Patents Issued in May 22, 2003
  • Publication number: 20030094000
    Abstract: Fuel control systems for use with a gas turbine engines which accounts for real-time thermodynamic engine effects when attempting to match or track the NDOTActual rate to the NDOTDemand rate. The fuel control system includes a mechanism for measuring several engine operating parameters and a mechanism for determining an initial engine fuel demand based on the measured engine operating parameters. The control system further includes a mechanism for estimating, during engine operation and based on the measured operating parameters, the amount of heat transferred between fuel combustion gases and the engine metal and estimating an effective fuel flow adjustment based therefrom. The control system disclosed herein also includes a mechanism for determining a final engine fuel demand based on the initial predicted engine fuel demand and the estimated effective fuel flow adjustment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventors: Raymond D. Zagranski, John Mannarino, Cristina Crainic
  • Publication number: 20030094001
    Abstract: A power turbine speed control system for a helicopter is disclosed which includes components for generating a power turbine speed signal based upon a demanded rotor speed, a high-order filter for filtering the power turbine speed signal by effectuating a rapid attenuation of main and tail rotor torsional frequencies in the power turbine speed signal without compromising phase at low frequencies, and a governor for providing isochronous power turbine speed and rotor speed control based upon the filtered power turbine speed signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventors: Mihir C. Desai, Tomasz J. Stanecki, Jeffrey S. Mattice
  • Publication number: 20030094002
    Abstract: A system stores densely dissolved methane-base gas and supplies gas of a predetermined composition. A container (10) stores methane-base gas dissolved in hydrocarbon solvent and supplies it to means for adjusting composition, through which an object of regulated contents is obtained. Preferably, the means for adjusting composition is means for maintaining the tank in a supercritical state, or piping (48) for extracting substances at a predetermined ratio from the gas phase (12) and liquid phase (16) in the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kouetsu Hibino, Nobutaka Honma, Yukio Terashima, Tamio Shinozawa, Toshiharu Okui, Kiyoto Inomata
  • Publication number: 20030094003
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose methods for producing pre-conditioned solutes that exhibit no temperature spike during super-cooling in a cryogenic process. In addition, the solutes demonstrate utile capabilities and characteristics such as more efficient heat absorption rates and eutectic material properties which make the preconditioned solutes an efficient heat exchange medium. The methods involve super-cooling a solute to induce a long-duration phase change capability. The pre-conditioned solute may be thawed and will retain long-duration phase change capabilities for subsequent freezing cycles if the freezing protocols disclosed herein are followed. Material to be frozen may be directly immersed into pre-conditioned, super-cooled solutes for freezing. The solute may be propylene glycol, glycerol, or other suitable solutes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventors: Allan J. Cassell, Brian Wood
  • Publication number: 20030094004
    Abstract: A method and controller for a refrigerant pressure effecting component of a cooling system includes providing closed loop control over a pressure effecting component based on an error signal, performing a control algorithm that includes at least one programmably adjustable gain factor, and adaptably changing the programmably adjustable gain factor by periodically generating a new gain factor. More specifically, the system and method includes monitoring fluctuation in the error signal and generating a numeric value indicative of the percent fluctuation in the error signal over a predetermined period of time, then fuzzifying a numeric value to generate a set of fuzzy input values. A predetermined set of rules are applied to the fuzzy input values to generate a set of fuzzy output values, which are then defuzzified by a combining operation to yield the new gain factor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventors: Hung M. Pham, Abtar Singh, Jean-Luc M. Caillat, Mark Bass
  • Publication number: 20030094005
    Abstract: An electronic control for the operation of a beverage dispenser of the refrigerated ice bank type is shown. The control provides for reliable determinations of when ice production is needed and when it is not needed. A microprocessor receives information from an ice bank probe and from a temperature probe located within the ice bank. Data collected by the microprocessor from both the ice bank probe and the temperature probe is used to determine if the ice bank is either insufficient in size and should be increased or is of sufficient size such that the compressor can be turned off. A carbonator level probe is also shown and connected to the microprocessor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventors: Timothy W. Bethuy, Douglas P. Goulet
  • Publication number: 20030094006
    Abstract: Closed loop cooling is provided by means of a mechanical air conditioner combined with an air-to-air heat exchanger. Three basic modes of operation maximize cooling while minimizing energy consumption, depending on ambient air temperature. In the first mode the air-to-air heat exchanger or economizer provides all required cooling to a closed circuit enclosure air stream, transferring heat to the cold ambient air stream. In the second mode the air-to-air heat exchanger precools the closed air circuit stream using moderate temperature ambient air, in the same manner as in the first mode, followed by further removal of heat by passing enclosure air through refrigeration condenser coils. The heat taken in at the evaporator is transferred to the ambient air stream as it passes through a condenser coil after passing through the heat exchanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventors: Nicholas H. Des Champs, Benjamin R. Tritt
  • Publication number: 20030094007
    Abstract: A cooling system, which includes a compressor for compressing the refrigerant by operation of a motor, a condenser, an expansion means, and an evaporator, comprises a motor cooling device for cooling down the motor by making some of the refrigerant passed the condenser flow to the compressor according to temperature of the motor, and therefore the heat of high temperature generated from the motor in the compressor during the operation of the compressor which is used in the cooling system can be cooled down efficiently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Moon-Chang Choi, Kwang-Ha Suh, Young-Kwan Kim, Yoo-Chol Ji, Dae-Sung Wang
  • Publication number: 20030094008
    Abstract: Variable displacement compressors (101) include a displacement control valve (181) that is in communication with a drive chamber (111). The output displacement of the compressor varies in response to changes in pressure within the drive chamber. A controller (203) may control the displacement control valve so that the pressure within the drive chamber is maintained within a predetermined range. Further, the predetermined range may be determined based upon one or more factors that cause fluctuations in the pressure within the drive chamber during operation of the compressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Yoshida, Masahiro Kawaguchi, Ryo Matsubara, Satoshi Umemura
  • Publication number: 20030094009
    Abstract: A direct cooling type refrigerator includes: a main body with a certain space for keeping food items; a freezing chamber formed at an upper portion of the main body and keeping frozen food items; a refrigerating chamber sectioned by a barrier with the freezing chamber, formed at a lower portion of the main body and keeping refrigerated food items; a freezing chamber evaporator buried in a side wall of the freezing chamber and directly heat-exchanged with air inside the freezing chamber; and a refrigerating chamber evaporator buried in a side wall of the refrigerating chamber and directly heat-exchanged with air inside the refrigerating chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventors: Jin-Koo Park, Yang-Kyu Kim, Se-Young Kim
  • Publication number: 20030094010
    Abstract: A single-unit air conditioner has a housing and a cooler/heater unit housed in it. The cooler/heater unit can be put into and taken out of the housing with the housing kept connected to an air conditioning duct. Of the four panels forming the four side faces of the housing, three other than the one facing a wall can be removed individually from the housing. The cooler/heater unit has an indoor heat exchanger unit including an indoor blower, which is housed in a fan casing having an outflow opening that can be widened by removing a member so that the outflow opening can be used as an opening through which to maintain a fan. The indoor heat exchanger unit includes heating means for heating, which can be fitted and removed through either of the left-hand and right-hand side faces of the housing. Inside the housing are provided an indoor air passage and an outdoor air passage, of which at least part is partitioned by a partitioning member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventors: Tosiharu Katatani, Mamoru Morikawa, Yukishige Shiraichi, Masaki Ohtsuka
  • Publication number: 20030094011
    Abstract: A water collection and dispensing machine having a primary housing with an air inlet and an air outlet, an air blower structured to draw air into the primary housing through the air inlet and push air out of said primary housing through the air outlet. The water collection and dispensing machine further includes an evaporator coil structured to cycle a cold refrigerant liquid therethrough, the evaporator coil being disposed in line with the air inlet so that the air drawn into the primary housing through the air inlet passes thereover and moisture therefrom condenses on an exterior surface of the evaporator coil so that it may be collected in the form of water droplets, filtered to eliminate contaminants, and dispensed for convenient consumption by a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventors: John M. Zakryk, John Kopec
  • Publication number: 20030094012
    Abstract: An air tunnel diverter for a refrigeration unit includes a plurality of leg members secured to a hub. The hub is generally formed to include a fitting through which cooler air is passed to the leg members and routed into the desired locations within the refrigeration unit. The leg members are placed on the fitting by sliding one end of the leg members onto a leg portion of the fitting. The fitting is then secured to the leg members by an overmolding process in which a soft flexible plastic is cast or otherwise applied around the connection. Installation is further simplified by providing the leg members with a flexible portion. The air tunnel diverter is preferably secured in the refrigeration unit by foam insulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventors: James H. Jenkins, Richard F. Seman
  • Publication number: 20030094013
    Abstract: A candidate composition is prepared. For the candidate composition, the basicity was calculated. With reference to the basicity thus calculated, the fusibility with a mold is evaluated. With reference to the result of evaluation, the composition is determined. A glass material is prepared to have the determined composition, melted, and formed. Thus, a mold-press forming glass having the basicity adjusted to be equal to 11 or less is produced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Applicant: NIPPON ELECTRIC GLASS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Fumio Sato
  • Publication number: 20030094014
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a glass body with at least one inner tube which is closed off on one side and one outer tube which is closed off at least on one side, with the inner tube being connected not coaxially with the floor of the outer tube and the inner tube comprising an opening, with the inner tube being fixed in the outer tube in such a way that the outer tube comprises a projecting portion, a floor is formed by the projecting portion on the outer tube, an opening is formed by the removal of the glass on the inner tube, and the outer tube is evacuated at the end and molten off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Applicant: Schott Glas
    Inventors: Gottfried Haas, Martin Werner, Michael Siller, Engelbert Braadt
  • Publication number: 20030094015
    Abstract: Apparatus to amalgamate a paste of vitreous material in the molten state with an additive material in the form of granules, scales, slivers or filaments, made of metal, of other types of glass or other material in order to obtain a vitreous compound. The apparatus comprises containing means (11) to contain the paste of vitreous material, mixing means (15) to convey the vitreous compound downwards, in its molten state, towards rolling means (12) to produce manufactured articles. The mixing means (15) comprise at least a first pair of mixing cylinders (19a, 19b) having the respective axes of rotation (20a, 20b) arranged substantially horizontal, parallel to each other and substantially parallel, or slightly inclined, with respect to the direction in which a rolling force is applied by said rolling means (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Applicant: BISAZZA SpA.
    Inventor: Giancarlo Bisazza
  • Publication number: 20030094016
    Abstract: An index-matching coating is applied directly to a low-emissivity (“lowE”) thin-film coating. Nodules growing from a site in the lowE coating are removed to avoid propagation of defects through the layers of the index-matching coating. A tempering step in an oxygen-containing atmosphere produces compressive stress in the lowE coating and hardens the coating. The compressive stress facilitates removal of the nodules and the hardening allows mechanical cleaning of the lowE coating prior to the index-matching coating, further removing nodules. Magnesium-fluoride is used as the final layer of the index-matching coating in one embodiment to improve abrasion resistance. The resulting glass panel may be used as a display panel in a plasma display or an organic light-emitting diode display, for example.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Applicant: Optical Coating Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventors: Brad A. Duffy, Robert W. Adair
  • Publication number: 20030094017
    Abstract: In a method for bending a glass sheet, comprising using a first mold for supporting a peripheral portion of a glass sheet and a second mold provided inside the first mold; heating the glass sheet put on the first mold to a temperature to bend the glass sheet by gravity; and then transferring the glass sheet onto the second mold to bend the glass sheet only by the second mold, the glass sheet is transferred from the first mold onto the second mold by moving the first mold in a direction to spread the first mold laterally with respect to the second.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Applicant: ASAHI GLASS COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Takayuki Matsuo, Kouhei Yoshino, Daisuke Ito, Hiroshi Ueda, Masahiro Tsuchiya
  • Publication number: 20030094018
    Abstract: The invention relates to a double cylinder circular knitting machine which comprises at least one nozzle (18) providing a blast of air close to a yarn cutting-and-locking unit (13) to divert the ends of yarns cut and held by the said unit towards the interior of the cylinder, that is towards the reverse side of the item being manufactured. At the same time each cam (14, 21) for moving the needles where the yarns are picked up from the yarn guides is located and configured to move the needles at a predetermined distance from the yarn cutting-and-locking unit so as to leave a space for diverting the end (20) of the cut yarn towards the interior of the cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventor: Fulvio Sangiacomo
  • Publication number: 20030094019
    Abstract: The present invention provides a warp knitted fabric containing a latent crimp fiber but no elastic fiber, and showing a stretchability of 60% or more in both the warp and weft directions, and a residual strain at 60% elongation recovery of 15% or less in both the warp and weft directions. The warp knitted fabric of the present invention shows little lowering of the stretchable functions during dyeing at high temperature, repeated washing, repeated stretching, or the like treatment, and is excellent in elongation recovery due to the high stretchability, surface smoothness and shape retention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventors: Yasushi Miyake, Naoki Kataoka, Masataka Ikeda
  • Publication number: 20030094020
    Abstract: An anti-pilling machine is constructed includes a machine body defining a cylindrical receiving chamber and a cloth passage for the circulation of a fed piece of cloth, an air nozzle upwardly mounted in one end of the cloth passage and adapted for ejecting a jet of hot dry air to move the fed piece of cloth through the cloth passage, a steam nozzle adapted for moistening the moving piece of cloth, an air blower adapted for providing forced air to the air nozzle, and a heat exchanger adapted for heating and drying forced air passing from the air blower to the air nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2001
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventor: Chi-Lung Chang
  • Publication number: 20030094021
    Abstract: Disclosed is an antitheft type of disk container and an associated unlocking tool. The disk container comprises a container body having a disk space and a locking space defined therein, a cover plate hinged to the container body to open and close the disk and locking spaces, and a lock plate to be inserted in the locking space. The unlocking tool has a magnet installed therein. The container body and cover plate are provided with engagement portions in the form of projection or recess, and the lock plate is provided with counter engagement portions in the form of recess or projection, thereby preventing the cover plate from opening by making the engagement portions of the container body and cover plate engage with the counter engagement portions of the lock plate when the cover plate closes the container body with the lock plate inserted in the locking space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventor: Masashi Takinami
  • Publication number: 20030094022
    Abstract: The present invention is directed at securing a sportsboard apparatus from theft and discloses a simple, multiple element apparatus which engages elements of a standard sportsboard and further provides for a method by which the sportsboard may be secured to a stationary article avoiding theft. The apparatus operates simply with few moving parts and fits standard sportsboard designs. A cross bar is intimate to the sportsboard's body and located within a cylindrical cup which is recessed below the sportsboard's outer surface, the cross bar being securely fixed to the board's core structure. The apparatus incorporates a hooked element which surrounds the crossbar and a pin element which encloses the cross bar within a space formed between pin and hook element's engagement end. While the hook and pin elements enclose the cross bar below the sportsboard's outer surface, the apparatus's elements positioned above the sportsboard's outer surface insure firm, secure engagement between apparatus and sportsboard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventor: Cavin Conrad Tan
  • Publication number: 20030094023
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a control device for a lock mechanism, in particular a lock mechanism comprising a housing; a hollow hand knob to be pressed on which is mounted on the housing such that it can rotate and which has a far end with teeth inside this housing; an electric motor situated in the hollow hand knob, applied on the housing in a fixed manner and situated with its drive shaft in this housing; a mesh element mounted in the housing in a rotatable manner and provided with teeth for meshing with a key part of the lock mechanism and a gear wheel which can be axially moved by the hand knob.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventor: Remi Emiel Van Parys
  • Publication number: 20030094024
    Abstract: A latch assembly, comprising a control element having a pivot point and an actuator. The actuator has a first position in which the control element is engaged by the actuator for pivotal movement about the pivot point and a second position in which the control element is disengaged by the actuator from pivotal movement about the pivot point. The latch assembly further includes a ratchet arranged and configured for rotation with the control element when the control element is engaged by the actuator and for non-rotation when the control element is disengaged by the actuator. A highly preferred embodiment of the invention includes an automatic unlocking circuit powered by a backup power source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Applicant: STRATTEC SECURITY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Steven J. Dimig
  • Publication number: 20030094025
    Abstract: A lock apparatus and method for storage devices such as refrigerators that can be operated without the user needing to carry a separate key. The apparatus has a refrigerated housing, a pivoting door that is movable between a closed position an open position, and a combination lock mounted to the door or housing that locks the door in the closed position and that can be activated via entering a combination to unlock the combination lock and permit opening of the door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2001
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Applicant: SPX Corporation
    Inventor: Brian L. Dallman
  • Publication number: 20030094026
    Abstract: An aluminum extrusion material for hydraulic bulge forming, which can produce hydraulic bulge forming components possessing highly reliable and sufficient strength and rigidity capable of withstanding not only a static load, but also a twist load and dynamic load is provided. Also provided is a hydraulic bulge forming method using the aluminum extrusion material for hydraulic bulge forming as a raw material. The aluminum extrusion material is hollow and used as a material for hydraulic bulge forming. The material is characterized by having a partition wall radially crossing the hollow part of the extrusion material, wherein the partition wall is provided with an allowance in length to become flat when the hollow part is formed into a prescribed shape by hydraulic bulge forming.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Hama, Hideto Okada, Hideo Mizukoshi
  • Publication number: 20030094027
    Abstract: A forming machine receives an elongated sheet of formable material to form a desired profile has a rigid framework supporting a sheet drive that includes a plurality of pairs of co-acting rollers to advance the sheet through the framework from an upstream entrance to a downstream exit. A drive assembly interconnects at least one roller in each of the pairs to rotatably drive the roller and advance the sheet in the downstream direction. Each of a plurality of carriage rails extends transversely along the framework and has first and second carriage mounts slideably disposed thereon. First and second tool rails are secured, respectively, to each of the first and second carriage mounts permitting the tooling rails to move laterally within the framework. Each tooling rail supports a plurality of forming elements defining at least two forming stations to bend the sheet as desired while it advances through the framework.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventor: David H. Cunningham
  • Publication number: 20030094028
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing curved work pieces (W) according to which an extruded profile leaves the die (1) of an extruder in the strand discharge direction (A) and is then bent into a curved shape under the influence of external forces. According to the invention, the extruded profile that leaves the die (1), before being bent, is deflected in such a manner that the strand discharge direction (A) extends forwards at an angle counter to the eventual curvature of the work piece. To this end, the extrusion die for producing curved work pieces (W) comprises a tool holder (6) in whose receiving opening ((9) an extrusion tool package consisting of a die (1) with or without a mandrel (4) and a cover part (8) is disposed. The guide surfaces (3) of the die (1) and/or or the mandrel (4) that produce the discharged strand are designed or disposed to be at an angle with respect to the strand discharge direction (A).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventors: Matthias Kleiner, Dieter Arendes, Alexander Klaus
  • Publication number: 20030094029
    Abstract: A sheet metal bending brake includes a frame having both a stationary portion as well as a clamping jaw. The stationary portion is adapted to support a piece of sheet metal on a planar support surface while the clamping jaw is movably mounted relative to the stationary portion of the frame to selectively clamp a piece of sheet metal between the clamping jaw and the stationary portion of the frame. An elongated bending arm is pivotally mounted to the frame about a first axis and movable between a first and a second position. An elongated sleeve is pivotally mounted to the bending arm about a second axis which is parallel to but spaced from the first axis. The bending sleeve and frame each have coacting surfaces so that the sleeve automatically pivots between a first and second position relative to the bending arm as the bending arm is pivoted between its first and second position relative to the frame during a bending operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventor: Douglas G. Break
  • Publication number: 20030094030
    Abstract: A machine and method for corrugating a metal foil strip utilizes an enclosure defining a chamber and a controllable heat source for heating the chamber. The chamber may optionally include at least one gas that is also heated by the heat source. At least one tool set received in the chamber forms corrugations in the metal foil strip. Foil entry feeder elements supply and guide the metal foil strip from outside the chamber into the chamber and to the tool set. A drive for the tool set is mounted outside the chamber and coupled to the tool set to actuate the tool set. Foil exit delivery elements guide the strip from the tool set and out of the chamber. Where required to prevent oxidation of the foil strip, a source supplying an inert gas to the chamber at a controlled rate is used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventors: John E. Meaney, Thomas J. Liebig, Raymond R. Listak, Robert B. Leholm, Jeffrey K. Switzer, Peter H. Ellis, Jack D. Beyer
  • Publication number: 20030094031
    Abstract: A non-destructive stress wave testing method for wood. Two strain gauges are disposed on a timber. The timber is struck to generate an impact compression stress wave. The impact compression stress wave is measured by the strain gauges. An oscilloscope is provided to measure the time difference of the impact compression stress wave passing through the semiconductor strain gauges. The resonance frequency of the timber is sensed by the strain gauges and displayed on an FFT spectrum analyzer. Then, the speed of sound in the timber is determined according to the distance between the strain gauges and the time difference, or according to the length and the resonance frequency thereof. The strain gauges may be semiconductor strain gauges. The modulus of elasticity of the timber is determined according to the speed of sound therein and the density thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventors: Yan-San Huang, Shin-Shin Chen
  • Publication number: 20030094032
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for evaluation of films, such as low-k thin films with nano-scale pores, are provided. The evaluation may include characterization of the pore structure, the characterization results in determining pore sizes, hence obtaining pore size data. Moreover, the characterization may result in a non-destructive evaluation of mechanical properties, in particular the Young's Modulus. Further, in line monitoring or studying of pore structure porosity and pore size distribution (PSD) of low-K films and evaluation of the mechanical properties of porous low-k films simultaneously using the same set of experimental data is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventors: Mikhail Rodionovich Baklanov, Konstantin Petrovich Mogilnikov, Karen Maex, Denis Shamiryan, Fedor Nikolaevich Dultsev
  • Publication number: 20030094033
    Abstract: This invention relates to liquid leak detectors and detection systems. A liquid leak detector (10) includes a first electrically conducting layer (12), a second perforate, open, porous and/or permeable conducting layer (13) opposed to said first layer and an intermediate layer perforate, open, porous and/or permeable layer (14) for electrically isolating the two conducting layers (12, 13) whilst allowing liquid, which passes through the second conductor (13), to form an electrically conducting path between the conductors (12, 13).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventor: Dennis Charles Parkins Gibbs
  • Publication number: 20030094034
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method for measuring elastic modulus of a sample object. This invention also relates to a method for correcting creep effects in the modulus measurement. The error due to creep in the apparent contact compliance is equal to the ratio of the indenter displacement rate at the end of the load hold to the unloading rate. Determination of this error term and deduction of it from the measured contact compliance can be easily done at a low cost by modifying the data analysis software in any commercial depth-sensing indentation system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventors: Gang Feng, Alfonso Hing Wan Ngan
  • Publication number: 20030094035
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a carbon nanotube probe tip and the resultant probe tip, particularly for use in an atomic force microscope. A moderately sharply peaked support structure has its tip cut or flattened to have a substantially flat end of size of about 20 to 200 nm across. The support structure may be formed by etching a conical end into a silica optical fiber. Nickel or other catalyzing metal such as iron is directionally sputtered onto the flat end and the sloped sidewalls of the support structure. The nickel is anisotropically etched to remove all the nickel from the sidewalls but leaving at least 15 nm on the flat end to form a small nickel dot. A carbon nanotube is then grown with the nickel catalyzing its growth such that only a single nanotube forms on the nickel dot and its diameter conforms to the size of the nickel dot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas Owen Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20030094036
    Abstract: An AFM that combines an AFM Z position actuator and a self-actuated Z position cantilever (both operable in cyclical mode and contact mode), with appropriate nested feedback control circuitry to achieve high-speed imaging and accurate Z position measurements. A preferred embodiment of an AFM for analyzing a surface of a sample in either ambient air or fluid includes a self-actuated cantilever having a Z-positioning element integrated therewith and an oscillator that oscillates the self-actuated cantilever at a frequency generally equal to a resonant frequency of the self-actuated cantilever and at an oscillation amplitude generally equal to a setpoint value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventors: Dennis M. Adderton, Stephen C. Minne
  • Publication number: 20030094037
    Abstract: A method of detecting misfires in an internal combustion engine based on the crankshaft speed, in the case of which cylinder segment times are measured and differences between consecutive segment times are analyzed by means of a prescribed algorithm and where one cylinder group is switched off and the analysis is carried out for the cylinder group continuing to be operated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventors: Frederic Galtier, Hong Zhang
  • Publication number: 20030094038
    Abstract: A throttle flap adjustment unit having a throttle flap fastened to a throttle flap shaft. The throttle flap shaft is rotatably journaled in a throttle flap end pipe. A servomotor is provided for adjusting the throttle flap shaft and is connected to the throttle flap shaft by a drive. A sensor unit is provided for determining a position of the throttle flap shaft. A cover is provided to be fastened onto the throttle flap end pipe, wherein the servomotor is positioned in the cover and controllable over an electrical coupling element, wherein the servomotor (6) has a front portion (12) oriented toward the throttle flap end pipe and formed as an end plate (13) for the drive shaft of the servomotor. The end plate (13) also serves to center the servomotor (6) with respect to the throttle flap end pipe (4) and also to center the servomotor (6) in the cover (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas Schroder
  • Publication number: 20030094039
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining a transverse component (Fy) of a resultant of forces exerted through the roadway (3) on an area of contact (2) of a tire (1). The transverse component (Fy) is deduced from at least one measurement of the angular circumferential deformation in at least one first side wall (4) of the tire (1) at a first fixed point (B) in space which is located at an azimuth (&PHgr;) along the circumference of the tire (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventor: Valery Poulbot
  • Publication number: 20030094040
    Abstract: The specification discloses a downhole tool that determines hydraulic permeability of a downhole formation taking into account one or both of the dip angle of the borehole relative to the formation, and damage to the borehole wall and invasion of borehole fluid—collectively referred to as skin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Proett, Wilson C. Chin
  • Publication number: 20030094041
    Abstract: An airflow meter has a membrane type sensor element. The sensor element is supported on a support member so that a sensing surface of the sensor element is in parallel to the airflow direction. The airflow meter has at least one means for protecting the sensor element from dust such as foreign particles. The protecting means is provided with an obstruction member that is disposed upstream or downstream of the sensor element with respect to the airflow direction. The sensor element is hidden behind the obstruction member. The obstruction member has gradually spreading surfaces and gradually converging surfaces along the airflow direction. Alternatively, the protecting means can be provided with a deflector, a cover member, a flow guide member, an inlet or a dust collector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventors: Takao Iwaki, Toshiyuki Morishita, Yasushi Kohno, Hiroyuki Wado, Yasushi Goka, Makoto Tsunekawa, Toshirou Gotou, Kiyoyuki Sugiura
  • Publication number: 20030094042
    Abstract: The present invention deals with determining the level of fluid in a container. Typically, a beverage container containing a liquid will absorb heat energy from the surrounding environment at a greater rate than a gaseous component in the headspace of the beverage container. Thus, as the liquid is drawn from a beverage container a greater headspace results. If a thermometric measuring device is employed along the height of the beverage container the volume may be determined by observing the difference in the temperature along the height of the beverage container. In practice, a beer keg may exhibit a difference of as much as 9 degrees Fahrenheit on the exterior surface of the beer keg when measured at the headspace as opposed to the area alp where the liquid is present in the beverage container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2001
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventor: Anthony J. Hadala
  • Publication number: 20030094043
    Abstract: A device for sensing the level of liquid, particularly for submersed pumps, comprising capacitors with two plates arranged one above the other, wherein the plates are arranged in vertical succession at different levels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Applicant: ASKOLL HOLDING S.R.L.
    Inventor: Elio Marioni
  • Publication number: 20030094044
    Abstract: A liquid level indicator for an oil-filled transformer, power choke or tap changer in which a sensor part has a float which rises and falls with the oil level and rotates a sensor shaft and the sensor shaft is coupled to an indicator shaft on which a pointer is provided to cooperate with a dial. The gauge also includes a contactless angle encoder operating with a magnetic hub and coupled to the indicator shaft for outputting a signal representing the oil level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Applicant: Messko Albert Hauser GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Werner Kruger, Karsten Viereck
  • Publication number: 20030094045
    Abstract: A capacitive humidity sensor includes a pair of opposed electrodes on a substrate. A humidity-sensitive film covers the electrodes. The electrodes are comb-shaped and interdigitated. Humidity is detected based on the capacitance between the pair of electrodes, which changes with changes according to the humidity in the atmosphere. The uniform width of each tooth in the pair of electrodes is L1, and the uniform distance between a tooth of one of the electrodes and a tooth of the other electrode is L2. When L1 is less than 3 micrometers, L2 is 5 micrometers. When L1 is greater than or equal to 3 micrometers, L2 is less than or equal to 5 micrometers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventors: Kazuaki Hamamoto, Inao Toyoda
  • Publication number: 20030094046
    Abstract: A flexible substrate (110) having flexibility and a fixed substrate (120) disposed so as to oppose it are supported at their peripheral portions by a sensor casing (140). An oscillator (130) is fixed on the lower surface of the flexible substrate. Five lower electrode layers (F1 to F5: F1 and F2 are disposed at front and back of F5) are formed on the upper surface of the flexible substrate. Five upper electrode layers (E1 to E5) are formed on the lower surface of the fixed substrate so as to oppose the lower electrodes. In the case of detecting an angular velocity &ohgr; x about the X-axis, an a.c. voltage is applied across a predetermined pair of opposite electrode layers (E5, F5) to allow the oscillator to undergo oscillation Uz in the Z-axis direction. Thus, a Coriolis force Fy proportional to the angular velocity &ohgr;x is applied to the oscillator in the Y-axis. By this Coriolis force Fy, the oscillator is caused to undergo displacement in the Y-axis direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Okada
  • Publication number: 20030094047
    Abstract: This invention relates to a differential pressure sensor, one embodiment of which is a microphone. The differential pressure sensor comprises: a flexible membrane (7) made of conductive material, which membrane forms a first electrode of the differential pressure sensor, and a perforated plate (6) made of conductive material, which plate is essentially more rigid than said membrane (7), which plate is arranged at a distance from the membrane, and which plate forms a second electrode of the differential pressure sensor. In order to provide a differential pressure sensor with as good properties as possible, the differential pressure sensor comprises a substrate (4), a cavity (10) extending through the substrate, the walls of which cavity are formed of said substrate (4). The membrane (7) is closely connected to the walls of the cavity (10), whereby the membrane forms a dense wall in said cavity, and said perforated plate (6, 6′) has been attached to the substrate with an insulating layer (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventor: Altti Torkkeli
  • Publication number: 20030094048
    Abstract: A portable apparatus for measuring the internal pressure of a vacuum panel is described, comprising a measuring head having an cavity wherein a sensor of movement is arranged; the device, supported on a portion of the envelope of the panel, detects the movement of a part of said portion of the envelope facing the cavity, following the evacuation of the space formed by said cavity and said part of envelope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventors: Bruno Ferrario, Pierattilio Di Gregorio, Roberto Giannantonio, Raffaele Pozzi, Gianluca Galliani
  • Publication number: 20030094049
    Abstract: A device for accurately measuring the pressure (Pg) of very highly pressurized gas includes a cylinder (16) having a cylindrical outer surface (16A) and a bore extending through the cylinder and an elongated piston (23) rotatable and vertically movable in the bore, and supporting calibration weights by means of the piston. An internal reservoir (32) is formed by providing a housing (31) to support the cylinder, the housing including a lower portion engaging a bottom portion of the cylinder and a lower peripheral portion of the cylinder and an upper portion engaging an upper peripheral portion of the cylinder, an inner portion of the housing (31) and a portion of the outer surface (16A). An interior of the reservoir (32) is pressurized through a passage (30A) extending from the reservoir to pressurize gas inlet. A passage (34) conducts pressurized oil from the reservoir into a gap between the piston (23) and the bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2001
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Applicant: CalAmerica Corp.
    Inventor: Pierre R. Delajoud