A series regulator circuit includes one or more transistors each having a channel with one end coupled to an input node to receive an input voltage and another end coupled to an output node, and having a control node to receive a control voltage, a control circuit configured to adjust the control voltage in response to a voltage of the output node such that the voltage of the output node is set equal to a voltage setting selected by an output voltage setting signal, and a switch circuit configured to change an operating condition, excluding the control voltage, of the one or more transistors in conjunction with a change in the voltage setting of the output node. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322298 | SWITCHING REGULATOR AND SEMICONDUCTOR APPARATUS INCLUDING THE SAME - A switching regulator is disclosed that includes a switching element; an inductor; a rectifier element; an error amplifier circuit portion; a PWM pulse generating circuit portion; a current sensing circuit portion; an output voltage decrease detecting circuit portion; a current pulse generating circuit portion; a phase detecting circuit portion; a VFM pulse generating circuit portion; and a switching control circuit portion configured to generate a control signal based on a PWM signal or a VFM signal and to switch a control status of the switching element from a PWM control to a VFM control in accordance with a third signal output from the phase detecting circuit portion, and to switch the control status from the VFM control to the PWM control in accordance with a second signal output from the output voltage decrease detecting circuit portion. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322299 | NON-ISOLATED CURRENT-MODE-CONTROLLED SWITCHING VOLTAGE REGULATOR - A novel voltage regulator includes an indictor, a switching transistor, a rectifier, an error amplifier circuit, a first voltage comparator circuit, a second voltage comparator circuit, an oscillator circuit, and a driver circuit. The first voltage comparator circuit outputs a modulation signal. The second voltage comparator circuit activates an enable signal when the error voltage exceeds the second reference voltage. The oscillator circuit outputs a clock signal with a fixed frequency according to the enable signal. The oscillator circuit enters a first state when the enable signal is activated and deactivated within a period of time shorter than a threshold time, and enters a second state when the enable signal remains activated during a period of time longer than the threshold time. The driver circuit generates the switching control signal based on the clock signal and the modulation signal. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322300 | HYSTERETIC BUCK CONVERTER HAVING DYNAMIC THRESHOLDS - A hysteretic buck converter provides improved regulation control, in particular for buck converter standby operation. A comparison circuit compares the output voltage of the buck converter to a waveform that is generated from an indication of the output current of the converter, so that the turn-on time of the converter is advanced as the output current demand increases. The resulting action anticipates a reduction in output voltage due to the increased current, preventing an excursion of the output voltage below the ripple voltage minimum. The turn-off time of the converter is controlled by an upper threshold that limits the ripple voltage maximum. The output current indication may be a measurement of output current, or may be a dynamic value calculated from the input voltage and the output voltage waveform. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322301 | Control circuit for improving efficiency of lower load of power supply device and method thereof - In a control circuit and a method for improving the efficiency of a lower load of a power supply device, the power supply device includes power stages, for inputting an input power to the power supply device and producing an output power to drive a load; a control circuit electrically coupled to the power stages for detecting a drive load and issuing a control signal for turning on/off one of the power stages. The control method includes: setting a predetermined output load value by a control circuit; detecting a total output load of the power stages by the control circuit; comparing the total output load with the predetermined output load value; and turning on/off one of the power stages by the control circuit according to a comparison result. The invention reduces the loss of power stages at a low load to enhance the power saving effect and the economic efficiency. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322302 | Power Supply Circuit and Electronic Equipment - A power supply circuit comprising: a voltage generating circuit configured to generate an output voltage of a target level from an input voltage; an overcurrent protection circuit configured to control the voltage generating circuit so as to stop an output current, when a level of the output current generated at a time of generating the output voltage is greater than a reference level; and a reference-level change circuit configured to change the reference level in the overcurrent protection circuit to be at a second level higher than a first level from the first level for a predetermined period, when the overcurrent protection circuit detects that the level of the output current is greater than the reference level. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322303 | SWITCHING REGULATOR - In a switching regulator, when a control switching signal received from outside is indicating PWM control, a second reference voltage generating circuit outputs, as a second reference voltage, a voltage that is lower than the minimum voltage of an output voltage range of an error amplifying circuit, so that output signals from a comparator are fixed at a high level. When a control switching signal received from outside is indicating VFM control, the second reference voltage generating circuit adjusts the second reference voltage according to the voltage difference between an input voltage and an output voltage, because the optimum second reference voltage varies according to the voltage difference between the input voltage and the output voltage. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322304 | SERIES AND PARALLEL HYBRID SWITCHED CAPACITOR NETWORKS FOR IC POWER DELIVERY - Series switches for power delivery. A regulator operated as a current source is arranged in parallel with a switched capacitor divider. A switched capacitor divider is configured in series with a plurality of linear regulators with each regulating one of a plurality of voltage outputs from the switched capacitor divider. In another embodiment, a series switch bridge has a first pair of switches connected in series with a second pair of switches across a voltage input, each switch within a pair of switches is switched in-phase with the other while the first pair of switches is switched out of phase with the second pair of switches. A balancing capacitor is coupled across one switch in both the first and second pair to be in parallel when either of the pair of switches is closed to reduce a charge imbalance between the switches. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322305 | REFERENCE VOLTAGE CIRCUIT - The present invention provides a reference voltage circuit making use of a non-volatile and non-modifiable storage of an electric charge. A tunable transformation module is adapted to transform a constant voltage corresponding to the constant stored charge into an output reference voltage. Further, a control loop provides tuning of the transformation module by means of an external calibration module with respect to a high precision reference voltage source. During a calibration procedure the transformation module is tuned in such a way that the output reference voltage equals the high precision reference voltage. After disconnecting reference voltage electronic circuit and calibration module, the output reference voltage is governed by the charge stored by means of the non-volatile storage and by the configuration of the tunable transformation module. It remains constant and accurate with respect to time and temperature and consumes only a minimum of electric current. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322306 | DUAL USE DELAY CAPACITOR - An integrated circuit comprises a control input providing a connection to a capacitor. A delay circuit generates a delayed enable signal responsive to a provided enable signal. A second circuit performs a control function. A switching circuit responsive to the delayed enable signal connects the control input to the delay circuit in a first mode of operation and connects the control input to the second circuit in a second mode of operation. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322307 | Power Transfer Device, Power Supply Device and Power Receiving Device - A power transfer device includes: a transformer that couples a primary circuit and a secondary circuit and has a coupling constant of less than 1; and capacitances that are respectively provided in the primary circuit and the secondary circuit, and connected in series with coils that form the transformer. Circuit constants of the primary circuit and the secondary circuit are set so that the primary circuit and the secondary circuit resonate at the same frequency and a product of the square of the coupling constant, a Q value of the primary circuit and a Q value of the secondary circuit is 1. The primary circuit transfers power to the secondary circuit by means of the transformer, using a carrier wave having the resonance frequency. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322308 | Capacitor Based Transformer - A device for generating a voltage comprises first and second plates spaced apart from each other, for being charged at respective different potentials. A third plate is placed at a first distance from the first plate so as to form a first capacitor, and a first semiconductor element is connected between the third plate and the second plate. This voltage generating device produces an output voltage having an amplitude that is dependent upon the first distance and taken between the third and second plates. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322309 | Microelectrode Arrays - Among others things, techniques, systems, and apparatus are disclosed for recording electrophysiological signals. In one aspect, a microelectrode sensing device includes a printed circuit board (PCB), a chip unit electrically connected to the PCB, and a cell culture chamber positioned over the chip unit and sealed to the PCB with the chip unit between the PCB and the cell culture chamber. The chip unit includes a substrate; a conductive layer positioned over the substrate that includes one or more recording electrodes; an insulation layer positioned over the conductive layer; another conductive layer positioned over the insulation layer that includes positioning electrodes; and another insulation layer positioned over the other conductive layer. The recording and positioning electrodes are electrically independent so as to independently receive a stimulus signal at each recording electrode and positioning electrode and independently detect a sensed signal at each recording electrode. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322310 | Self-Calibration Circuit With Gyrated Output Impedance - Various embodiments of a self-calibration circuit may solve the problem that arises in high performance oscilloscopes and in particular, RF oscilloscopes, of internally providing a precision calibration signal without degrading the bandwidth, flatness of the frequency response, and input return loss of the oscilloscope. The self-calibration circuit may be configured to implement an impedance transformation technique where active and passive circuit elements with carefully chosen values are configured in an impedance converter. During self-calibration, switching elements comprised in the self-calibration circuit may be toggled to create a servo loop comprising an amplifier within the circuit, with an attenuator and resistive component acting as feedback elements. The circuit may hence become an impedance gyrator and behave as a precision source with an impedance matching the input impedance of the load circuit. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322311 | Method and Apparatus for On-Chip Testing of High Speed Frequency Dividers - Embodiments of the disclosure provide systems and methods for using a PLL and a high frequency generator outside the loop to obtain the fmax of the divider. The divider in the PLL loop is fed by a VCO and its operation range is characterized by measuring the PLL lock range. An identical copy of the same divider is used outside the PLL loop and it is fed by a higher frequency clock. The high frequency clock is generated by the multiple phase of the VCO. By characterizing the outputs from both dividers, the fmax of the divider is obtained. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322312 | Passive Mixer Power Detector Method and Apparatus - The power level of an RF signal is detected using a circuit having relatively low DC offset, high dynamic range, small frequency and temperature dependence and low flicker noise. According to one embodiment, the power detector circuit comprises a chain of amplifiers and a passive mixer. The chain of amplifiers converts the RF input signal to a supply-limited RF square wave signal. The passive mixer passively mixes the supply-limited RF square wave signal with the RF input signal and in response generates a rectified output signal that tracks the amplitude of the RF input signal. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322313 | POWER MEASUREMENT APPARATUS - A power measurement apparatus includes a radio frequency input terminal, a measurement module, an interface, a memory, and a control unit. The radio frequency input terminal is connected to a radio frequency device. The measurement module is connected to the radio frequency input terminal to convert the radio frequency signal into a voltage signal. The interface is connected to the measurement module, receiving and transmitting the voltage signal from the measurement module. The memory is connected to the interface to store a voltage-power table related to the radio frequency signal. The control unit is connected to the interface to query the voltage-power table in the memory via the interface, and obtain the power of the radio frequency device according to the voltage signal output from the measurement module. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322314 | HIGH DENSITY METERING SYSTEM - A method of monitoring the electrical power in multiple branch circuits of an AC electrical power distribution system comprises monitoring at least one voltage common to said multiple branch circuits using a main meter unit, monitoring currents of the multiple branch circuits using multiple current cards that receive a plurality of current inputs from current transducers in the multiple branch circuits, sampling the monitored voltage in the main meter unit and the monitored currents in the current cards multiple times in each cycle of the AC power signal, determining the magnitudes and angles of spectral components of the sampled current in the current cards, sending data representing the magnitudes and angles of at least selected spectral components from the current cards to the main meter unit, and storing the voltage samples and the magnitudes and angles of at least the selected spectral components in the main meter unit. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322315 | LINEAR-MOVEMENT SENSOR IN AN EGR VALVE - The invention concerns a device for determining the position of a linearly displaceable element ( | 2009-12-31 |
20090322316 | HYDRAULIC CYLINDER ROD POSITION SENSING METHOD - A method for detecting a position of a cylinder rod includes depositing a plurality of welds substantially along the length of a steel rod and depositing a corrosion resistant material onto the steel rod by laser cladding. The cylinder rod is then placed proximate to a sensor assembly. One of the cylinder rod and the sensor assembly are moved relative to the other. The sensor assembly detects a change in properties between the steel rod and the welds and generates a corresponding signal. A change in position of the cylinder rod or damage to the cylinder rod can be detected by analyzing the number and strength of the signals. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322317 | Feedback Positioning Module - A linear feedback positioning module is provided with a coupling and a drive at one side of a platform having a lead screw, a movable assembly combined on the lead screw and a feedback assembly. The feedback assembly includes a magnetic scale cooperating with a read head. The magnetic scale is combined on the platform and located along the lead screw to cooperate with the lead screw. The linear feedback positioning module is further used with a backend control assembly. By such arrangements, the feedback assembly can correct error at any moment to improve the process and product accuracy and increase the production efficiency and product competitiveness. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322318 | Position measuring device - Disclosed is a position measuring device, comprising: a first and second solid measure and a first and second scanning mechanism, wherein: the first and second solid measure and the first and second scanning mechanism are respectively designed identically but mirrored in a plane including the direction of measurement and perpendicular to the direction that is not measured; the first and second solid measure are mounted in a fixed opposite position in a direction that is not measured; the first and the second scanning mechanism are mounted in a fixed opposite position in the direction that is not measured; and the scanning signals generated by the first and second scanning mechanisms respectively are electronically combined into an output scanning signal. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322319 | MAGNETORESISTIVE SENSOR WITH TUNNEL BARRIER AND METHOD - Magnetoresistive sensors with tunnel barrier and method. One embodiment provides a magnetoresistive sensor having a magnetic tunnel junction is provided. The magnetic tunnel junction includes a barrier layer. The barrier layer includes carbon, pyrolytic carbon, or graphene, or graphite. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322320 | ROTATION ANGLE DETECTING DEVICE - A rotation angle detecting device includes a housing, a rotating shaft rotatably held by the housing, a driving gear fixed to the rotating shaft, a driven gear engaged with the driving gear, a magnetic field generating part fixed in the driven gear, having a permanent magnet, and configured to generate a magnetic field, a magnetic sensor element configured to detect a change in the magnetic field due to a rotational movement of the magnetic field generating part, and a signal processor configured to process a signal from the magnetic sensor element for detecting a rotation angle of the rotating shaft. Each of teeth of the driving gear has a first circumferential width, each of teeth of the driven gear has a second circumferential width, and the second circumferential width is greater than the first circumferential width. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322321 | Magnetic roof impact sensor - A roof sensor for a vehicle is provided. A sensor is mounted in proximity to the roof of the vehicle for monitoring the deformation of the roof caused by impact during a crash, particularly when the vehicle rolls over. A vehicle safety system is also provided. A sensor, mounted in proximity to the roof of a vehicle, monitors the deformation of the roof. A controller is connected to the sensor, a safety device, and a vehicle communication device. Based on the severity of the deformation of the roof caused by an impact, the controller activates the safety device to prevent injury to vehicle passengers and communicates the status of the vehicle to a third party such as emergency services. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322322 | SCANNING SUSCEPTOMETER - According to one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a magnet assembly to produce a static magnetic field and a set of high-T | 2009-12-31 |
20090322323 | Intraluminal Magneto Sensor System and Method of Use | 2009-12-31 |
20090322324 | GEOMETRIES FOR SUPERCONDUCTING SENSING COILS FOR SQUID-BASED SYSTEMS - Geometries for superconducting sensing coils for SQUID-based systems are described, such as a superconducting sensing coil with a flat washer shape the inner diameter of which has an extension which is a small fraction of the extension of the outer diameter. Also described are a second-order gradiometer comprising such coils and a superconducting sensing coil structure comprising an external low-melting point metallic loop encapsulating one or more superconductive coil loops, together with a heterogeneous superconductive sensing wire for gradiometers, consisting of an internal copper skeleton surrounded by an external lead-tin alloy. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322325 | Magnetic-Field Sensor - An embodiment of a magnetic-field sensor includes a magnetic-field sensor arrangement and a magnetic body which has, for example, a non-convex cross-sectional area with regard to a cross-sectional plane running through the magnetic body, the magnetic body having an inhomogeneous magnetization. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322326 | Magnetic field probe, current distribution measuring device and radio device - There is provided a magnetic field probe which includes: a probe body which is a coaxial cable wound to form a plurality of loop-like portions in planar view, the coaxial cable including an inner conductor, an insulator enclosing the inner conductor and an outer conductor enclosing the insulator; and a plurality of notches each of which is formed in each of the loop-like portions so that the outer conductor is divided to expose the inner conductor or the insulator, wherein: a plurality of outer conductor parts resulting from division by the notches are arranged to be electrically connected to each other, an one end of the inner conductor in the coaxial cable is connected to any one of the outer conductor parts; and winding directions of at least one of a pair of loop-like portions among the loop-like portions are reversed from each other in planar view. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322327 | NANOPARTICLE-AMPHIPOL COMPLEXES FOR NUCLEIC ACID INTRACELLULAR DELIVERY AND IMAGING - Nanoparticle-amphiphilic polymer complexes for nucleic acid delivery and real-time imaging. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322328 | E-field imaging and proximity detection using a spatially and temporally modulated source - A method and apparatus is described to image a body using electric fields. The electric field is apply to the body from a well controlled electron beam that deposits charge on a glass plate at a particular time and spatial location. This is demonstrated by using the ubiquitous CRT computer monitor. The method is useful in medical imaging and for nondestructive testing. An advantage of the electric field imaging is it requires no ionizing radiation. The use of the computer display allows for proximity detection of a body. A smart control is drawn on the video screen by a program. The control produces and E-field source that occurs at known time in the video refresh. A proximate E-field sensor is used to detect the changes in the signal produced by the button. Changes in the signal level are associated with a proximate body to the button. Detection logic is used to instigate the action of the control. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322329 | MAGNETIC RESONANCE APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING A PULSE SEQUENCE TO FEED AN RF RADIATING COIL - In a magnetic resonance apparatus having an RF radiating coil and gradient coils, and in a method for operating such a magnetic resonance apparatus, a pulse sequence, composed of multiple time steps, is specified for operating the gradient coils to time-dependently select regions of a selected slice of a selected volume of a subject. A non-linear equation system is then solved to obtain feed parameters for individual channels of the transmit coil for each time step, with specification of a desired target magnetization, and dependent on the pulse sequence specified for the gradient coils. The non-linear equation system is based on discrete values for time and space variable and, in addition to equations resulting from the Bloch equation, which are non-linear in their feed parameters, includes at least one additional equation that describes boundary conditions for the examination of the subject. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322330 | MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING APPARATUS AND MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING METHOD - A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes an imaging condition acquisition unit and an imaging unit. The imaging condition acquisition unit acquires at least one of an amplitude and a phase of a radio frequency transmission signal so as to reduce a deviation of data in at least one region of interest set in an object. The imaging unit acquires image data by imaging according to an imaging condition including at least the one of the amplitude and the phase. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322331 | Detecting Spin Perturbations Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging - Implementations and examples of systems, apparatus and techniques for using magnetic resonance imaging to measure spin perturbations. In one implementation, a sample containing nuclear spins is magnetized using a principle magnetic field generated external to the sample. A periodic pulse sequence is applied to the sample. The pulse sequence includes multiple radio frequency (rf) pulses and multiple recovery times between the rf pulses. The pulse sequence is configured to generate, in the presence of a magnetic field perturbation, a sequence of multiple different steady states of magnetization in the sample during each period of the pulse sequence. A magnetic resonance signal acquired from the sample is processed to identify characteristics of a magnetic field perturbation in the sample. In some implementations, processing the signal to identify characteristics of a magnetic field perturbation in the sample includes processing the signal to identify characteristics of an electric current in the sample. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322332 | NMR probe superconductive transmit/receive switches - A NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) transmit/receive switch according to some embodiments of a nuclear magnetic resonance apparatus includes receive-path and/or transmit-path superconductors, which are selectively quenched to switch the connection of an NMR radio-frequency coil between transmit and receive circuits. In the transmit state, the transmit-path superconductor is in a superconducting state while the receive-path superconductor is quenched, to isolate a receive-path amplifier from the relatively higher powers of the NMR pulses applied to the sample by the transmit circuit. In the receive state, the receive-path superconductor is in a superconducting state while the transmit-path superconductor is quenched. A DC power source is used to supply supercritical current to the superconductors to quench the superconductors. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322333 | Cooled NMR Probe Head And NMR Analyzer - An object of the present invention is to provide a cooled NMR probe including an antenna coil and capable of decreasing an operation temperature of the antenna coil by effectively cooling the antenna coil, thereby increasing detection sensitivity of an NMR signal. To attain this, a probe head according to the present invention includes a coil support member which supports the antenna coil, and a cooling member arranged around at least a portion of the coil support member, the cooling member providing a cooling space between the cooling member and the coil support member, the cooling space allowing a refrigerant to circulate therethrough. The cooling member is coupled to the coil support member such that the refrigerant flowing in the cooling space directly contacts an outer peripheral surface of the coil support member. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322334 | KNEE COIL FOR MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING - A knee coil for magnetic resonance imaging has a first, a second and a third array of coil units, the first, second and third array of coil units forming a cylindrical shape, and being adjacent to each other in the direction perpendicular to the bottom of the cylindrical shape. Each of the first array of coil units and the third array of coil units is composed of two saddle coil units, and the second array of coil units is composed of six coil units, which are successively adjacent to each other in the direction of circumference of the cylinder side face. With a simple design and at a low cost, this knee coil ensures good capacity of parallel acquisition in all directions in the course of scanning while reducing the number of channels. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322335 | MAGNETIC RESONANCE DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS, MAGNETIC RESONANCE DIAGNOSTIC MAIN UNIT AND COIL UNIT - An magnetic resonance diagnostic apparatus which includes a main unit and a coil unit, the magnetic resonance diagnostic apparatus including a sampling clock generating unit which generates a sampling clock signal, a sampling clock transmitting unit wirelessly transmits the sampling clock signal, a sampling clock receiving unit which receives the transmitted sampling clock signal, a receiving coil which outputs an electrical magnetic resonance signal in response to a magnetic resonance signal emitted from a subject as electromagnetic radiation, a digitization unit which digitizes, synchronously with the received sampling clock signal, the outputted magnetic resonance signal, a resonance signal transmitting unit which wirelessly transmits the digitized magnetic resonance signal, a resonance signal receiving unit which receives the transmitted magnetic resonance signal, and a reconstruction unit which processes, synchronously with the generated sampling clock signal, the received magnetic resonance signal and thereby reconstructs an image of the subject. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322336 | Coherent In-Phase Demodulation for Resistivity Image Tools with Spread Spectrum Continuous Phase Modulation Stimulus - A method and system for measuring formation resisitivity is achieved by introducing one or more continuous phase modulated electrical signals into the formation, each signal introduced at a different location. The current of each introduced electrical signal is then sensed, producing an analog voltage signal as a measurement of the formation. Each introduced electrical signal is compared with its respective measured signal of the formation. Each comparison is made in a quadrature demodulation device, producing an in-phase demodulated signal. A quasi-direct-current signal is extracted from each in-phase demodulated signal, producing an analog measurement related to the resistivity of the formation. Each analog measurement is converted into a digital value for further processing. Successive measurements are digitally summed and averaged to increase the signal to noise ratio. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322337 | Analog Front-End Coherent In-Phase Demodulation Data Acquisition System for Resistivity Image Tools - A method and system for measuring formation resisitivity is achieved by introducing an electrical signal into the formation. The current of the introduced electrical signal is then sensed, producing an analog voltage signal as a measurement of the formation. The introduced electrical signal is compared with the measured signal of the formation. The comparison is made in a quadrature demodulation device, producing an in-phase demodulated signal. A quasi-direct-current signal is extracted from the in-phase demodulated signal, producing an analog measurement related to the resistivity of the formation. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322338 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING A PRESENCE OF A NON-CONDUCTIVE COATING ON ELECTRODES IN DOWNHOLE FLUID RESISTIVITY MEASUREMENT DEVICES - Methods and apparatus for determining a presence of a non-conductive coating on electrodes in fluid resistivity measurement devices are described. An example method of determining a presence of a non-conductive coating on electrodes of a fluid resistivity measurement device involves obtaining a first electrical potential value associated with a substantially uncoated condition of first and second electrodes of a fluid resistivity measurement device. The example method also involves measuring a second electrical potential value at a location between the first and second electrodes, comparing the first and second electrical potential values, and determining the presence of a non-conductive coating on at least one of the first and second electrodes based on the comparison. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322339 | APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE OF A HIGH-VOLTAGE DIAGNOSTIC TOOL FOR X-RAY SYSTEMS - A diagnostic tool for an x-ray imaging system includes a first test device configured to simulate a first load condition of an x-ray tube, and a first connector electrically coupled to the first test device and configured to couple the first test device to a high-voltage generator in the x-ray imaging system. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322340 | Method for battery state-of-health monitoring using battery voltage during vehicle starting - A method is provided for determining a battery's state-of-health. An initial battery voltage is measured after a first voltage drop during an initiation of an engine cranking phase. A battery voltage is monitored during the remainder of the engine cranking phase. A lowest battery voltage is determined during the remainder of the engine cranking phase. A determination is made if a voltage difference between the lowest battery voltage and the initial battery voltage at the initiation of the engine cranking phase is less than a voltage threshold. A low battery state-of-health is identified in response to the voltage difference being less than the voltage threshold. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322341 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF PROCESSING A CURRENT SAMPLE FOR CALCULATING A GLUCOSE CONCENTRATION - A system and method of processing a test current for an analyte measurement in a fluid using a test strip and a test meter are disclosed. The method comprises sampling the test current at a pre-determined sampling rate to acquire a plurality of A/D conversions. The method also comprises filtering out at least a highest magnitude A/D conversion and a lowest magnitude A/D conversion leaving a plurality of accepted A/D conversions. Further, the method comprises calculating an average or a summation of the plurality of accepted A/D conversions and converting the average or the summation into a glucose concentration. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322342 | METHODS FOR AUTOMATICALLY CHARACTERIZING A PLASMA - A method for automatically characterizing plasma during substrate processing is provided. The method includes collecting a set of process data, which includes at least data about current and voltage. The method also includes identifying a relevancy range for the set of process data, wherein the relevancy range includes a subset of the set of process data. The method further includes determining a set of seed values. The method yet also includes employing the relevancy range and the set of seed values to perform curve-fitting, wherein the curve-fitting enables the plasma to be automatically characterized. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322343 | 3-D Mapping Focused Beam Failure Analysis - A reflector tool and a method are provided for three-dimensional integrated circuit (IC) failure analysis. An IC (die) has top and bottom surfaces, a perimeter, and a first side. The IC is electrically connected to a current sensing amplifier. The first side of the IC is scanned in the X plane with an infrared laser beam while changes in IC current flow are sensed. The sensed current changes are cross-referenced to the location of the infrared laser beam in the X plane. In one aspect, a plurality of scans are performed on the first side in the X plane, with at a corresponding plurality of steps in the Y plane, so that current changes can be cross-referenced to locations in the X and Y planes. Using this 2-D analysis through the IC side, a human operator or software program can determine defects in the IC. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322344 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TESTING ELECTRONIC DEVICE - An electronic device test method incorporating a stress application step that is effective in screening out infant mortality failures of an electronic device. More specifically, a method for testing an electronic device constructed from a single or a plurality of semiconductor components, includes: turning a power supply on and off repeatedly while changing the ON/OFF cycle and/or voltage value of the power supply that is connected to the electronic device; and verifying whether or not the electronic device operates normally after the power supply has been turned on and off repeatedly. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322345 | INSULATION COATED CONDUCTOR INSPECTION METHOD AND INSPECTION APPARATUS - In an insulation coated conductor inspection method for inspecting an electrical insulation characteristic of an insulation coated conductor in a coil formed by winding the insulation coated conductor, the coil is disposed in a test container, an internal pressure of the test container is reduced, an electrodes are provided so as to face the coil with a gap therebetween, an alternating-current voltage is applied between the electrodes and the coil, a generation frequency of a discharge that is generated between the coil and the electrodes upon application of the alternating-current voltage is measured, and the coil is determined to be a non-defective product having a superior electrical insulation property when the generation frequency of the discharge is higher than a reference generation frequency and determined to be a defective product having a defective electrical insulation property when the generation frequency of the discharge is lower than the reference generation frequency. A predetermined range is preferably set as a range in which a discharge charge amount is no greater than 100,000 (pc). | 2009-12-31 |
20090322346 | MOTHERBOARD TEST SYSTEM AND TEST METHOD THEREOF - A motherboard test system for testing a motherboard includes a number of HDDs storing different operating systems, a number of HDD connectors corresponding to the HDDs, a number of electrical switches connecting power terminals of the HDD connectors to a power supply, a microcontroller controlling which electrical switch is turned on, and a computer. The motherboard is connected to signal terminals of the HDD connectors to read and implement the operating system of a powered HDD, and sends the operating result to the computer. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322347 | RF CALIBRATION DEVICE AND METHOD - A measurement device is presented being configured to be connectable to an analyzer unit (comprising a network analyzer). The measurement device comprises a measuring unit and a calibration and control unit connected to and integral with the measuring unit. The calibration and control unit is configured to enable connection of the measuring unit to the analyzer unit. The calibration and control unit comprises a number of terminals of known RF reflection coefficients respectively and comprises a memory utility carrying recorded data indicative of said RF reflection coefficients and recorded data indicative of RF transfer coefficients of the calibration and control unit. This configuration enables calculation of the RF response of the measuring unit while remaining integral with the calibration and control unit. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322348 | IMPEDANCE MEASURING METHOD - An impedance measuring method uses an impedance measuring device for measuring an impedance of a measured electronic component, a coaxial connector electrically connected to the impedance measuring device, and a measurement substrate which can be housed in the coaxial connector The coaxial connector has a center conductor and an outer conductor located outside the center conductor. The measurement substrate has an insulating substrate and first and second conductors each formed on a first principal surface of the insulating substrate. The measurement substrate with the measured electronic component being mounted on the first and second conductors is housed in the coaxial connector connected to the impedance measuring device, so as to electrically connect the first conductor to the center conductor and electrically connect the second conductor to the outer conductor. Then the impedance of the measured electronic component is measured by the impedance measuring device. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322349 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DETECTING A DISCONTINUITY WITHIN A NON-BIOLOGICAL ELEMENT LOCATED WITHIN A BIOLOGICAL STRUCTURE - Apparatus for detecting a discontinuity within a non-biological element located within a biological structure, the apparatus comprising: a microwave energy source; a first antenna coupled to the microwave energy source and arranged to transmit the microwave energy into the biological structure; a second antenna arranged to receive at least a portion of the transmitted microwave energy; an antenna carrier arranged to have the first and second antenna affixed thereon and including means for moving the first and second antenna with respect to the biological structure; and a signal processing unit coupled to the second antenna arranged to determine the phase and/or magnitude response of the received microwave energy as a function of the position of the antennas with respect to the biological structure and provide an indication of the location of the discontinuity within the non-biological element according to the phase and/or magnitude response. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322350 | PRINTED CIRCUIT ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR MEASURING CHARACTERISTIC IMPEDANCE - A printed circuit assembly is provided. The printed circuit assembly includes a plurality of signal layers and a plurality of test structures disposed within the plurality of signal layers, wherein each of the plurality of test structures comprises one of a microstrip and a stripline and wherein each of the plurality of test structures is to measure a characteristic impedance of each of the plurality of signal layers. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322351 | Adaptive Capacitive Sensing - A capacitive sensing circuit may comprise an RC (resistive-capacitive) bridge circuit, with a switching signal simultaneously applied to a reference path, and a signal path comprising the capacitance to be detected. Small perturbations in the capacitance may be detected by mixing/correlating a difference signal representative of the difference between the reference path signal and the signal path signal, to the switching signal. The output of the mixer may be filtered to virtually eliminate all EMI signals. A narrowband approach may also allow filtering of unwanted signals, enabling operation in systems susceptible to high levels of noise. Frequency stepping of the switching signal may minimize inband signal interference, and allow operation in the presence of many signals that would otherwise result in failure of the sensing circuit. Pad calibration may be implemented to free the user from a need to characterize each button channel capacitance and tailor the operation for each channel. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322352 | APPARATUS FOR OBJECT INFORMATION DETECTION AND METHODS OF USING SAME - A system for determining information regarding at least one object, comprising: a sensor sensitive to capacitive coupling; at least one object adapted to create a capacitive coupling with the sensor when at least one signal is input to the sensor; a detector adapted to measure at least one output signal of said sensor associated with the at least one object, wherein the output signal associated with the at least one object is an object information code. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322353 | READOUT-INTERFACE CIRCUIT FOR A CAPACITIVE MICROELECTROMECHANICAL SENSOR, AND CORRESPONDING SENSOR - In a capacitive sensor, a detection structure, of a microelectromechanical type, is provided with a fixed element and a mobile element, capacitively coupled to one another, generating a capacitive variation as a function of a quantity to be detected, and with a parasitic coupling element, capacitively coupled to at least one between the mobile element and the fixed element generating a first parasitic capacitance, intrinsic to the detection structure; a readout-interface circuit is connected to the detection structure and generates, on an output terminal thereof, an output signal as a function of the capacitive variation. The readout-interface circuit has a feedback path between the output terminal and the parasitic coupling element so as to drive the first intrinsic parasitic capacitance with the output signal. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322354 | METHOD OF DETECTING BIO-MOLECULES USING FIELD EFFECT TRANSISTOR WITHOUT FIXING PROBE BIO-MOLECULES ON THE GATE SENSING SURFACE - A method of detecting a presence of bio-molecules, or a concentration of the target bio-molecules using a field effect transistor, includes allowing a first sample including a first target bio-molecule to contact a sensing surface of the field effect transistor and measuring a change in an electric signal of the field effect transistor, the field effect transistor including a substrate, a source region and a drain region, the source region and the drain region formed apart from each other on the substrate, the source region and the drain region each doped to having an opposite polarity than a polarity of the substrate, a channel region disposed between the source region and the drain region and an insulating layer including the sensing surface, the insulating layer disposed on the channel region. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322355 | OBJECT POSITION SENSING APPARATUS - An object position sensing apparatus including a substrate, a conductive crossbar, and a plurality of resistive elements coupled to the crossbar is described. The resistive elements are coupled to circuitry that can apply an excitation signal, such as a voltage change, to the resistive elements. For each resistive element, an electrical effect responsive to the excitation signal, such as a change in charge flowing to the resistive element, is determined. When an object is proximate to the plurality of resistive elements, the electrical effects change, and a position of the object in one or multiple dimensions can be determined from changes in the electrical effects. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322356 | THERMAL PRE-SCANNING OF ELECTRIC CIRCUITS USING THERMALLY-TRIMMABLE RESISTORS - There is described a method to change the value of a thermally-trimmable resistor in a non-permanent way by raising the temperature of the thermally-trimmable resistor to a level that is somewhere between room temperature and trimming temperature. By doing this, the trimming range that is available via true thermal trimming may be explored without actually trimming the value of the resistor. This is possible when the thermal Iy-trimmable resistor, or a portion thereof, has an essentially non-zero temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR). | 2009-12-31 |
20090322357 | Method and System for Monitoring Growth Characteristics - A system monitors growth characteristics of a plant having a root buried in a prescribed volume of ground using a plurality of electrodes inserted into the ground at a known spacing relative to one another in proximity to the root or root-like structure. When electrical current is applied to some of the electrodes, electrical potential is measured at other ones of the electrodes to construct a representation of electrical impedance across the prescribed volume locating the root or root-like structure. Growth characteristics of the soil and the plant, for example root size, root shape, soil moisture content, and the like, can be identified by locating variations of the electrical impedance. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322358 | RESISTANCE MEASURING APPARATUS - A resistance measuring apparatus includes: a voltage injector that injects an AC signal into a circuit by applying an AC voltage to an injection coil; a current measuring unit that measures an AC current produced in the circuit by the injection coil using a detection coil; a processing unit that calculates the circuit resistance from the AC signal voltage and the measured AC current; and a reference signal generator that outputs a binary reference signal that has a same period as the AC voltage and is synchronized to the clock. The voltage injector generates a stepped wave whose amplitude changes in synchronization with a clock, applies a signal based thereon as the AC voltage. The current measuring unit converts the current in the detection coil to a voltage signal, carries out synchronous detection using the reference signal, and measures the AC current based on the synchronous detection result. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322359 | DETECTING DEVICE FOR VALVE OPENING-CLOSING - Disclosed is a device for sensing the opening degree of a valve, which can easily determine the upper and lower limits without using upper and lower limit switches so that, besides simplifying the mechanical structure, the device can be easily installed, maintained, and repaired. The device can avoid basic errors and improve the opening degree sensing performance without using upper and lower limit switches, cams, and a spline so that, by simplifying the mechanical structure, the device can be manufactured, installed, maintained, and repaired at a low cost, and its long-term durability is improved. The device has a main gear adapted to disengage from the meter gear when the main gear is rotated excessively so that any damage to the meter gear and potentiometer, which may occur during installation or use, is prevented. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322360 | TEST SYSTEM FOR IDENTIFYING DEFECTS AND METHOD OF OPERATING THE SAME - A test system provides defect information rapidly and systematically. The test system includes a plurality of test units arranged in a matrix, a plurality of bit lines and a plurality of word lines. Each test unit has a first terminal and a second terminal. Each second terminal of the test unit is electrically connected to a ground point. The first terminals of the test units are electrically connected to the bit lines. The word lines are coupled to the test units. Defects in the each test unit can be identified by providing voltages to the bit lines and the word lines. Accordingly, defects in various devices of an integrated circuit can be detected rapidly and systematically by applying signals to the test system. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322361 | PROBE OF DETECTOR - A probe of a detector includes a shield, an anode member, and a cathode member. The shield includes a top wall and a plurality of sidewalls extending down from the sides of the top wall. A first through hole and a second through hole are defined in the top wall. The anode member includes a first mounting portion, a first pin, and a first connecting portion connected between the first mounting portion and the first pin. The cathode member includes a second mounting portion, a second pin, and a second connecting portion connected between the second mounting portion and the second pin. The first and second mounting portions are respectively rotating within the first and second through holes to adjust corresponding ends of the first and second pins to come in contact with the electronic component. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322362 | Test pad structure, a pad structure for inspecting a semiconductor chip and a wiring subtrate for a tape package having the same - A test pad structure may include a plurality of test pads and a plurality of connection leads. A plurality of the test pads may be sequentially arranged from a wiring pattern on a substrate and arranged in rows parallel with one another. The plurality of the test pads may include a first group of test pads having at least one pad arranged in a first row and a second group of test pads having at least two pads. A plurality of the connection leads may extend from end portions of the wiring pattern to be connected to the plurality of test pads. A plurality of the connection leads may include at least one inner lead passing between the at least two pads of the second group of the test pads arranged in a second row closest to the first group of the test pads. The at least one inner lead may be connected to at least one pad of the at least two pads of the second group of the test pads arranged in a third row next to the second row. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322363 | OPERATION VOLTAGE SUPPLY METHOD FOR SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE - The voltage application probe and the voltage measurement probe are connected to the voltage application pad and the voltage measurement pad of the semiconductor device. The voltage application pad and the voltage measurement pad are connected by the conductor, measuring the voltage applied to the voltage application pad through the voltage measurement probe. The voltage compensation circuit in the voltage development device operates to make the voltage applied to the voltage application pad equal to the set voltage for the voltage development device. Even when the resistance between the voltage application probe and the voltage application pad increases, the accurate setting voltage is applied to the voltage application pad. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322364 | TEST INTERPOSER HAVING ACTIVE CIRCUIT COMPONENT AND METHOD THEREFOR - A device under test (DUT) is tested via a test interposer. The test interposer includes a first set of contacts at a first surface to interface with the contacts of a load board or other interface of an automated test equipment (ATE) and a second set of contacts at an opposing second surface to interface with the contacts of the DUT. The second set of contacts can have a smaller contact pitch than the contact pitch of the first set of contacts to facilitate connection to the smaller pitch of the contacts of the DUT. The test interposer further includes one or more active circuit components or passive circuit components to facilitate testing of the DUT. The test interposer can be implemented as an integrated circuit (IC) package that encapsulates the circuit components. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322365 | INTEGRATED MEMS METROLOGY DEVICE USING COMPLEMENTARY MEASURING COMBS - The present invention provides a device for in-situ monitoring of material, process and dynamic properties of a MEMS device. The monitoring device includes a pair of comb drives, a cantilever suspension comprising a translating shuttle operatively connected with the pair of comb drives, structures for applying an electrical potential to the comb drives to displace the shuttle, structures for measuring an electrical potential from the pair of comb drives; measuring combs configured to measure the displacement of the shuttle, and structures for measuring an electrical capacitance of the measuring combs. Each of the comb drives may have differently sized comb finger gaps and a different number of comb finger gaps. The shuttle may be formed on two cantilevers perpendicularly disposed with the shuttle, whereby the cantilevers act as springs to return the shuttle to its initial position after each displacement. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322366 | Integrated Tester Chip Using Die Packaging Technologies - By constructing a universal test circuit on a tester chip, and stacking the tester chip in an IC package together with operational circuit chips to be tested, the problems inherent with external IC testing are reduced. The tester chip can be standardizes across a number of different chip combinations and, if desired, pre-programmed during manufacturing for a particular package. The tester chip interfaces to other chips in the stack advantageously are standardized. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322367 | INTEGRATED CIRCUIT AND A METHOD FOR MEASURING A QUIESCENT CURRENT OF A MODULE - A method for evaluating a quiescent current, the method includes: measuring, when a module is at a first mode, a first voltage drop on a first resistor that is coupled between a supply pin of an integrated circuit that comprises the module and a first test pin of the integrated circuit; assessing, when the module is at a second mode, a second voltage drop on a second resistor that is coupled between the supply pin and a second test pin of the integrated circuit; and evaluating a quiescent current of the module in response to the first and second voltage drops; wherein expected values of quiescent current of the module differ from one mode to the other; and wherein a resistance of the first resistor differs from the resistance of the second resistor. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322368 | Integrated Tester Chip Using Die Packaging Technologies - By constructing a universal test circuit on a tester chip, and stacking the tester chip in an IC package together with operational circuit chips to be tested, the problems inherent with external IC testing are reduced. The tester chip can be standardized across a number of different chip combinations and, if desired, pre-programmed during manufacturing for a particular package. The tester chip interfaces to other chips in the stack advantageously are standardized. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322369 | Test system - A test system may include a test device, a switching unit and/or a test board. The test device may be configured to generate a first test signal swinging between a first voltage level and a second voltage level, and the first voltage level may be lower than the second voltage level. The switching unit may be coupled to the test device, and configured to switch the first test signal to provide a second test signal swinging between a third voltage level and a fourth voltage level. The third voltage level may be lower than the fourth voltage level. A plurality of devices under test (DUTs) may be mounted on the test board. Each of the plurality of DUTs may be connected in parallel with respect to one another to the switching unit through a transmission line. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322370 | Method And Apparatus For Test And Characterization Of Semiconductor Components - A method and apparatus for testing and characterizing circuits is provided. In one embodiment, a high-speed interface of a semiconductor component includes high-speed test circuitry. The high-speed test circuitry obviates the need for an external high-speed testing system for testing and characterization. In one embodiment, the high-speed test circuitry includes a test pattern generation circuit, and various differential comparators to compare low bandwidth reference signals with interface signals during testing and characterization. In one embodiment, an interface that includes the test circuitry can test itself or another interface. In one embodiment, a timing reference signal decouples the individual parameters of two interfaces testing each other to avoid any errors introduced by the combination of individual interface circuit parameters, such as receiver parameters and transmitter parameters. The testing can be performed at the wafer stage, at the component stage, and in a system. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322371 | Measuring Arrangement, Semiconductor Arrangement and Method for Operating a Semiconductor Component as a Reference Source - The invention relates to a measuring arrangement, a semiconductor arrangement and a method for operating a reference source, wherein at least one semiconductor component and a voltage source are connected to a measuring unit and the measuring unit provides a measured value that is proportional to the number of defects. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322372 | AUTOMATIC TEST EQUIPMENT - A coupling line is provided for coupling a signal generator to a device under test and includes a first Zener diode and a second Zener diode. The first Zener diode and the second Zener diode are coupled in an antiserial manner. They are adapted to couple the signal generator to the device under test when the signal generator is active and decouple the signal generator from the device under test when the signal generator is inactive. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322373 | PERMANENT MAGNET ROTOR CRACK DETECTION - A method and apparatus for permanent magnetic (PM) rotor crack detection includes a sensor which monitors magnetic flux distribution of the PM rotor and identifies the presence of a crack in the PM rotor when a magnetic flux distribution change or anomaly is detected. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322374 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING QUBITS WITH SINGEL FLUX QUANTUM LOGIC - In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for controlling the energy state of a qubit by bringing the qubit into and out of resonance by coupling the qubit to a flux quantum logic gate. The qubit can be in resonance with a pump signal, with another qubit or with some quantum logic gate. In another embodiment, the disclosure relates to a method for controlling a qubit with RSFQ logic or through the interface between RSFQ and the qubit. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322375 | PARALLEL RESISTOR CIRCUIT, ON-DIE TERMINATION DEVICE HAVING THE SAME, AND SEMICONDUCTOR MEMORY DEVICE HAVING THE ON-DIE TERMINATION DEVICE - A parallel resistor circuit that can reduce an error of a resistance value, an on-die termination having the same, and a semiconductor device having the on-die termination device. The semiconductor memory device includes a calibration circuit configured to pull up or pull down a predetermined node and compare a voltage of the predetermined node with a reference voltage to generate calibration codes, by using parallel resistor units that are turned on or off in response to the calibration codes. An output driver is configured to terminate a data output node to a pull-up or pull-down level to output data, by using the parallel resistor units. At least one of the parallel resistor units having at least two resistivities includes resistors with different resistivities connected to each other in parallel. | 2009-12-31 |
20090322376 | SMI MEMORY READ DATA CAPTURE MARGIN CHARACTERIZATION CIRCUITS AND METHODS - The present invention is directed to margin characterization of memory devices, such as interface ASICs connected to SDRAM. The circuits and method perform margin characterization on a chip during wafer test; however the characterization could also be performed at module test or in a system. | 2009-12-31 |