Patents Issued in November 12, 2009
  • Publication number: 20090277229
    Abstract: A system and method for safely and effectively restraining a person having hands restrained by handcuffs joined by a connecting element is disclosed. An enclosure is placed around the hands and handcuffs the person to be secured. The enclosure includes a pair of walls defining an opening, each wall having a top peripheral edge and an aperture spaced apart from the top peripheral edge. A fastening element is extended through the apertures of the walls and fastened to restrict the movement of the hands and handcuffs of the person. The fastening element encircles the opening and top peripheral edges of the walls of the enclosure but does not encircle the connecting element of the handcuffs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: James C. Smith
  • Publication number: 20090277230
    Abstract: A padlock comprises a lock body including at least one passage defined therein. A shackle is displaceable between open and secured positions. The shackle has at least one leg which is slideable within the at least one passage and which includes a notch. A locking member is accommodated within the lock body and is displaceable between unlocked and locked positions. The locking member is preloaded towards the locked position to engage the notch to inhibit movement of the shackle from the secured position into the open position. One of the at least one passage and the at least one leg defines at least one recess. The other one of the at least one passage and the at least one leg defines at least one projection that extends into the at least one recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: ABUS August Bremicker Soehne KG
    Inventor: Jimmy Shum
  • Publication number: 20090277231
    Abstract: A door lock system for locking and unlocking a door, which ensures a normal operation of a driving motor even if interference occurs in a locker while locking and unlocking operations are performed, by delivering a rotation force of the driving motor to the locker through a torsion spring. The door lock system includes: a driving motor which rotates clockwise and counter-clockwise with a predetermined quantity of rotation in response to a door locking signal and a door unlocking signal, respectively; a locker which locks and unlocks a door while rotating by receiving a driving force of the driving motor; and a rotating gear group which has an upper rotating gear that is disposed between the driving motor and the locker and delivers a rotation force, a lower rotating gear, and a torsion spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2006
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: Gab Sik Kim
  • Publication number: 20090277232
    Abstract: An actuator assembly is for a lock including a handle, a latch, a retractor for retracting the latch when the handle rotates, and a lock member displaceable between locked and unlocked positions, which either releasably couples the handle with the retractor or releasably prevents handle rotation. The actuator includes a motor having a shaft rotatable about an axis and a coupler spring disposed about the axis and having a first end coupled with the lock member and a second end. A drive member is coupled or integrally formed with the motor shaft and has a helical drive surface threadably engaged with the coupler spring second end, such that rotation of the shaft displaces the coupler spring along the axis to move the lock member between the locked and unlocked positions. Preferably, the drive member includes a spring coupled with the motor shaft and threadably engaged with the coupler spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: John E Walsh, III
  • Publication number: 20090277233
    Abstract: A rekeyable lock cylinder comprises a cylinder body and a plug assembly disposed within the cylinder body. The plug assembly comprises a plug body, a plurality of assembled pins and a position block. The plug body has a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis vertical to the longitudinal axis, a keyhole and a first through hole. Each of the assembled pins is movably disposed in the plug body and comprises a first rack component and a second rack component selectively engaging with the first rack component. The position block disposed at the plug body has a plurality of pin runners used for disposing the first rack components, a second through hole corresponding to the first through hole and a tool-contacting surface located within the second through hole. The position block can move along the transverse axis-direction of the plug body to make each of the first rack components reengage with each of the second rack components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: Chao-Ming Huang, Chi-Ming Chen
  • Publication number: 20090277234
    Abstract: A rekeyable lock cylinder comprises a cylinder body and a plug assembly disposed within the cylinder body. The plug assembly comprises a plug body, a plurality of assembled pins, a position block and a rotating member. The plug body has a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and a first through hole. Each of the assembled pins is movably disposed in the plug body and comprises a first rack component and a second rack component selectively engaging with the first rack component. The position block is disposed at the plug body and has a plurality of pin runners for disposing the first rack components and a second through hole corresponding to the first through hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: Chao-Ming HUANG, Chi-Ming Chen
  • Publication number: 20090277235
    Abstract: A lock cylinder assembly comprises at least a cylinder body, a plug, a position block and a resilient member. The cylinder body has a hollow cylinder portion and the hollow cylinder portion has an inside wall and an axial groove recessed from the inside wall. The plug disposed within the hollow cylinder portion of the cylinder body has a front portion, a middle portion, a drive portion and a keyhole formed at the front portion and the middle portion. The position block is disposed at the keyhole of the plug adjacent to the drive portion and has a protrusion protruding from the plug. The protrusion is movably disposed within the axial groove of the hollow cylinder portion. The resilient member is disposed between the drive portion of the plug and the position block and one end of the resilient member contacts against the position block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: Chao-Ming Huang, Chi-Ming Chen
  • Publication number: 20090277236
    Abstract: A quickly rekeyable lock cylinder comprises a cylinder body and a plug assembly disposed within the cylinder body. The plug assembly comprises a plug body, a position block disposed at the plug body, a first rack group and a second rack group. The plug body has a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis vertical to the longitudinal axis and a rekeying tool opening. The first rack group has a plurality of first rack components. The second rack group may push the position block to move and has a plurality of second rack components in engagement with the first rack components and at least one tool-receiving portion pushed by the rekeying tool. The second rack components can move along transverse axis of the plug body to release engagement with the first rack components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: TAIWAN FU HSING INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chao-Ming Huang, Chi-Ming Chen
  • Publication number: 20090277237
    Abstract: A lock arrangement includes a housing defining a longitudinal axis and a keyway substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, and a lock cylinder positioned within the housing and extending around at least a portion of the keyway. The lock arrangement also includes a tumbler supported in the lock cylinder for movement relative to the lock cylinder between a locked position, in which rotation of the lock cylinder relative to the housing is prevented, and an unlocked position, in which the lock cylinder is rotatable about the longitudinal axis relative to the housing. One of the locked and unlocked positions of the tumbler is changeable after the tumbler is supported in the lock cylinder to code the lock to a key. The lock arrangement further includes an indicator at least partially supportable in the keyway for showing that a key has been inserted into the keyway to code the lock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: Zachary Husz
  • Publication number: 20090277238
    Abstract: A rotary output member that is a motor vehicle door catch and a rotary input member of a mechanism that is a motor vehicle door lock is disclosed. The arrangement includes a movement transmitting device that is inserted between the two rotary members, the transmission shaft of the two ends of which, together with the rotary output and input members, form articulated universal joints allowing some degree of axial misalignment. Each end of the shaft is ball shaped, collaborating with a complementary rotary member part. The ball at the door catch end of the transmission shaft is a faceted ball, the number of facets of which is defined according to the angle between the door catch and the door lock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: VALEO SECURITE HABITACLE
    Inventors: Christian Flandrinck, Anthony Guerin
  • Publication number: 20090277239
    Abstract: A master key system and method for a reprogrammable lock cylinder with at least one first master pin and one second master pin. The first and second master pins have different bitting configurations. The master key system includes at least a first array of change key cuts corresponding to an input key bitting array and sequence of progression and at least two master key cuts corresponding to the input key bitting array and sequence of progression and each of the change key cuts. The system further comprises at least one master pin matrix including a master pin sequence for each change key cut and at least one rekey matrix including a rekey cut for each change key. Each master pin sequence represents a sequence of master pins configured to achieve the respective change key cut and the at least two master key cuts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: SAJIL JOHN MATHACHAN
  • Publication number: 20090277240
    Abstract: A rekeyable lock cylinder comprises a cylinder body and a plug assembly disposed within the cylinder body. The plug assembly comprises a plug body, a plurality of pin assemblies and a guide bar. The plug body has a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and a tool-receiving hole. Each of the pin assemblies is movably disposed in the plug body and comprises a first rack component and a second rack component selectively engaging with the first rack component. The guide bar is coupled to the plug body and has a plurality of pin runners for engaging with the first rack components and a tool-receiving portion exposed by the tool-receiving hole. The guide bar is capable of moving along transverse axis-direction of the plug body to disengage the first rack components from the second rack components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: Chao-Ming Huang, Chi-Ming Chen
  • Publication number: 20090277241
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for controlling a roll gap when rolling a strip (1) in a rolling mill including at least two rolls (3a-b,4a-b), and at least two roll gap actuators (6,7) that independently control the size of the roll gap. The device is adapted to receive information on the amount of wedge shape (POSactOS,POSactDS) in the strip thickness profile across the strip width, and to control said actuators, based on said information on the amount of wedge shape in the strip thickness profile, such that the relative reduction of the strip on both sides of the rolling mill become essentially the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: Lars Jonsson
  • Publication number: 20090277242
    Abstract: A sensor kit comprising a sensor for detecting an analyte, a sensor housing and a calibration chamber. The calibration chamber comprises a first compartment containing a first calibration solution and a second compartment containing a source of the analyte to be detected. A dividing material is located between the first and second compartments enabling them to be mixed on breakage or removal of the dividing material. Further compartment(s) containing further source(s) of the analyte may optionally be provided. Calibration can carried out by (a) taking a reading of the analyte concentration of the first calibration solution, (b) mixing the contents of the first and second compartments by breaking or removing the dividing material, and (c) taking a reading of the analyte concentration of the resulting mixture. Steps (b) and (c) can be repeated for further compartment(s) to provide further reading(s) if desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: Barry Crane, Ian Francis, Robert Perkins, William Paterson
  • Publication number: 20090277243
    Abstract: A method of calibrating an electrically controlled hydraulic valve having a known relationship between flow rate through the valve and displacement of a valve element is disclosed. The method includes ascertaining a first current level for actuating the electrically controlled hydraulic valve to move the valve element to a position adjacent an inlet port, and a first displacement of the valve element responsive to the first current level. The method also includes ascertaining a second current level for actuating the electrically controlled hydraulic valve to move the valve element from the position adjacent the inlet port to a position permitting flow through the inlet port, and ascertaining a second displacement of the valve element responsive to the second current level. The method further includes establishing a relationship between current and displacement associated with the electrically controlled hydraulic valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: Jiao Zhang, Benjamin Yoo, Aleksandar M. Egelja, Tonglin Shang, Matthew James Beschorner
  • Publication number: 20090277244
    Abstract: A periodic test signal (44) is injected into a sensor and the sensor output (46) is compared to a threshold to determined whether the sensor is functioning properly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Doll, Arnold H. Spieker
  • Publication number: 20090277245
    Abstract: Systems and methods for cooling a chromatographic column is disclosed generally, comprising heating a chromatographic column, supplying fluid into the column via the inlet end of the column at an inlet pressure, decreasing the temperature of the column, thereby causing the fluid in the column to contract, and controlling the fluid in the column such that the rate at which the fluid in the column contracts does not exceed the flow rate of the fluid supplied to the column. In certain embodiments, the rate of change of the volume of the fluid in the column as the column temperature decreases is modeled, and the rate of contraction of the gas in the column is estimated therefrom. In some embodiments, the column temperature and/or inlet pressure are controlled by a programmable chromatographic oven.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: Andrew Tipler
  • Publication number: 20090277246
    Abstract: A heat radiation coefficient C [=Ph/(Th?To)] from a microheater is calculated in accordance with a power Ph applied to the microheater which is supported in air and provided in an ambient gas, a heater temperature Th, and an ambient temperature To at this moment. Further, a thermal conductivity ?(T) of the ambient gas is obtained from the calculated heat radiation coefficient C based on a proportional relation [C=K·?(T)] between a thermal conductivity ?(T) of the ambient gas and the heat radiation coefficient C at a measurement temperature T [=(Th?To)/2].
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: YAMATAKE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasuharu Ooishi, Shigeru Aoshima, Nobuyoshi Shingyouji, Yasue Hayashi, Shuji Morio
  • Publication number: 20090277247
    Abstract: Provided is a control apparatus for an internal combustion engine with which temporal and frequency resolutions necessary for analysis of a frequency of knock by digital signal processing are ensured with limited amounts of processing and memory. The control apparatus includes a lowpass filter for eliminating a high frequency component of an output signal from a knock sensor or a cylinder internal pressure sensor, an A/D conversion unit for performing A/D conversion on the output signal from the filter, and DFT processing units for performing digital signal processing on data obtained by the A/D conversion as knock detection units, each of the DFT processing units includes observation interval setting units for dividing the A/D-converted data to set observation intervals each containing a predetermined number of samples, and a multi-frequency simultaneous analysis unit for simultaneously analyzing multiple frequencies by a discrete Fourier transform for each of the set observation intervals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hideki HAGARI
  • Publication number: 20090277248
    Abstract: Method to determine the point of the gas leak from the buried pipeline located in the ditch under the soil, providing positioning at least one fiber-distributed temperature transmitter in the soil over the pipeline; the fiber-distributed temperature transmitter's readings allow to determine the leak point presence and location; the method is characterized by the fact that the fiber-distributed temperature transmitter is located above the pipeline surface; in the ground, between the pipeline and the transmitter or over the transmitter a shield is mounted which deflects the gas flow (in case of leakage) in the upper central part of the ditch adjacent to the transmitter and preventing the gas flow to the ditch peripheral areas located far away from the transmitter; the temperature is measured continuously and by the temperature drop the gas leak and its location is determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander Petrovich Skibin, Vladimir Vasilievich Tertychnyi, Alexander Nikolaevich Shandrygin, Valery Vasilievich Shako
  • Publication number: 20090277249
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the quality of seal of a test object, a test object being initially arranged in a test chamber. The test object is filled with a tracer gas at a pressure exceeding that of the test chamber. The gas volume in the test chamber is then circulated through an external circuit, coupled to the test chamber, which includes a measuring chamber. The measurement of a quantitative parameter of the tracer gas is carried out with a sensor, arranged in the measuring chamber for carrying out said measurement and is within the circulated gas flow. The invention further relates to a device for determining the quality of seal of a test object, by means of which the above method can be carried out.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: Klaus Polster, Volker Dahm, Ingo Stegemann
  • Publication number: 20090277250
    Abstract: A sniffing leak detector which comprises a mass spectrometer, a turbomolecular pump and a forevacuum pump. In case that the sniffing hose with the hand-operated sniffing probe becomes detached from the main device, atmospheric pressure would pass into the gas inlet conduit and disrupt the high vacuum in the mass spectrometer. In order to protect the mass spectrometer and the vacuum pump apparatus, a flow restrictor with an upstream filter is arranged in the gas inlet conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: Daniel Wetzig
  • Publication number: 20090277251
    Abstract: A leak diagnostic apparatus is provided for an evaporative emission control system that purges fuel vapor from an inside of a fuel tank to an intake passage of an internal combustion engine. The leak diagnostic apparatus is basically provided with a pressure detecting device and a leak determining device. The pressure detecting device is configured and arranged to detect a pressure inside the evaporative emission control system, which includes the fuel tank. The leak determining device sets a leak determination threshold value in accordance with a deformation amount of the fuel tank, and determines if a leak exists by comparing the pressure inside the evaporative emission control system while the evaporative emission control system is sealed to the leak determination threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinsuke TAKAKURA
  • Publication number: 20090277252
    Abstract: Provided is a leakage detecting apparatus that installs a detection pipeline for detecting a leakage on a pipe through which a liquid flows and determines whether liquid leaks from the pipe based on a voltage change of the detection pipeline there is provided a leakage detection apparatus for detecting whether a leakage has occurred by using a detection pipeline including a plurality of wires, the leakage detection apparatus including: the detection pipeline including first through third electric wires in which end portions of the first and second electric wires are electrically connected through a diode; a pipeline measuring unit, after a constant current is applied to the first electric wire, measuring a pipeline voltage at specific point of place of each of the second and third electric wires; and a microprocessor determining whether the leakage has occurred based on the pipeline voltage of each of the second and third electric wires.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: Sang Hee SHIN, Ki Bong AHN
  • Publication number: 20090277253
    Abstract: A system for determining the type of hydraulic fluid employed in a transmission includes a translating valve, a valve position sensor, a hydraulic fluid temperature sensor, and a controller. The valve position sensor is operable to measure the actual time the valve takes to translate within the hydraulic fluid. The controller is operable to compare the actual time of valve translation to an expected time of valve translation. If the actual time of valve translation is different than the expected time of valve translation to a predetermined degree, the controller is operable to signal an operator of the motor vehicle or a service technician that the hydraulic fluid being used in the transmission is not meeting operating expectations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Mark A. Rains, Randall S. Conn
  • Publication number: 20090277254
    Abstract: The invention provides methods of improving packed bed chromatography performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: Medlmmune, LLC
    Inventors: Brad M. Matanin, David A. Page
  • Publication number: 20090277255
    Abstract: Separating trihalomethanes from drinking water samples (via a process such as capillary membrane sampling, and the like) followed by gas chromatograph analysis to determine quantity measurements and species identification of such trihalomethane (THM4) contaminants therein is provided. With the necessity to chlorinate drinking water to remove harmful bacteria and other potential toxins, trihalomethane byproducts are generated that may harm humans after consumption as well due to suspect carcinogenicity of such compounds. A reliable manner of measuring such drinking water supplies for such THM4 contaminants at locations far from the source and closer to dispensers is highly desirable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: Gary Lynn Emmert, Michael Andrew Brown
  • Publication number: 20090277256
    Abstract: Capillary membrane sampling-flow injection analyzer (CMS-FIA) analyses of drinking water samples for quantity measurements of total trihalomethane and haloacetic acid contaminants therein are provided. With the necessity to chlorinate drinking water to remove harmful bacteria and other potential toxins, trihalomethane and haloacetic acid byproducts are generated that may harm humans after consumption as well. A reliable manner of measuring such drinking water supplies for such trihalomethane and/or haloacetic acids at locations far from the source and closer to dispensers is highly desirable. The CMS-FIA analysis method of the invention has been found to be nearly as reliable as source measuring methods for the same purpose, but with the versatility to measure for such trihalomethane and haloacetic acid contaminants anywhere along the drinking water supply line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: Gary Lynn Emmert, Michael Andrew Brown, Gija Geme, Paul Steven Simone, JR.
  • Publication number: 20090277257
    Abstract: A sensor for an engine manifold is provided that includes a sensing component positioned within the engine manifold and responsive to a condition, such as temperature or pressure, within the engine manifold. The sensor includes a shield partially surrounding the sensing component upstream of the sensing component in flow within the manifold, which includes exhaust gases and manifold intake air. The shield does not surround a downstream side of the sensing component. The shield minimizes contamination of the sensing component by contaminants within the exhaust gases or manifold intake air, without compromising responsiveness of the sensing component to changes in the sensed condition, as the sensing component is still directly open to the manifold air (i.e., the exhaust gases and intake air).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Chris Edward Tuski
  • Publication number: 20090277258
    Abstract: Disclosed is both an apparatus and method for quantifying an injection event of a fuel injector, including both multiple pulse and single pulse injection events. Typically, the fuel injector is a common rail injector. The apparatus includes a pressure chamber for isolating a portion of the injection pressure for reducing pressure waves and reflections which can create “noise” in the detection of an injection pressure. The invention further includes determining the precise start and end times of injection using cavitation created by the injection event by determining the intensity of light within a spray chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: Omar Cueto
  • Publication number: 20090277259
    Abstract: A method and system for estimating engine-out NOx from a diesel engine. The estimation is calculated from a mathematical model that expresses engine-out NOx as functions of cylinder pressure, intake oxygen, and effective temperature, respectively. Input data for each of these functions may be obtained from fuel quantity data and from measured data, the latter including intake pressure, cylinder pressure, intake oxygen concentration, coolant temperature, and intake manifold temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Shizuo Sasaki, Jayant V. Sarlashkar, Gary D. Neely
  • Publication number: 20090277260
    Abstract: A wheel and brake assembly (10) having a torque bar (24) supported at a mid-span location. The torque bar (24) can be pre-loaded at a mid-span location. The pre-load can be effected by a spacer block (150) that is interposed between the wheel well and the torque bar (24). The method and device of the present invention can be used with existing wheel and brake assemblies. The spacer block can be a two-part spacer block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: GOODRICH CORPORATION
    Inventors: John J. Enright, Jerry L. Miller, Joshua C. Houser
  • Publication number: 20090277261
    Abstract: The present invention provides a parking brake tensioning apparatus, method, and system. Generally described, the device is for adjusting the tension cable of a parking brake in a vehicle. The device has an inner housing for receiving the handle of the parking brake. Also, the device has a deformable member attached to the housing, and is preloaded with a predetermined load. The device further has a force probe, or rod, having a first end connected to the deformable member and a second end in contact with a component of the vehicle. In addition, the device has a switch for generating a control signal when a predefined force value is applied to the deformable member by adjusting the tension of the tension cable through an adjustment tool. Furthermore, the device has a relay for transmitting the control signal to the adjustment tool once the predefined force value is reached, thus disabling the adjustment tool. Other embodiments are also claimed and described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: Brian J. Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20090277262
    Abstract: A sensor system for obtaining data from an elastomeric article includes at least one wireless sensor. The sensor length-scales range from nano- to micro-scale devices that are small enough to avoid becoming occlusions within the article. The article may include sensors embedded within one of the materials of the article, a layer of sensors built into the article, and a string of sensors disposed within a component or embedded within a component of the article. The sensors may be configured to provide data related to one or more of temperature, pressure, sidewall flex, stress, strain and other parameters. The sensors may be LCD sensors, and/or conductive polymer sensors, and/or bio-polymer sensors and/or polymer diodes suitable for sensing data during the operation of the tire. A power circuit using energy generated by the tire may provide power to the sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire LLC
    Inventors: JOHN D. RENSEL, PAUL B. WILSON, FRANCIS L. MERAT
  • Publication number: 20090277263
    Abstract: The invention relates to closed-circuit tunnels used for aerodynamic researches, sportsmen-parachutists training and other purposes. The inventive closed-circuit tunnel comprises a confuser, a working area, a diffuser, one or several return channels, a blower unit and turning bends having different flow deflection angle, wherein the bend having the smaller flow deflection angle is placed in a high-speed flow cross-section, whereas the bend having the greater flow deflection angle is arranged in a low flow speed cross-section. In a preferred embodiment, the tunnel comprises a first turning bend containing one turning gut for turning the airflow at 60 degrees, a second turning bend containing two turning guts for turning the airflow at 120 degrees, and a third turning bend containing three turning guts for turning the airflow at 180 degrees. The invention makes it possible to reduce air pressure losses, the drive power and a specific amount of metal per structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: Victor Petruk
  • Publication number: 20090277264
    Abstract: An assembly for measuring both the level and specific gravity of a liquid in a container includes a first sensor arrangement for sensing the level of the liquid in the container, and a second sensor arrangement for sensing the specific gravity of the liquid. The first sensor arrangement measures and then independently outputs at least one signal relating to the liquid level in the container. The second sensor arrangement measures and then independently outputs at least one signal relating to the specific gravity of the liquid in the container, thereby providing an integrated device to measure both parameters of the liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: ADIR SEGAL, LTD.
    Inventor: Dan Forkosh
  • Publication number: 20090277265
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring forces generated by an unbalance of a vehicle wheel, comprising a horizontally oriented measuring shaft (1) which is supported rotary about its shaft axis (2) in a rotary mounting (3) on a stationary machine frame (4) and which is adapted that a vehicle wheel (5) is fixed onto it for the measurement operation, wherein the measuring shaft (1) is movably guided in a vertical direction on the stationary machine frame (4) between a first vertical position in which the measuring operation is conducted and a second vertical position in which the shaft axis is brought into alignment with a wheel axis (6) of the uprightly positioned vehicle wheel (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: Paolo SOTGIU
  • Publication number: 20090277266
    Abstract: A method for monitoring operating parameters of a rotating blade is provided. The blade includes at least one sensor thereon, the sensor operatively coupled to a data acquisition device. The method includes transferring data from the sensor to the data acquisition device, the data relating to blade acceleration measurements, transmitting a signal representative of the transferred data from the data acquisition device to a control system, and controlling blade loads using the transmitted signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: Dong Wang, Hua Zhang
  • Publication number: 20090277267
    Abstract: According to the present invention, an in-plane sensor comprises: a fixed structure including a fixed finger and a fixed column connected to each other, the fixed finger having a supported end supported by the fixed column and a suspended end which is unsupported; and a movable structure including at least one mass body and an extending finger connected to each other; wherein the supported end of the fixed finger is closer to the mass body than the suspended end is.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: Chuan Wei Wang, Sheng Ta Lee
  • Publication number: 20090277268
    Abstract: [Means for Resolution] A magnetized body is a bonded magnet and is fixed to a support member by integral injection molding. A bend portion extending axially outwardly is formed in an outwardly-directed flange portion of the support member. A come-off preventing concave portion is constituted by the bend portion and the outwardly-directed flange portion. The magnetized body enters this concave portion. Consequently, the magnetized body is prevented from performing relative movement with respect to the support member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: Yasuhiko Ishii
  • Publication number: 20090277269
    Abstract: Ultrasonic testing on a part includes scanning the part while performing pulse echo and through transmission ultrasonic testing on the part; converting pulse echo data into time of flight (TOF) and amplitude channels, and converting through transmission data into a data representation that identifies porosity. The testing further includes analyzing the pulse echo TOF to identify locations of any anomalies in the part, and using loss of back (LOB) at each of the identified locations to discriminate low porosity from other anomalies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: Dennis P. Sarr
  • Publication number: 20090277270
    Abstract: A method for inspecting joined material interfaces, such as butt fusion pipe joints of plastic pipes, using ultrasonic waveforms to discriminate between acceptable and unacceptable interfaces. The waveforms (amplitude vs time) having been transmitted to a material interface of interest are divided into a number of time zones and the amplitudes of the waveforms within the time zones compared against waveform amplitudes obtained from known acceptable joined material interfaces to determine the quality of the material interface of interest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: OPERATIONS TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT, NFP
    Inventors: James Emerson Huebler, Maurice Givens
  • Publication number: 20090277271
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a micromechanical sensor for analyzing liquid samples and an array of such sensors. The invention also concerns a method for sensing liquid samples and the use of longitudinal bulk acoustic waves for analyzing liquid phase samples micromechanically. The sensor comprises a body and a planar wave guide portion spaced from the body. At least one electro-mechanical transducer element are used for excitation of longitudinal bulk acoustic waves to the wave guide portion in response to electrical actuation and for converting acoustic waves into electrical signals. The wave guide portion is provided with a sample-receiving zone onto which the sample can be introduced. By means of the invention, the sensitivity of micromechanical liquid sensors can be improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2006
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: VALTION TEKNILLINEN TUTKIMUSKESKUS
    Inventors: Heikki Seppa, Kirsi Tappura, Jussi Tuppurainen, Tomi Mattila, Ari Alastalo, Hannu Helle, Aarne Oja
  • Publication number: 20090277272
    Abstract: A method for observing a change in one or more parameters of a flowable material in a vessel is disclosed, the method comprising transmitting an ultrasound signal into a vessel containing a flowable material; observing a change in the ultrasound signal after it has passed through the flowable material; and, relating the change in the ultrasound signal to the change in one or more parameters of the flowable material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: PALL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Martin John Hofmann
  • Publication number: 20090277273
    Abstract: The apparatus for measuring pressure inside a vessel using acoustic impedance matching layers may include an ultrasound exciting unit attached to the outer surface of the vessel wall that generates ultrasonic waves inside of the vessel. A first acoustic impedance matching layer attached to the inner surface of the vessel wall increases the transmitting efficiency of the ultrasonic waves. An ultrasound receiving unit attached to the outer surface of the vessel wall receives an ultrasonic signal traveling inside the vessel. A second acoustic impedance matching layer attached to the inner surface of the vessel wall increases the transmitting efficiency of the ultrasonic waves. A control unit connected to the ultrasound exciting unit controls the excitation signal transmitted into the ultrasound exciting unit. A pressure measuring unit connected to the control unit measures an internal pressure of the vessel based on the excitation signal and the received ultrasonic waves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: Seung Soo HONG, Yong Hyeon SHIN, Bongyoung AHN, Seung Hyun CHO, Ki-Bok KIM
  • Publication number: 20090277274
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a pressure monitoring package comprises the steps of mounting a plurality of resonators onto a substrate 1, mounting the substrate 1 in a package base 11, mechanically constraining the package base 11 within a mechanical preloading jig, and adjusting the preload using the jig whilst measuring the frequency of the SAWs until the required frequency is obtained. A lid 7 is then welded onto the package base 11 using a laser welder, after which the preload frequency of the package 10 is fine tuned by using the laser welder to produce laser marks 21-28, 31-38 on the outside of the package 10.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: Paul Edward Vickery, Aidrian Nowell
  • Publication number: 20090277275
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for measuring pressure inside a predetermined vessel based on the principle that the transmitting efficiency of ultrasonic waves is changed by acoustic impedance variation according to an internal pressure. The apparatus includes an ultrasound exciting unit 20 disposed inside the vessel 10 and generating predetermined ultrasonic waves, an ultrasound receiving unit 30 disposed inside the vessel 10 and placed on the same axis line as that of the ultrasound exciting unit 20, a control unit 70 for controlling a frequency and a waveform of the excitation signal transmitted into the ultrasound exciting unit 20, and a pressure measuring unit 80 for measuring an internal pressure of the vessel 10 based on an ultrasonic signal received by the ultrasound receiving unit 30 and the excitation signal transmitted into the ultrasound exciting unit 20.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: KOREA RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND SCIENCE
    Inventors: Bongyoung AHN, Seung Hyun CHO, Seung Soo HONG, Yong Hyeon SHIN, Kwang Hwa CHUNG
  • Publication number: 20090277276
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a pressure measurement unit to determine positive and negative fluid pressure within a disposable for medical devices. As part of the disposable, the invention consists of a rigid measurement chamber, which is covered by an elastic form part. This measurement chamber can be connected to a medical device, which is equipped with a pressure transducer. Specific shapes of the elastic form part and specific instrument interfaces ensure the connection between this elastic form part, the measurement chamber and the pressure transducer to exclude the influence of atmospheric pressure during measurements. The coupling and the sealing ability against atmospheric pressure is controllable. Such pressure measurement units can be used to measure fluid pressure in disposable to control for example fluid pumps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2007
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: Hans-Gerd Evering, Didier Vecten, Florent Junod
  • Publication number: 20090277277
    Abstract: Tension monitoring is described using a sensor which may exhibit an offset for which compensation may be provided to produce a zero voltage amplified output or to increase dynamic range. An arrangement determines whether a power reset is responsive to a battery bounce such that an initially-measured system start-up parameter can be retained. The start-up parameter is automatically saved at start-up if the power reset is responsive to a start-up from a shut-down condition. The start-up parameter may be a zero tension amplified output responsive to the sensor offset at zero tension. Protection of a tension data set is provided such that no opportunity for altering the data set is presented prior to transfer of the data set. A housing configuration forms part of an electrical power circuit for providing electrical power to an electronics package from a battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: Albert W. Chau, Rudolf Zeller, John E. Mercer, Charles Yu Yat Tsang
  • Publication number: 20090277278
    Abstract: A measuring device includes: a measuring transducer accommodated, at least partially, in a housing, for registering at least one, measured variable; and a measuring device electronics electrically connected, at least at times, with the measuring transducer. The measuring device electronics includes at least one measurement channel for registering and further processing at least one primary signal generated by means of the measuring transducer, and an electrical current measuring circuit for registering measuring-device-internally flowing, electrical currents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: Endress + Hauser Flowtec Ag
    Inventors: Ole Koudal, Christian Matt, Gernot Engstler, Hans Pohl