Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090151958 | TEMPORARY WELL ZONE ISOLATION - Disclosed herein is a temporary well isolation device, which is sealingly disposable in downhole tubing, and which has a housing with an axial passage. The temporary well isolation device also has frangible barrier element within the housing, where the frangible barrier element is sealingly engaged in the passage blocking fluid flow through the passage. The frangible barrier element bears a load from fluid pressure. The temporary well isolation device also has a disengageable constraint in contact with a frangible barrier element so as to redirect the load on the frangible barrier element from a first component of the load to a second component of the load, thereby preventing rupture of the frangible barrier element. Also disclosed herein is a method for disintegrating a frangible barrier element disposed in a passage of a temporary well isolation device. | 06-18-2009 |
20140130592 | DOWNHOLE GAUGE ASSEMBLY - Downhole gauge ( | 05-15-2014 |
20140352401 | ORIFICE SYSTEM - The invention relates to an orifice system, especially for flow measurements in pipes, comprising a hinged member being adapted to be moved between two positions, the first position essentially covering the pipe cross section, and a second position into a recess outside the pipe cross section, wherein the hinged member has an opening thus in the first position allowing the fluid flow only through the opening. The invention also relates to a method for using the orifice system for calibrating pressure sensors mounted upstream and downstream of the orifice. | 12-04-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20140095211 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF DATA MAPPING FROM MULTIPLE DEVICES FOR DRIVING PERFORMANCE PRODUCT SYSTEMS - Systems and methods of normalizing and aggregating data from vehicle devices. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving data in a variety of message formats and from a variety of device and converting the data into a a standard message format for further processing. Another embodiment combines data readings into vehicle trips for further processing. | 04-03-2014 |
20140095212 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING QUALITY OF SERVICE FOR DATA SUPPORTING A DRIVING PERFORMANCE PRODUCT - Quality of Service (QOS) systems and methods to determine the likelihood that a packet of information transmitted by an OBD, mobile, or other telematics device meets user requirements for accuracy, reliability, and quality of data suitable for a driving performance product, such as, for example, the implementation and modification of a usage based insurance (UBI) or behavior based insurance (BBI) or self-insurance program. Methods are established for determining when and how to display data to each constituent, including policyholders, insurance actuaries, and insurance carrier customer service staff. The QOS data may also be provided to OEM and GPS device manufacturers for the purpose of improving the performance of their software and devices. The QOS system analyzes the amount of time it takes to send and receive a packet of information, the performance of the GPS module and satellites, the presence or absence of data that is based on set conditions, performance metrics relative to key UBI or BBI variables, and self-tests on GPS or OEM hardware. | 04-03-2014 |
20140095213 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COORDINATING TRANSACTIONS - An integration system comprises a transaction hub electronically communicating with a compatibility server. The transaction hub receives initial data including a transaction code. The transaction hub transmits vehicle identification data to the compatibility server based on the transaction code. The compatibility server identifies a vehicle based on the vehicle identification data, identifies any potential devices compatible with the vehicle, and identifies one of the potential devices based, at least in part, on prior feedback of at least one compatibility parameter. The compatibility server transmits device identifying data to the transaction hub. | 04-03-2014 |
20140095214 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING A DRIVING PERFORMANCE PLATFORM - Systems and methods of providing a platform for a driving performance application. The platform includes receiving data associated with driving performance of a driver, where the driver is associated with a client of the platform, analyzing the data to determine a measure of driving performance, and reporting the measure of driving performance to the client. The platform interfaces with the native systems of the client to provide an integrated insurance platform capable of implementing and managing a driving performance product, such as a usage-based insurance product. | 04-03-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100252227 | SUBSEA COOLER - The present invention regards a subsea cooling unit having an inlet for a hot fluid and an outlet for cooled fluid, the cooling unit comprising a number of coils exposed to seawater, and means for generating a flow of seawater past the coils, where the means for generating the flow of seawater comprises a propeller and a rotatable actuator and that the cooler is enclosed in a duct. | 10-07-2010 |
20110044831 | MOTOR WITH HIGH PRESSURE RATED CAN - An apparatus includes a motor. The motor includes a rotor, a stator disposed around the rotor, and a first high pressure rated can separating the stator from the rotor. The first high pressure rated can at least partially defines a rotor cavity encompassing at least a portion of the rotor and a first pressure environment independent of a second pressure environment of the stator. The second pressure environment of the stator is substantially pressure balanced with respect to the ambient environment. | 02-24-2011 |
20110050017 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING A BEARING THROUGH A PRESSURE BOUNDARY - A rotating apparatus includes a housing, a shaft at least partially disposed within a first pressure environment defined by the housing, a first magnetic bearing supporting the shaft and being at least partially disposed within the first pressure environment, a sensor operable to sense a position of the shaft relative to the first magnetic bearing, a controller disposed in a second pressure environment independent of the first pressure environment and operable to communicate with the sensor and to generate a control signal for the first magnetic bearing based on the sensed position, and a communication device operable to communicate the control signal between the controller and the first magnetic bearing and to communicate the sensed position between the sensor and the controller without penetrating a pressure boundary defined between the first and second pressure environments. | 03-03-2011 |
20110052432 | PUMP WITH MAGNETIC BEARINGS - A pump unit includes a motor, a pump, a shaft spanning the motor and the pump, and at least a first magnetic bearing supporting the shaft. A hydrocarbon production system includes an underwater well and a pump unit exposed to an underwater environment. The pump unit is operable to pump a production fluid from the well and includes a motor, a pump, a shaft spanning the motor and the pump, and at least a first magnetic bearing supporting the shaft. | 03-03-2011 |
20110058966 | FLUSHING SYSTEM - An apparatus includes a pump, a motor operatively coupled to the pump, and a flushing system. The motor includes a stator and a rotor disposed in a rotor cavity isolated from the stator. The flushing system is operable to provide a flushing medium to the rotor cavity. | 03-10-2011 |
20140318644 | ARRANGEMENT FOR SAND COLLECTION - The present invention regards a subsea sand handling system for limiting abrasion of specific subsea equipment ( | 10-30-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090071237 | CAPACITIVE MEASUREMENT OF TIRE DEFORMATION - The invention relates to systems and methods for detecting and monitoring tire deformation. In one embodiment, a tire deformation detection system comprises a first electrode, a second electrode, circuitry, and a central control unit. The first electrode is coupled to an interior surface of a tire. The second electrode is coupled to an interior surface of the tire and configured with the first electrode to form a first capacitor. The circuitry is configured to measure a first capacitance of the first capacitor. The central control unit is configured to detect a deformation of the tire based at least in part on the first capacitance. | 03-19-2009 |
20090080138 | FLUIDIC ELECTROSTATIC ENERGY HARVESTER - One embodiment of the present invention relates to a variable capacitor that operates without moving mechanical parts. In this capacitor electrically conductive electrodes are separated by an enclosed chamber filled with an electrically conductive material. The electrically conductive material can freely vary its position within the chamber. The capacitance of the device will vary as position of the conductive material changes due to external mechanical motion (ex: rotation vibration, etc.) of the device. Other embodiments of this device are also disclosed. | 03-26-2009 |
20090080703 | OPTICAL SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING TIRE CHARACTERISTICS - The invention is related to systems and methods for optically measuring conditions and characteristics related to vehicle tires. In one embodiment, a tire monitoring system comprises a grid, a camera, and a processor. The grid can be configured to deform in conjunction with a deformation of the tire. The camera can be mounted optically proximate the grid and configured to acquire an image of the grid. The processor can be in communication with the camera and configured detect the deformation of the tire from the image. | 03-26-2009 |
20090114005 | TIRE SENSOR SYSTEM AND MONITORING METHOD - A tire system includes a plurality of piezoelectric devices mounted to the tire. The piezoelectric devices provide output signals in response to deformation of the tire. A processor has input terminals for receiving the signals from the piezoelectric devices, and the processor is programmed to determine tire parameters in response to the output signals from the piezoelectric devices. A power converter has input terminals for receiving the signals from the piezoelectric devices, and the power converter is connected to the processor to power the processor. | 05-07-2009 |
20090183979 | Micromachined Mechanical Switch - A mechanical switch is arranged to electrically connect a power source to an electrical component. The switch includes a resilient structure, a first electrically conductive element connected to the power source and a second conductive element connected to the electrical component. At least one of the conductive elements is attached to the resilient structure. The switch is arranged such that the conductive elements are positioned out of contact with one another in the absence of a force being applied to the switch, and the resilient structure is moveable in response to a force applied thereto, the force being applied upon rotation of a tire to which the switch is connected. Upon the application of a force above a predetermined threshold, the resilient structure moves to bring the conductive elements into contact with one another, the contact electrically connecting the power source to the electrical component. | 07-23-2009 |
20110001493 | FLUIDIC ELECTROSTATIC ENERGY HARVESTER - One embodiment of the present invention relates to a variable capacitor that operates without moving mechanical parts. In this capacitor electrically conductive electrodes are separated by an enclosed chamber filled with an electrically conductive material. The electrically conductive material can freely vary its position within the chamber. The capacitance of the device will vary as position of the conductive material changes due to external mechanical motion (ex: rotation, vibration, etc.) of the device. Other embodiments of this device are also disclosed. | 01-06-2011 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080224568 | Backscatter Sensor - A micro mechanical backscatter sensor includes a receiver for receiving a modulated electromagnetic signal, a capacitive element operatively connected to the receiver, the capacitive element being arranged such that a voltage is generated across the capacitor in response to the frequency of the received signal, and a resonator operatively connected to the capacitive element such that electrostatic forces that are induced by the voltage generated cause the resonator to vibrate at a resonance frequency, the resonator being arranged such that an applied external force alters the resonance frequency of vibration. The sensor further includes a demodulator for demodulating the received signal, a modulator for modulating a carrier signal of the received signal by mixing the carrier signal with the resonance frequency of the resonator to produce a modulated electromagnetic transmission signal, and a transmitter, operatively connected to the capacitive element and arranged to transmit the modulated transmission signal. | 09-18-2008 |
20080304544 | Vacuum Sensor - A micro mechanical vacuum sensor for determining the pressure within a cavity of a micro mechanical device is provided. The sensor comprises a substrate, at least one electrically conductive support member connected to the substrate, and a thermally resistive layer supported by the at least one support member and spaced from the substrate by the support member to provide a space between the thermally resistive layer and the substrate. The sensor is arranged such that the thermally resistive layer is substantially thermally insulated from the substrate. The sensor is further arranged to be driven such that the pressure within the cavity is determined by a temperature value sensed by the sensor. | 12-11-2008 |
20090027183 | Tire Localization System - A tire localization system for locating the position of a tire of a vehicle having five or more wheels, includes a number of tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) wheel modules of a vehicle TPMS, each wheel module being attached to each one of the wheels or a tire thereof, respectively. Each TPMS wheel module includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader. The system further includes a number of RFID tags, each RFID tag being associated with and storing wheel position information of one of the wheels, and each RFID tag being positioned externally of its associated wheel. Each of the RFID readers is arranged, upon activation, to interrogate its associated RFID tag, and the associated RFID tag is arranged, upon interrogation, to transmit its stored position information to the RFID reader for transmission by the TPMS wheel module to a central control unit. A tire localization method is also provided. | 01-29-2009 |
20090134632 | Energy Harvesting System and Method - An energy harvesting system is arranged to harvest energy generated by a rotating tire. The system comprises a chamber holding fluid and an energy converter arranged to extract kinetic energy generated by a flow of the fluid, the flow being induced by a deformation of the chamber during the tire rotation, and further arranged to convert the kinetic energy into electrical energy. A method of harvesting energy generated by a rotating tire is also provided. | 05-28-2009 |
20110133922 | TIRE LOCALIZATION SYSTEM - A tire localization system for locating the position of a tire of a vehicle having five or more wheels, includes a number of tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) wheel modules of a vehicle TPMS, each wheel module being attached to each one of the wheels or a tire thereof, respectively. Each TPMS wheel module includes a radio, frequency identification (RFID) reader. The system further includes a number of RFID tags, each RFID tag being associated with and storing wheel position information of one of the wheels, and each RFID tag being positioned externally of its associated wheel. Each of the RFID readers is arranged, upon activation, to interrogate its associated RFID tag, and the associated RFID tag is arranged, upon interrogation, to transmit its stored position information to the RFID reader for transmission by the TPMS wheel module to a central control unit. A tire localization method is also provided. | 06-09-2011 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110012886 | Efficient Display Driver - A driver circuit for a display device (e.g., an LCD) omits buffers and a resistive ladder and connects the output of a switched regulator directly to a display device through a selector switch. Voltage inputs for the display device can be selectively coupled to the output of the switched regulator using the selector switch. Each voltage input can be coupled to a capacitor that is charged when the corresponding voltage input is coupled to the high voltage output of the switched regulator. In some implementations, bypass switches are connected between the voltage inputs. If the voltage of a given capacitor is too high, the excess voltage can be transferred or otherwise discharged through the bypass switch to another capacitor storing a lower voltage. | 01-20-2011 |
20110032019 | LEVEL SHIFTER WITH OUTPUT LATCH - A level shifter for a microcontroller shifts an input voltage in a first power domain to an output voltage level consistent with a second power domain. The level shifter is enabled to shift the voltages when both power domains are operative. | 02-10-2011 |
20110121292 | CALIBRATION OF TEMPERATURE SENSITIVE CIRCUITS WITH HEATER ELEMENTS - One or more heating elements are disposed on a semiconductor substrate proximate a temperature sensitive circuit disposed on the substrate (e.g., bandgap circuit, oscillator). The heater element(s) can be controlled to heat the substrate and elevate the temperature of the circuit to one or more temperature points. One or more temperature measurements can be made at each of the one or more temperature points for calibrating one or more reference values of the circuit (e.g., bandgap voltage). | 05-26-2011 |
20110148380 | CIRCUIT AND METHOD FOR ADJUSTING AN OFFSET OUTPUT CURRENT FOR AN INPUT CURRENT AMPLIFIER - A circuit and a method for correcting an offset is provided that includes a current amplifier and an adjusting circuit for correcting an offset of an output current of the current amplifier. Wherein the adjusting circuit has a controlled current source, an output of the controlled current source is connected to the current amplifier for impressing an output current of the controlled current source in the current amplifier, an input of the controlled current source to form a regulation element of a control loop is connected by a first switching device of the adjusting circuit to an output of the current amplifier and to form a holding element is disconnected from the output of the current amplifier by the first switching device. The controlled current source, acting as a regulation element in the control loop, is set up to regulate the offset to a minimum by setting of a current value of the output current, and the controlled current source, acting as a holding element, is set up to hold the current value, associated with the minimum, of the output current. | 06-23-2011 |
20120268217 | Calibration of Temperature Sensitive Circuits with Heater Elements - One or more heating elements are disposed on a semiconductor substrate proximate a temperature sensitive circuit disposed on the substrate (e.g., bandgap circuit, oscillator). The heater element(s) can be controlled to heat the substrate and elevate the temperature of the circuit to one or more temperature points. One or more temperature measurements can be made at each of the one or more temperature points for calibrating one or more reference values of the circuit (e.g., bandgap voltage). | 10-25-2012 |
20130038566 | Capacitive Touch Sensor Control Unit With Sampling Capacitors For Differential Integration - In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a pulse driver configured to generate an electrical pulse for transmission to a capacitive touch sensor. The apparatus further comprises a timing circuit configured to hold a first switch closed and a second switch open during a first edge of the electrical pulse, and hold the second switch closed and the first switch open during of a second edge of the electrical pulse. The apparatus further comprises a first capacitor configured to receive a first amount of charge that is indicative of a capacitance of an area of the capacitive touch sensor and a second capacitor configured to discharge a second amount of charge that is indicative of the capacitance of the area of the capacitive touch sensor. The apparatus further comprises a differential output configured to provide a measure of the voltage difference between the first capacitor and second capacitor. | 02-14-2013 |
20130043952 | Circuit and Method for Adjusting an Offset Output Current for an Input Current Amplifier - A circuit and a method for correcting an offset is provided that includes a current amplifier and an adjusting circuit for correcting an offset of an output current of the current amplifier. Wherein the adjusting circuit has a controlled current source, an output of the controlled current source is connected to the current amplifier for impressing an output current of the controlled current source in the current amplifier, an input of the controlled current source to form a regulation element of a control loop is connected by a first switching device of the adjusting circuit to an output of the current amplifier and to form a holding element is disconnected from the output of the current amplifier by the first switching device. The controlled current source, acting as a regulation element in the control loop, is set up to regulate the offset to a minimum by setting of a current value of the output current, and the controlled current source, acting as a holding element, is set up to hold the current value, associated with the minimum, of the output current. | 02-21-2013 |
20140071082 | DIFFERENTIAL SENSING FOR CAPACITIVE TOUCH SENSORS - A first signal from a first sense line of a touch sensor is received. A second signal from a second of the touch sensor is received. The first signal is inverted. The inverted first signal and the second signal are summed to produce a differential signal. The differential signal is output to a touch sensor controller. | 03-13-2014 |
20140306923 | Differential Sensing For Touch Sensors - In one embodiment, a method includes outputting a first current associated with a first electrode track of a self-capacitance touch sensor. The method also includes outputting a second current associated with a second electrode track of the self-capacitance touch sensor. The method also includes measuring a voltage associated with a difference between the first and second currents and determining a position of an object relative to the self-capacitance touch sensor based on the voltage. | 10-16-2014 |
20150035783 | POSITION DETECTION OF AN OBJECT WITHIN PROXIMITY OF A TOUCH SENSOR - In one embodiment, a method includes applying a drive signal to a first electrode of a sensor to generate an electric field extending at least in part from the first electrode toward a second electrode of the sensor. The electric field includes a first portion and a second portion, and the first portion extends farther away from a plane of the first electrode than the second portion. The method also includes shunting the second portion of the electric field away from the second electrode and receiving a sense signal from the second electrode produced at least in part by the first portion of the electric field. The sense signal indicates whether an object has come within proximity of the sensor. | 02-05-2015 |