or SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SWITCHING BETWEEN CLOSED LOOP AND OPEN LOOP CONTROL OF AN AMBULATORY INFUSION PUMP By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An infusion pump system providing therapy to a patient in a closed-loop or semi-closed loop mode can safely automatically revert to open-loop therapy. The system stores a default open-loop basal rate profile in memory. The system also continually tracks the insulin on board for the patient over a plurality of closed-loop therapy intervals. When an error or event occurs requiring reversion to open-loop therapy, the system automatically provides therapy according to the open-loop basal rate profile and the tracked insulin on board amount. Full Article
or METHODS AND DEVICES FOR AUTOFLUSH SYRINGES By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Described herein are syringe devices, systems and methods. In general, the syringe may include a first chamber and a cartridge movable within the first chamber. The cartridge may include a cartridge chamber and a valve in fluid communication with the cartridge chamber and the first chamber and having an open configuration and a closed configuration. The valve may allow movement of a liquid out of the cartridge chamber while in a open configuration. The cartridge may also include a second end, movable within the cartridge chamber, and a locking mechanism having a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration, the locking mechanism preventing movement of the second end within the cartridge chamber while in the locked configuration. Full Article
or Arrangement and Method for Determining a Stopper Position By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The invention relates to an arrangement for determining a position (x) of a stopper relative to a container in a drug delivery device, comprising an acoustic source configured to emit an acoustic signal and an acoustic sensor configured to detect an acoustic signal, a processing unit for controlling the acoustic source and processing the detected acoustic signal for determining characteristics of the acoustic signal correlated with the position (x) of the stopper. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for determining a position (x) of a stopper relative to a container in a drug delivery device, the method comprising the steps of emitting an acoustic signal from an acoustic source, detecting an acoustic signal caused by the emitted acoustic signal by means of an acoustic sensor, and processing the detected acoustic signal for determining characteristics of the acoustic signal correlated with the position (x) of the stopper by means of a processing unit. Full Article
or AUTOINJECTOR WITH SHOCK REDUCING ELEMENTS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An injection device, method, and system for drug delivery includes a primary container for storing a drug, the container having a stopper movably disposed in the container for expelling the drug, an injection drive mechanism comprising a plunger for acting on the stopper and an energy source for exerting a force on the plunger to cause the plunger to act on the stopper to expel the drug, the force causing the plunger to accelerate to a velocity prior to acting on the stopper, and a damping mechanism for reducing the velocity of the plunger prior to acting on the stopper. The damping mechanism can include a dashpot or an energy absorbing material associated with the plunger. Alternatively or additionally, the damping mechanisms can include absorbing material disposed between support members of an outer casing of the injection device and the primary container. Full Article
or Expanding Plunger Rods for Syringes By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An expanding plunger rod for a syringe is configured to transition from a packaged configuration to an expanded configuration for operation. The rod includes a substantially cylindrical outer sleeve having a closed-off bottom end and an open upper end, and an inner rod having a lower end and an upper end. The inner rod is slidably disposed coaxially within the outer sleeve. In the packaged configuration, the inner rod is nested within the outer sleeve. In the expanded configuration, the inner rod is disposed substantially axially above the outer sleeve, and the inner rod locks axially in place to prevent transition from the expanded to the packaged configuration. Full Article
or Assembly for a Drug Delivery Device and Drug Delivery Device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An assembly for a drug delivery device (1) is proposed, comprising a housing (13) having a proximal end and a distal end, a dose member (23) which is displaceable in the proximal direction with respect to the housing for setting of a dose of a drug, a clutch member (28) which is displaced in the proximal direction with respect to the housing when setting the dose, and a stop member (30) configured to define a clutch stop position for the proximal displacement of the clutch member with respect to the housing, with the clutch member, when in the clutch stop position, being prevented from further displacement in the proximal direction with respect to the housing, wherein the clutch member and the dose member are configured to mechanically cooperate with one another when the clutch member is in the clutch stop position, thereby preventing further displacement of the dose member in the proximal direction with respect to the housing during setting of the dose. Furthermore, a drug delivery device (1) is proposed. Full Article
or Logging Device for Drug Delivery Device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An add-on logging device (100, 300) mounted to a drug delivery device is turned on when the cap is removed. After a given amount of time in inactivity the sensor means of the add-on device is turned off automatically to save energy. If the user takes a dose of drug this is not detected as the add-on device is only turned on when the cap is removed. According to the present invention a warning message is provided when the cap is re-mounted after the sensor means has been turned off automatically, the warning message indicating to a user that an expelled dose may not have been detected. Full Article
or DOSE INDICATING MECHANISM FOR A DRUG DELIVERY DEVICE AND DRUG DELIVERY DEVICE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The invention is directed to a dose indicating mechanism for drug delivery device (1) configured for the delivery of a medicament contained in single medicament cartridge (2), the medicament comprising at least one first drug and one second drug, wherein the dose indicating mechanism comprises a body (3), a dose dial component (7) configured to move relative to the body (3) during dose setting and first dose indicator means (10) configured to display a set dose of the medicament and/or of first drug in dependence of the displacement of dose dial component (7) during dose setting. In order to provide the user with further information, a second dose indicator means (15) is provided that is configured to display a set dose of the second drug during dose setting. The invention is also directed to a respective drug delivery device. Full Article
or ADJUNCT DEVICE AND SYSTEM FOR AN INJECTOR FOR MONITORING INJECTED AMOUNTS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT In some embodiments, an adjunct device for tracks time and/or dosage of a medicine. The device may include a connector for mounting the device to a deposable pen injector. The device may be configured to allow use of the native controls and injectors of the injector. For example the device may include a view port for viewing a dose indicator of the injector. The device may include one or more vibration sensors. A processor may be configured to differentiate increasing a dose, decreasing a dose and/or discharging the medicine based on the output of the sensors. Optionally a display of the device may be positioned for simultaneous viewing with the dosage indicator of the injector. For example a user may verify the accuracy of the adjunct device before performing a discharge. Full Article
or Needle Protection Device With Gauge Specific Color Coding and Method for Manufacturing Thereof By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT To enable a user to readily determine the gauge of the needle of a needle assembly that has a base and a needle protective housing pivotably attached thereto, the needle assembly is injection molded from a color coded molding material which color was preassigned to correspond to the gauge of the needle. As a result, both the base and the protective housing of the needle assembly have—the same specific color, and reflect or provide an indication of the given gauge of the needle. The needle sheath that covers the needle prior to use may be made of a plastics material that may be clear, or have the same or a different color than that of the needle assembly. The gauge of the needle of a fixed needle syringe could also be ascertained by its color coded needle protective housing. Color coded markings that correspond to the gauge of the needle may also be printed onto the syringe barrel of the fixed needle syringe. Full Article
or Drug Delivery Device For Drug Suspensions By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A drug delivery device is provided herein, the device including a reservoir for containing a medicament. The medicament includes a suspension of solids in a liquid carrier. The device also includes a needle having a distal end for injection into a patient, a proximal end in communication with the reservoir, and a lumen extending between the distal and proximal ends. A path is defined from the reservoir to the distal end of the needle through the lumen, the path having an inner diameter that decreases in a proximal to distal direction along at least a portion thereof. Advantageously, with the subject invention, a flow path may be defined which provides a more gradual transition in diameter from the reservoir to a distal tip of the needle. In this manner, changes in velocity of the suspension may be less abrupt than in the prior art, thus better maintaining solid particles in the suspension. Full Article
or PORTABLE MEDICAL TREATMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A medical treatment system including a treatment chamber, a source of an aqueous mist containing a medication, a source of an oxygen-enriched gas, and a control system adapted to alternately surround a human body part with a mist containing a medication and the oxygen enriched gas, which can be used to treat various skin disorders including infected lesions, bacterial infections such as acne (i.e. Propionibacterium acnes), fungal infections such as Athlete's foot (i.e. fungal genus Trichophyton), conditions associated with hair loss including alopecia as well as ulcerations and frostbite resulting from poor circulation. A method of treating skin disorders is also disclosed, that includes providing a mist containing a medication and enriched oxygen gas to the site being treated as well as providing oxygen to the patient during treatment. Full Article
or INTRODUCER FOR ACCESSING CORONARY SINUS VIA RIGHT PARASTERNAL MEDIASTINOTOMY By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An introducer configured with a first curve having a first angle that traverses space of an atrial appendage, a central atrium, caudad to the coronary sinus, and a second curve that has an angle sufficient to align the introducer with an intrinsic curvature of the coronary sinus of a subject. Full Article
or DEVICES AND METHODS FOR INHIBITING OR PREVENTING COLONIZATION OF FLUID FLOW NETWORKS BY MICROORGANISMS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The invention includes novel devices and methods for inhibiting or preventing colonization of fluid flow networks by bacteria that have upstream surface motility. In certain aspects, the devices and methods of the invention prevent or minimize undesirable bacterial colonization of medical devices and/or treat or prevent bacterial infections. Full Article
or Medical Devices, Methods, and Kits for Delivering Medication to a Bodily Passage By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Medical devices, methods and kits are described. An exemplary medical device comprises a catheter that has a catheter wall and defines a catheter lumen, a bend, and a coil disposed distal to the bend. The catheter defines one or more apertures that extend through the catheter wall and are in communication with the catheter lumen. Full Article
or DELIVERY CATHETER WITH FIXED GUIDEWIRE AND BEVELED ELLIPTICAL PORT By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A catheter includes a catheter body having a proximal end, a beveled distal end, and a lumen therethrough. The beveled distal end defines an elliptical port for releasing contrast or other media through the lumen and from the elliptical port. The catheter may also be used delivering devices or for aspirating or extracting materials from the vasculature or other body lumens. A fixed guidewire extends distally from the distal end of the catheter body, typically from the distal-most edge of the elliptical port. The fixed wire is typically malleable so that it can be manually formed into a desired shape. The elliptical port may be flat or concave. Full Article
or Drug Delivery Balloon Apparatus and Methods for Use By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A drug delivery balloon apparatus is disclosed herein, comprising: (a) at least two lumens, comprising a first lumen and a second lumen, (b) a balloon inflation port in fluid communication with the first lumen, (c) a drug delivery port in fluid communication with the second lumen, (d) a guidewire port in fluid communication with the second lumen, wherein the second lumen is configured to receive both a guidewire and a drug solution, (e) an occlusion balloon, (I) a drug delivery balloon, where the occlusion balloon and the drug delivery balloon are in fluid communication with the first lumen, (g) one or more drug delivery channels extending the length of the second lumen, and (h) one or more drug delivery ducts extending from the one or more drug delivery channels to an exterior surface of the second lumen. Full Article
or BIOSYNCHRONOUS TRANSDERMAL DRUG DELIVERY FOR LONGEVITY, ANTI-AGING, FATIGUE MANAGEMENT, OBESITY, WEIGHT LOSS, WEIGHT MANAGEMENT, DELIVERY OF NUTRACEUTICALS, AND THE TREATMENT OF HYPERGLYCEMIA, ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE, SLEEP DISORDERS, PARKINSON'S DISE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Systems and methods for longevity, anti-aging, fatigue management, obesity, weight loss, weight management, delivery of nutraceuticals, and treating hyperglycemia, Alzheimer's disease, sleep disorders, Parkinson's disease, Attention Deficit Disorder and nicotine addiction involve synchronizing and tailoring the administration of nutraceuticals, medications and other substances in accordance with the body's natural circadian rhythms, meal times and other factors. Improved control of blood glucose levels, extended alertness, and weight control, and counteracting of disease symptoms when they are at their worst are possible. An automated, pre-programmable transdermal administration system is used to provide pulsed doses of medications, pharmaceuticals, hormones, neuropeptides, anorexigens, pro-drugs, stimulants, nutraceuticals, phytochemicals, phytonutrients, enzymes, antioxidants, essential oils, fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, amino acids, coenzymes, or other physiological active ingredient or precursor. The system can utilize a pump, pressurized reservoir, a system for removing depleted carrier solution, or other modulated dispensing actuator, in conjunction with porous membranes or micro-fabricated structures. Full Article
or METHOD AND APPRATUS FOR TREATMENT OF INTRACRANIAL HEMORRHAGES By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An ultrasound catheter with a lumen for fluid delivery and fluid evacuation, and an ultrasound source is used for the treatment of intracerebral or intraventricular hemorrhages. After the catheter is inserted into a blood clot, a lytic drug can be delivered to the blood clot via the lumen while applying ultrasonic energy to the treatment site. As the blood clot is dissolved, the liquefied blood clot can be removed by evacuation through the lumen. Full Article
or MEDICAL ACCESS PORT, SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF USE THEREOF By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A medical device comprising a subcutaneous access port having an access port body and at least one needle having a removable needle tip and a needle shaft defining a needle lumen; the at least one needle housed within the access port body, the at least one needle extendable and retractable relative to the access port body; and a needle shift mechanism operable such that the at least one needle is extendable from and retractable into the access port body at a plurality of positions of the access port body. Full Article
or MEDICAL PORT WITH REPLACEABLE CATHETER By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The present disclosure is directed to a medical port drainage assembly that includes a port component and a replaceable catheter. The port component includes a tube having a proximal end, a distal end, and tube walls defining a catheter access lumen. A head component is located on a proximal end of the tube and an assembly retention element is located on a distal end of the tube. The head component is deployed outside the patient's body and defines an opening to the catheter access lumen. The assembly retention element is deployed within a lumen of the patient's body. The port component includes a valve assembly which may be a single valve (e.g., a duckbill valve) or a system of valves. The port component also includes a connector for coupling and decoupling the replaceable catheter to the port component. Full Article
or CONNECTOR DISINFECTION SYSTEM By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Devices, systems, and methods for disinfecting catheters used during in line catheter connections are provided. A disinfection device including one or more LED UV sources comprises a small volume kill zone. The disinfection device is configured to effectively disinfect fluid within the kill zone. Full Article
or Magnetic Medical Connector And Fluid Transfer Set Including The Magnetic Medical Connector By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A connector for a fluid path set for delivery of a fluid to a patient during a procedure is described. The connector includes a magnetic check valve for limiting fluid flow to one direction through the fluid path. The magnetic check valve is configured to open in response to one or more of fluid pressure and change in value of magnetic force in the check valve. Full Article
or FLUID INFUSION DEVICE AND RELATED SEALING ASSEMBLY FOR A NEEDLELESS FLUID RESERVOIR By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Disclosed herein is a fluid infusion device of the type that delivers medication fluid to the body of a patient. The device includes or cooperates with a fluid reservoir, and the device has a sealing assembly to receive and form a fluid seal with the fluid reservoir. A retractable sealing element surrounding a hollow fluid delivery needle may be used to seal a port of the fluid reservoir. The port may include a pressure vent that is sealed by the retractable sealing element. In one variation, the reservoir includes a moving valve sleeve that holds a septum. The septum moves to allow the reservoir to vent, and to form a seal with the port when the needle pierces the septum. In another variation, the device includes a needleless sealing assembly. In yet other variations, the device uses a needled fluid reservoir. Full Article
or INTELLIGENTLY-ANALGESIC INFUSION PUMP MONITORING SYSTEM AND METHOD By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The present invention discloses a system and method for monitoring an infusion pump capable of intelligently easing pain. Each infusion pump control terminal is connected with a monitoring server through a wireless AP and a local area network respectively; each human body vital sign sensor is connected with the signal input end of a field programmable gate array FPGA through a sensor interface circuit respectively, an infusion control device is connected with the control signal output end of the field programmable gate array FPGA, the field programmable gate array FPGA is in communication with an ARM processor in a bus coding mode, and the ARM processor is in communication connection with the wireless AP through a WIFI communication module. By means of the system and method for monitoring infusion pump capable of intelligently easing pain, a plurality of basic vital sign data of a patient is collected in real time, corresponding infusion schemes are generated through analysis of the data, the infusion pump is controlled to achieve automatic infusion, monitoring and pain-easing infusion are combined together for coordinative work, and infusion control is more scientific and reliable; patient online perception and feedback is supported, self-improvement of a system is facilitated, and more accurate and reliable infusion schemes can be acquired. Full Article
or GAS SENSOR ARRAY AND METHOD By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The invention relates to a method for analyzing the composition of a gaseous stream comprising at least two gaseous components, one of which is methane; and to a sensor array and a gas sensor comprising such sensor array. The method comprises contacting the gaseous mixture with a sensor, wherein the sensor comprises a sensor array comprising at least two sensor elements, wherein each of said sensor elements comprises a transducer coated with a coating comprising a polymeric material having at least one property that is responsive to one or more of said gaseous components when exposed thereto, wherein said sensor elements differ at least in the composition of the coating, providing an energy input to said transducers that is converted to output signals based on said property, and obtaining said output signals. Full Article
or WHEEL SPEED SENSOR By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A wheel speed sensor for a motor vehicle can be supplied with an operating voltage by a control device. The control device has a load resistance with a load resistance value. An operating voltage can be at a voltage input by the control device. An electrical circuit is designed to determine a turn-on or a turn-off voltage value according to the load resistance value. An operation control is designed to transfer the wheel speed sensor into a normal operation using the operating voltage, when the turn-on voltage value is exceeded, and to transfer the wheel speed sensor into an emergency operation using the operating voltage, when a turn-off voltage value is not met. In emergency operation only a low constant signal level is emitted. Full Article
or FORCE BIASED SPRING PROBE PIN ASSEMBLY By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A force-biased spring probe pin assembly includes a barrel member having a barrel wall defining an elongate internal cavity with a lower end and an upper end. The assembly also includes a first plunger member reciprocally mounted in the internal cavity proximate the lower end of the internal cavity. A spring member is positioned in the internal cavity between the plunger member and the second end of the internal cavity. At least one rectangular cavity formed in the plunger member with a movable cylindrical bearing in the cavity that applies a slight transverse force to the plunger member ensuring good electrical contact between the plunger and the wall of the barrel member. A force-biased spring probe pin assembly includes a barrel member having a barrel wall defining an elongate internal cavity with a lower end and an upper end. The assembly also includes a first plunger member reciprocally mounted in the internal cavity proximate the lower end of the internal cavity and a second plunger member reciprocally mounted in the internal cavity proximate the upper end of the internal cavity. A spring member is positioned in the internal cavity between the first plunger member and the second plunger member. At least one rectangular cavity formed in the first plunger member with a first movable cylindrical bearing in the cavity that applies a slight transverse force to the first plunger member ensuring good electrical contact between the first plunger member and the wall of the barrel member and at least one rectangular cavity formed in the second plunger member with a second movable cylindrical bearing in the cavity that applies a slight transverse force to the second plunger member ensuring good electrical contact between the second plunger member and the wall of the barrel member Full Article
or FORCE BIASED SPRING PROBE PIN ASSEMBLY By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A force biased spring probe pin assembly includes a barrel member having a barrel wall defining an elongate internal cavity with a lower end and an upper end. The assembly also includes a split plunger member comprised of an upper split plunger part separated from a lower split plunger part separated by a diagonal cut reciprocally mounted in the internal cavity proximate the lower end of the internal cavity. A spring member is positioned in the internal cavity between the upper split plunger part and the second end of the internal cavity. A force biased spring probe pin assembly includes a barrel member having a barrel wall defining an elongate internal cavity with a lower end and an upper end. The assembly also includes a first split plunger member reciprocally mounted in the internal cavity proximate the lower end of the internal cavity and a second split plunger member reciprocally mounted in the internal cavity proximate the upper end of the internal cavity. The first and second split plunger members are each comprised of two parts: a first upper plunger part separated from a first lower plunger part by a diagonal cut. A spring member is positioned in the internal cavity between the first and second upper split plunger parts. In each split plunger the diagonal surface of the upper split plunger part exerts a transverse force to the diagonal surface of the lower split plunger part ensuring good electrical contact between the lower split plunger member part and the barrel wall. Full Article
or SENSORED ELECTRICAL JUMPER By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A sensored electrical jumper comprises a conductor having a first end and a second end, the first end including a first connection interface and the second end including a second connection interface, a sensor section including at least one sensor disposed over the conductor between the first and second ends, the sensor section sensing at least one of current and voltage of the conductor, and a sensor output conduit extending from the sensor and oriented substantially perpendicular to the conductor axis to protect at least one sensor output wire from leakage current or other potential electrical damage. Full Article
or SENSING APPARATUS FOR SENSING CURRENT THROUGH A CONDUCTOR AND METHODS THEREFOR By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A sensing apparatus for characterizing current flow through a conductor includes a plurality of magnetic sensors. In some embodiments, the sensors are grouped in pairs to achieve common mode rejection of signals generated in response to magnetic fields not resulting from current flow through the conductor. Sensors having different levels of sensitivity are used to collect information regarding the magnetic field generated by the current flowing through the conductor, where such information is processed in order to characterize the magnetic field. In some cases the sensors are included on or in flexible material that can be wrapped around the conductor. Full Article
or Method of making a current sensor and current sensor By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A method of making a current sensor comprises providing a leadframe having a current conductor portion comprising two sections shaped such that a current to be measured flows in directions oriented obliquely or oppositely with respect to each other,deforming the leadframe to lower the current conductor portion,mounting an isolator on the current conductor portion,mounting a semiconductor chip having a thickness of at least 0.2 mm and comprising two magnetic field sensors composed of four Hall sensors and magnetic field concentrators on the isolator,connecting the semiconductor chip and sensor terminal leads by wire bonds,packaging the semiconductor chip and parts of the leadframe in a plastic housing, andcutting a frame of the leadframe from current terminal leads and the sensor terminal leads. Full Article
or METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ACCURACY IMPROVEMENT IN CURRENT COMPARATORS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Precision AC and DC voltage, current, phase, power and energy measurements and calibrations with current ranges from 1 uA to 20 kA and voltage ranges from 1V to 1000 kV are now performed with accuracies of better than one part per million. Continued demand for improved accuracy has led the inventors to address remnant magetization within the current comparators that form the basis of the measuring process within many of the measurement instruments providing the precision AC and DC measurements and calibrations. Accordingly, the inventors present current comparator and measurement system architectures together with control protocols to provide for correction of this remnant magnetization. Full Article
or BRANCH CURRENT MONITOR WITH RECONFIGURATION By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A branch current monitor that includes reconfiguration. Full Article
or APPARATUSES, METHODS, AND SYSTEMS FOR DETECTION OF A CURRENT LEVEL By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Embodiments include apparatuses, systems, and methods including a switching converter having an output stage including a power switch or first switching device to convert an input switching signal to an output switching signal and a sensor stage including a second switching device and a third switching device. In embodiments, the sensor stage may be coupled to receive the output switching signal from the first switching device and to substantially replicate a condition of the first switching device to generate a continuous signal rather than a switched signal. In embodiments, the continuous signal may allow detection of a current level. In some embodiments, the current level may indicate an overcurrent event. A digital post-processing circuit may be coupled to the switching device to count a number of overcurrent events according to various embodiments. Other embodiments may also be described and claimed. Full Article
or CONFIGURATION SYSTEM FOR A POWER METER By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A system for configuration of power meters. Full Article
or Method and Apparatus for Driving a Multi-Oscillator System By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Various embodiments mitigate the risk of frequency-lock in systems having multiple resonators by dynamically changing the frequency at which at least one of the resonators is driven. More particularly, the drive frequency of at least one of the resonators is changed often enough that the multiple resonators do not have time to achieve frequency lock. Changes in the oscillation of the resonators may be analyzed to determine, for example, acceleration of such systems. Some embodiments implement self-test by assessing expected performance of a system with toggling drive frequencies. More particularly, some embodiments implement self-test by artificially inducing displacement of a movable member of a system. Full Article
or ELECTRONIC ARRANGEMENT AND VECTOR NETWORK ANALYZER CHARACTERIZED BY REDUCED PHASE NOISE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An electronic arrangement and method for providing a signal characterized by reduced phase noise having a signal source for providing a stimulus signal, a modulator coupled to the signal source for generating a modulated signal as function of the stimulus signal and a local oscillator signal, and a mixer combining the stimulus and modulated signals to generate a mixed signal that includes a component characterized by a mathematical difference of the stimulus signal and the modulated signal. The modulated signal is substantially identical to the stimulus signal and offset by a frequency of the local oscillator signal, so that the difference component of the mixed signal results in a local oscillator signal wherein the stimulus signal phase noise generated by the signal source has been mathematically cancelled. Full Article
or VECTOR NETWORK ANALYZER By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A vector network analyzer (VNA) for analyzing the response of a device under test (DUT), the VNA comprising a plurality of VNA ports configured to be connected to the DUT; a plurality of source ports configured to be connected to the VNA ports; a plurality of couplers for coupling a plurality of coupled signals, wherein said plurality of coupled signals are combined to provide a sum signal; and a receiver configured to receive said forward sum signal. Full Article
or METHOD FOR PREPARING AN OBJECT TO BE TESTED AND METHOD FOR IMPROVING THE UNIFORMITY AND INTENSITY OF AN ELECTRIC FIELD INDUCED IN SAID OBJECT ILLUMINATED BY AN INCIDENT ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A method for preparing an object to be tested, having a given relative permittivity, intended to be illuminated by an incident electromagnetic wave. The method includes: providing a part including a cavity for housing the object and at least one extension element made from a material having a relative permittivity that is preferably equal to that of the object, the extension element at least partially delimiting the cavity and extending to either side of the cavity in a passage direction of the cavity, over a length at least equal, on either side of the cavity, to one third of the length of the cavity in the passage direction, and placing the object in the cavity, such that the object is in contact with the extension element in the passage direction. Full Article
or HIGH-VOLTAGE DRY APPARATUS PROVIDED WITH A CONTINUOUS MONITORING DEVICE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The invention relates to a high-voltage dry apparatus having a semiconductor layer (2) covered by a metal screen (3), this screen (3) being eliminated so as to expose this semiconductor layer (2) over a length, this cable being connected to an element of equipment having an outer envelope (6) mechanically connected to said screen. According to the invention, an electronic monitoring arrangement (20) is contained within said envelope (6), this electronic arrangement (20) being electrically connected to an electrical power supply arrangement (21) surrounding said semiconductor layer (2) and to the metal screen (3) of said cable on either side of said length of the exposed semiconductor layer. Full Article
or MONITORING OF INSULATION CONDITIONS DURING ELECTRICAL SYSTEM EVENTS USING DIFFERENTIAL CURRENT SENSOR By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Systems and methods are disclosed for on-line monitoring of the condition of insulation in electrical devices employing a differential current sensor. In certain embodiments a monitor that can be fitted to existing electrical devices by attachment of the sensor to a pair of phase cables is provided. In other embodiments, an electrical device configured with an insulation monitor is provided. Full Article
or METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR MONITORING A FLUID LIFTING DEVICE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A system (100, 200) is presented. The system includes a fluid lifting device (102, 202) located inside a well (106, 206), and comprising an electrical motor (108, 208), a three phase cable (114, 214) for coupling the fluid lifting device to a power source (112, 212), at least one high sensitivity differential current transformer (104, 203, 204) for generating imbalance signals (128, 227) representative of an imbalance current in at least one of the electrical motor and the three phase cable, wherein the at least one high sensitivity differential current transformer is disposed such that the at least one high sensitivity differential current transformer surrounds at least a portion of the three phase cable, and a processing subsystem (136, 236) for monitoring the health of at least one of the fluid lifting device and the three phase cable based on the imbalance signals. Full Article
or SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE, ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT AND VEHICLE APPARATUS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A semiconductor device includes first and second semiconductor chips mounted on one package. In the first semiconductor chip, a current generation circuit generates a sense current in accordance with a load current and a fault current indicating that an abnormality detection circuit has detected an abnormality, and allows either one of the currents to flow through a current detecting resistor in accordance with presence or absence of detection of the abnormality. In the second semiconductor chip, a storage circuit stores a current value of the fault current obtained in an inspection process of the semiconductor device as a determination reference value. An arithmetic processing circuit sets a standard range based on the determination reference value, and determines presence or absence of detection of the abnormality based on whether or not a current value indicated by a digital signal of an analog-digital conversion circuit is included within the standard range. Full Article
or QUALITY EVALUATION METHOD FOR LAMINATE HAVING PROTECTIVE LAYER ON SURFACE OF OXIDE SEMICONDUCTOR THIN FILM AND QUALITY CONTROL METHOD FOR OXIDE SEMICONDUCTOR THIN FILM By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Provided is a method for simply evaluating defects caused in interface states in oxide semiconductor thin films and protective films in TFTs having protective films formed on the surface of oxide semiconductor thin films without actually measuring the characteristics of the same. This evaluation method evaluates defects caused in the interface states by measuring electron states in the oxide semiconductor thin film by a contact method or noncontact method. The defects caused in the interface states are any of the following (1)-(3). (1) Threshold value voltage (Vth,) when a positive bias is applied to the thin-film transistor(2) Difference in threshold value voltage (ΔVth) before and after applying the positive bias to the thin-film transistor(3) Threshold value during the first measurement when a plurality of measurements is made of the threshold value voltage when a positive bias is applied to the thin-film transistor. Full Article
or METHOD FOR LOCATING A FAULT By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The invention concerns a method for locating a fault affecting an electrical appliance that comprises a communication interface and a female electrical connector, the female electrical connector comprising at least one conductive element mounted movable between an active position and a rest position, the female electrical connector comprising test means connected to the conductive element when same is in the rest position; the locating method comprising: a disconnection step; a test step consisting of testing the communication interface by cooperating with the test means of the female electrical connector; a locating step consisting of locating the fault in the electrical appliance or in an external element. Full Article
or PROGNOSTIC AND HEALTH MONITORING SYSTEMS FOR CIRCUIT BREAKERS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A system can include at least one circuit breaker. The system can also include a prognostic and health monitoring (PHM) system. The PHM system can include at least one measuring device that measures at least one parameter associated with the at least one circuit breaker. The PHM system can also include a controller that receives measurements made by the at least one measuring device and analyzes the measurements to evaluate a performance of the at least one circuit breaker. The measurements can be made while the at least one circuit breaker is in service. Full Article
or SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE, BATTERY MONITORING SYSTEM, AND SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE DIAGNOSING METHOD By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The present disclosure provides a semiconductor device including: a power supply input section to which a first voltage from a battery cell is input; a boosting section including one end to which the first voltage from the power supply input section is input, and another end that, based on a control signal from a controller, outputs the first voltage or a second voltage boosted from the first voltage from as a power supply voltage; and a comparison section including an output section, a first input section connected to the power supply input section and the one end of the boosting section, and a second input section connected to the another end of the boosting section, the comparison section outputting a voltage from the output section that corresponds to a difference between voltages input to the first input section and the second input section. Full Article
or SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE, BATTERY MONITORING SYSTEM, AND DIAGNOSTIC METHOD FOR SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A semiconductor device for measuring a voltage of a battery cell, including first and second nodes, and first and second battery voltage measurement units. The first node is configured to receive a first voltage, the first voltage being a voltage of a capacitor that accumulates an electric charge based on the voltage of the battery cell. The first battery voltage measurement unit measures the first voltage through a first path. The second node is configured to receive a second voltage based on the voltage of the battery cell, the second node being different from the first node. The second battery voltage measurement unit measures the second voltage through a second path that is different from the first path. Full Article
or METHOD AND SYSTEM OF APPARATUSES FOR TESTING UTILITY POWER DEVICES By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Test measurements on a utility power device by a switch matrix apparatus and a common voltage source as separate devices is performed. Through the switch matrix apparatus, the common voltage source selectively sends a first high voltage signal via a first lead to a first terminal of the utility power device, measures a first corresponding signal returned via a second lead of the switch matrix apparatus from a second terminal of the utility power device. While the first lead and the second lead of the switch matrix apparatus remain electrically coupled to the first and the second terminal of the utility power device, a second high voltage signal is selectively sent via the second lead to the second terminal of the utility power device, and a second corresponding signal returned from the first terminal of the utility power device via the first lead of the switch matrix apparatus is measured. Full Article