Patents Issued in March 15, 2012
  • Publication number: 20120060551
    Abstract: Energy saving of a refrigerating cycle device is achieved by equalizing heat-medium inlet temperatures of a plurality of use-side heat exchangers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Keisuke Takayama, Yusuke Shimazu
  • Publication number: 20120060552
    Abstract: A gaseous hydrocarbon stream (10) is cooled to produce a liquefied hydrocarbon stream (20). The gaseous hydrocarbon stream (10) is cooled in one or more heat exchangers (140a) using a first refrigerant from a first refrigerant circuit (100) in which said first refrigerant is compressed in a first compressor (110) driven by a first gas turbine (120) having a first inlet air stream (125) and liquefied using a second refrigerant circuit (200) wherein a second refrigerant is compressed in a second compressor (210) driven by a second gas turbine (220) and having a second inlet air stream (225).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventors: Carolus Antonius Cornelis Van De Lisdonk, Wouter Jan Meiring, Robert Klein Nagel Voort
  • Publication number: 20120060553
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for liquefying a hydrocarbon-rich feed fraction, preferably natural gas, against a nitrogen refrigeration cycle. A feed fraction is cooled against gaseous nitrogen that is to be warmed, and liquefied against liquid nitrogen that is to be vaporized. The feed fraction is cooled and liquefied in an at least three-stage heat-exchange process. In the first section of the heat-exchange process, the feed fraction is cooled against superheated gaseous nitrogen to the extent that an essentially complete separation of the relatively heavy components is achievable. In the second section, the feed fraction freed from relatively heavy components is partially liquefied against gaseous nitrogen that is to be superheated. In the third section, the feed fraction is liquefied against nitrogen that is to be partially vaporized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: LINDE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Heinz BAUER
  • Publication number: 20120060554
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for separating off nitrogen and lighter components, in particular hydrogen, carbon monoxide, neon and argon, from a feed fraction (e.g., natural gas) that is to be liquefied containing at least methane, nitrogen and hydrogen. The cooling and liquefaction of the feed fraction proceeds against the refrigerant or mixed refrigerant of at least one refrigeration cycle. In the inventive method, the feed fraction (1) is partially condensed (E1), and separated in at least one rectification column (T) into a methane-rich fraction (6) and a fraction (4) containing nitrogen and lighter components. The methane-rich fraction (6) is subcooled. Additionally, cooling of the top condenser (E2) of the rectification column (T) proceeds via a refrigerant or mixed refrigerant or a substream of the refrigerant or mixed refrigerant of at least one, refrigeration cycle (20-24).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: LINDE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Hans SCHMIDT
  • Publication number: 20120060555
    Abstract: A dual-use product is configured for use as a piece of body jewelry and as a smoking pipe. In a first configuration, the product may be inserted through a pierced hole in a user's body, such as in the user's earlobe, and worn as an earring. In a second configuration, the product may be packed with a smokeable material and converted to a smoking pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: BOMBSHELL ACCESSORIES
    Inventor: Dale Parris
  • Publication number: 20120060556
    Abstract: A kit for jewellery is provided including a support element 12, such as a ring shank, and a collet 14. The support element 12 includes facing support surfaces between which the collet 14 can be inserted in an insertion direction. The support element 12 and the collet 14 each include a guiding element 24, 16, one of which includes a ridge and the other of which includes an elongate recess. The ridge and recess are configured upon insertion of the collet 14 between the support surfaces to interlock to hold the collet in position; the collet 14 being removable from the support element 12 by manipulation solely of the collet 14 including pulling the collect 14 in a direction opposite to the insertion direction. Insertion and removal of the collet 14 causes no strain or no unrecoverable strain on the support element 12.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventor: Uriel Joseph
  • Publication number: 20120060557
    Abstract: Cut product manufactured from a (semi) precious stone material, more particularly from natural or synthetic diamond, comprising a lower part (pavilion) with a bottom end (culet); an upper part (crown) having a number of girdle bezel facets and a top end (a point with table width 0 or a top surface (table) with a table width); and a girdle between said lower part and said upper part, wherein said lower part comprises a number of girdle pavilion facets which describe a first angle ?1 relative to the plane of the girdle and a number of culet facets which each describe a smaller second angle ?2 relative to the plane of the girdle; and wherein the girdle bezel facets are in a twisted position with respect to the girdle pavilion facets in the sense that the bezel facets have perpendicular bisectors which are not coplanar with the perpendicular bisectors of the girdle pavilion facets; and wherein the ratio of the table width and the width of the girdle is 0 to 0.40.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventor: Eva van Looveren
  • Publication number: 20120060558
    Abstract: Reducing the adjustment complexity during the forming of glass products, such as the forming of glass tubes to obtain syringe bodies. The glass of a glass pre-product may be heated to be formed, a laser may be used that emits light having a wavelength for which the glass of the glass pre-product is at most partially transparent so that the light is at least partially absorbed in the glass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventors: Georg Haselhorst, Thomas Risch
  • Publication number: 20120060559
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of manufacturing of a glass coated metal product. This invention also relates to a coated metallic substrate material that is suitable for manufacturing flexible solar cells and other articles in which a passivated stainless steel surface is desirable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: E. I. DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY
    Inventors: Salah Boussaad, Damien Francis Reardon
  • Publication number: 20120060560
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for fabricating a glass rod capable of suppressing a diameter fluctuation of a drawn glass rod even in a case of a relatively large diameter reduction ratio between a glass preform and a glass rod, such as 60 to 95%. The diameter (D) of the glass preform for determining the ratio from a measured diameter data is acquired, the measured diameter data is obtained by measuring a diameter of the glass preform before being drawn along a longitudinal direction of the preform, and the feed speed (V1) is determined so that the feed speed (V1) varies depending on a fluctuation of the measured diameter data in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: SHIN-ETSU CHEMICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tetsuya Otosaka
  • Publication number: 20120060561
    Abstract: A glass preform manufacturing method, includes: preparing a glass element having a rough surface; turning a raw material of an alkali metal compound or a raw material of an alkaline earth metal compound into particles; depositing particles of the alkali metal compound or the alkaline earth metal compound on the rough surface of the glass element; oxidizing the particles of the alkali metal compound or the alkaline earth metal compound while diffusing alkali metal oxide or alkaline earth metal oxide in the glass element; and manufacturing a glass preform into which the alkali metal oxide or the alkaline earth metal oxide is doped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: FUJIKURA LTD.
    Inventor: Takayuki KITAMURA
  • Publication number: 20120060562
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing thin silicon rods (1), including the steps: a) providing a rod of polycrystalline silicon, from which at least two thin rods (11, 12) with a reduced cross section in comparison with the polycrystalline silicon rod are separated; b) cleaning the at least two separated thin rods (11, 12) by treatment with a material-eroding liquid medium; c) welding at least two of the cleaned thin rods (11, 12) to form a longer thin rod (1); and d) packaging the longer thin rod (1) in a tubular film (100).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: WACKER CHEMIE AG
    Inventors: Hanns WOCHNER, Walter HAECKL
  • Publication number: 20120060563
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cut resistant composite yarn comprising: a) at least one yarn containing filaments and/or staple fibers, said filaments and/or staple fibers containing a hard component, said hard component being a plurality of hard fibers, said hard fibers having an average diameter of at most (25) microns; and b) at least one continuous elastic filament. The invention further relates to a fabric and articles comprising the yarn, in particular a glove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventor: Giovanni Joseph Ida Henssen
  • Publication number: 20120060564
    Abstract: An inline washing system to be formed from a tunnel-type washing machine (10) which only washes the items of laundry. Rinsing and also water removal are then performed in the downstream water-removal press (18). It has been found that the rinsing performance is better and fresh water can be saved as a result of this. It is therefore also possible to wash relatively small amounts of laundry using a tunnel-type washing machine (10) in an economical manner because the tunnel-type washing machine (10) can be designed without a rinse zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: Herbert Kannegiesser GmbH
    Inventor: Wilhelm Bingewatt
  • Publication number: 20120060565
    Abstract: A washing machine is disclosed. A washing machine includes a cabinet configured to define an exterior appearance thereof; a tub installed in the cabinet to hold wash water therein; a drum rotatably installed in the tub to accommodate laundry therein; at least one venting portion provided in an upper portion of the tub to communicate with an outside of the tub; and a ventilation part (300) provided in a lower portion of the tub to communicate with an inside of the tub. The above configuration enables convection current of internal air of the tub generated via the venting portion and the ventilation part (300).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Dae Wook Kwak, Jong Min Kim, Cheol Kang Heo, Han Ki Cho, Gyung Hun Nho, Soon Jo Lee, Kyu Chul Lee
  • Publication number: 20120060566
    Abstract: A laundry machine is disclosed. The laundry machine includes a tub configured to receive wash water, a drum rotatably installed in the tub, a shaft connected with the drum, a bearing housing (400) configured to support the shaft, a tub back (130) coupled to inner and outer circumferences of a front surface of the bearing housing (400), a rear gasket connected between the tub back (130) and the tub and a suspension unit configured to support vibration of the drum suspendingly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventors: Soo Bong Kim, Ig Geun Kwon, Young Suk Kim, Hyun Seok Seo, Min Gyu Jo
  • Publication number: 20120060567
    Abstract: The patent application relates to a laundry machine comprising a drum in which laundry is to be placed, a drive assembly including a shaft (351) connected to the drum, a bearing housing (400) to rotatably support the shaft (351), a motor to rotate the shaft (351), and a suspension assembly to reduce vibration of the drum. The suspension assembly further includes at least two suspension units which are arranged one in front of the other and the front unit of which is located before a weight center of an assembly of the drum and the drive assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventors: Ig Geun Kwon, Young Suk Kim, Hyun Seok Seo, Min Gyu Jo
  • Publication number: 20120060568
    Abstract: A washing machine (1) has a washing tub (5) containing a rotary perforated drum (6), and a washing/rinsing-liquid dispenser (8) including a housing (9) and a drawer (10), removably associated to the housing (9), provided with one or more compartments (11a, 11b) adapted to be filled with washing and/or rinsing products. The washing/rinsing-liquid dispenser has a water distributor (14) provided with at last two inlet connectors (15a, 15b), connectable, upstream, to a water source, and fluidly connected, downstream, to an air-gap (16) from which at least two ducts (17a, 17b) branch off. The at least two ducts are fluidly connected to the inlet connectors (15a, 15b) and adapted for conveying water to the compartments (11a, 11b). A water line (13), fluidly connects the washing/rinsing-liquid dispenser (8) and the tub (5). The washing/rinsing-liquid dispenser (8) has a by-pass line (20), fluidly connected, upstream, to at least one of the inlet connectors, and extending substantially from the air-gap (16).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS CORPORATION N.V.
    Inventors: Danny Buso, Pietro Rizzetto
  • Publication number: 20120060569
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for recirculating wash fluid in a washing machine are disclosed. The washing machine includes a wash tub and a wash basket rotatably supported within the wash tub. The washing machine can include a jet pump for recirculation of wash fluid through the wash basket and wash tub. The inlet of the jet pump is in fluid communication with a wash fluid supply line and the outlet of the jet pump is in fluid communication with the wash tub. The jet pump includes a suction port coupled to a recirculation line in fluid communication with the wash tub. The jet pump draws wash fluid from the wash tub through the recirculation line and returns the wash fluid through the outlet of the jet pump to the wash basket according to the Venturi effect when wash fluid flows through the inlet of the jet pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: David Scott Dunn, Alaknanda Acharya, Alexander Boris Leibman
  • Publication number: 20120060570
    Abstract: A lock box assembly includes a lock box which includes a first casing and a second casing pivotally coupled to the first casing. The first casing has a combination lock disposed thereon. A protective shell is coveringly and detachably assembled with the first casing. The protective shell includes a cover panel shielding the first casing. A plurality of side panels extend from the cover panel for enclosingly forming a receiving space adapted for accommodating the first casing. At least one buckle is formed on the plurality of side panels. The cover panel has an opening defined therein and corresponds to the combination lock of the first casing. A lid is pivotally hinged to an edge of the opening for selectively shielding the opening. The protective shell and the lid protectively prevents the first casing the combination lock from exposing to weathering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventor: Yao Kun YANG
  • Publication number: 20120060571
    Abstract: A dual key bi-step lock having a shell and a cylindrical plug in the shell. The plug has a primary keyway and a secondary keyway and at least one set of primary pin stack and at least one set of secondary pin stack between the shell and the plug, respectively coupling with the primary and the secondary keys. a longitudinal stage is formed on a cylindrical surface of the plug. An involute side face extending from the stage to the cylindrical surface of the plug. The primary key is able to dive the plug to a position of first step open at which the stage is stopped by the key pin of the secondary pin stack. The secondary pin stack is unlocked by the secondary key and the plug is able to be further driven to a position of second step open by the primary and the secondary keys from the first step open.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: NINGBO YONGFA GROUP CO., LTD.,
    Inventors: Yongyao Yu, Jun Hu, Zhongwei Cao
  • Publication number: 20120060572
    Abstract: A key (1) having one end (6) secured to a yoke (7) mounted in a casing (2) to turn between a position in which the key is retracted inside the casing and a position in which the key is extended, and a control pushbutton (17) mounted in the yoke to be constrained to pivot therewith, and to slide between an extended position for blocking the yoke in which the pushbutton possesses at least one stud (25) received in a notch (26) of a portion of the casing, and a pushed-in position for releasing the yoke to pivot, in which position the stud escapes from the notch, a spring (18) being interposed between the casing and the control pushbutton to urge the yoke resiliently towards the extended position and the control pushbutton towards its blocking position, the notch being formed in a washer (13) that is fitted in said portion of the casing, and the washer being harder than the casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2008
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventors: Benoit Box, Thierry Acas, Didler Pozzi, Jean-Michel Rieu, Fabrice Echasseriau
  • Publication number: 20120060573
    Abstract: Methods of inducing bud break of deciduous fruit vines, trees, or shrubs following dormancy by the application of bud breaker compositions that do not contain hydrogen cyanamide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventors: David POSNER, Stephen PAVICH
  • Publication number: 20120060574
    Abstract: This application provides compositions that include pelletized coir with seed and charcoal attached to the surface thereof and methods of making such compositions. In particular examples, such compositions include pelletized coir at least partially coated with a binder, seeds, charcoal, and optionally a super-absorbent polymer (SAP).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventor: Bill L. Rose
  • Publication number: 20120060575
    Abstract: The present intention relates to an agricultural blend and a method of forming an agricultural blend. The agricultural blend includes a sulfate source and calcium silicate or a by-product of slag, the slag being selected from the group consisting of steel slag, stainless steel slag, alloy steel slag, carbon steel slag, and phosphate slag. The method includes blending a sulfate source and calcium silicate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: HARSCO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Stephen R. MIRANDA, Douglas W. HUTCHINSON
  • Publication number: 20120060576
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of processing metal powder consisting a plurality of metal powder pellets, comprising the following steps: heating the metal powder pellets until they are in a doughy state, causing a collision of the metal power pellets in doughy state with an impact body to form deformed metal powder particles and collecting the deformed metal powder particles in a collecting vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventor: Arno Friedrichs
  • Publication number: 20120060577
    Abstract: The invention relates to a forming tool, in particular a kneading tool, which has a base body (12?), in which at least one forming element (21) is disposed, inclined at a first angle of inclination (?1) to a central axis (M) of the deformation tool (12), which results in the determination of an inlet chamfer (S) of the forming element (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: Felss GmbH
    Inventor: Fritz Binhack
  • Publication number: 20120060578
    Abstract: A necking machine (1) having a plurality of processing stations on a rotating tool carrier (7). The motion of the tool carrier (7) with respect to the work pieces is carried out by a crankshaft (25). This is carried out by a non-constant gear. The gear includes two non-round gearwheels (21, 23) that improve a rotational-speed profile of the crankshaft (25) and thus a velocity profile, in particular, in an area of the dead center.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: MALL + HERLAN SCHWEIZ AG
    Inventor: Manfred Weis
  • Publication number: 20120060579
    Abstract: A bending tool for bending and shaping general purpose building wire and cable. The bending tool including a main body having a first end opposite a second end. The first and second ends each include a pair of metal dowels fixedly attached with couplings. Each pair of metal dowels are spaced apart and define a spacing sized for releasably receiving a cable wire such as the 500 MCM cable, between the pair of metal dowels. Preferably, each of the pair of metal dowels define an outer knurled surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventor: Vince May
  • Publication number: 20120060580
    Abstract: The invention relates to disc-shaped compensation shims for compensating for the shortening of a tool die or a tool stamp due to regrinding. The shim includes a coding indicating a thickness of the tooling shim, the tooling shim being configured for use with a tool die or tool stamp to compensate for shortening of the tool die or tool stamp resulting from regrinding. The invention also relates to tool arrangements having at least one such shim, and to machine tools having such tool arrangements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: TRUMPF WERKZEUGMASCHINEN GMBH + CO. KG
    Inventors: Stefan Buettner, Wolfgang Laib
  • Publication number: 20120060581
    Abstract: A system and method for determining the compressive strength of pellets are presently disclosed. A system includes a moveable feed tray adapted to support a plurality of pellets to be tested, a platen below the moveable feed tray and opposite a ram capable of applying compressive force to a pellet, a drive motor engaging the moveable feed tray, and a compressive force monitoring system including a force sensor. A method includes providing a feed tray and positioning a ram at a first position above a platen, advancing the feed tray to position a pellet at a test position between the ram and the platen, detecting the non-arrival of the pellet at the test position, retracting the ram from the first position, advancing the feed tray and operating the ram to determine the compressive strength of the pellet. Also disclosed is a calibration method for a compression test system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: CLIFFS NATURAL RESOURCES INC.
    Inventor: Craig Maki
  • Publication number: 20120060582
    Abstract: Methods are disclosed for calibrating a force constant of a movable stage. In an exemplary method, in first and second preliminary pre-stepping motions of the stage, a baseline force and a calibration force, respectively, as exerted by the stage are measured. From a force-variation ratio of the baseline force and calibration force an inverse closed loop factor is estimated. In at least one subsequent pre-stepping motion of the stage before a respective use of the stage for holding an object, a residual force-variation ratio is estimated, a force-compensation factor is updated from the residual force-variation ratio, and a respective force-variation coefficient is determined from the force-compensation factor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventor: Pai-Hsueh Yang
  • Publication number: 20120060583
    Abstract: A method and system for automatically calibrating a pressure sensor in a hydrogen storage system for a fuel cell vehicle. A low-range pressure sensor in the fuel cell system, which has much greater accuracy at low pressure readings, is used to calibrate a high-range pressure sensor in the hydrogen storage system. This calibration can only be done when a pressure regulator situated between the two sensors is in a fully open position. In such a condition, the high-range sensor can be calibrated to the value of the low-range sensor, thus improving the accuracy of the high-range sensor's readings. The calibration can be a simple setting of the high-range sensor to the value of the low-range sensor under static conditions, or the calibration can be done while gas is flowing from the hydrogen storage system to the fuel cell by accounting for the pressure drop between the two sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Rainer Pechtold, Michael Leykauf, Ingo Hermann
  • Publication number: 20120060584
    Abstract: A method and system for automatically calibrating all pressure sensors in a hydrogen storage system for a fuel cell vehicle. A pressure regulator in the hydrogen storage system, which has much greater accuracy at low pressures, is used to calibrate the high-range pressure sensors used in the hydrogen storage system. This calibration can only be done when the pressure regulator is in a fully open position. In such a condition, the pressure sensors can be calibrated to the regulation pressure value of the regulator, thus greatly improving the accuracy of the readings of the high-range sensors at the low end of their range. The calibration can be performed during fuel cell operation under certain circumstances, performed during a programmed shutdown sequence, or performed in a service procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Ralph Hobmeyr, Björn Zörner, Heiko Hrobarsch
  • Publication number: 20120060585
    Abstract: A method is provided for calibrating ultrasonic signals passed through a crimp formed with respect to a deformable body via an ultrasonically-equipped crimp tool (UECT). The UECT verifies a crimp quality using the ultrasonic signals. The method includes forming the crimp, transmitting a first signal, e.g., a pulse, to a first transducer of the UECT, and converting the first signal, using the first transducer, into a second signal which defines an ultrasonic pulse. This pulse is transmitted through the UECT into the crimp. A second transducer converts the second signal into a third signal, which may be further conditioned, and the ultrasonic signals are calibrated using the third signal or its conditioned variant. An apparatus for calibrating the ultrasonic signals includes a pulse module (PM) electrically connected to the first and second transducers, and an oscilloscope or display electrically connected to the PM for analyzing an electrical output signal therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicants: Space Administration
    Inventors: William T. Yost, Daniel F. Perey, K. Elliott Cramer
  • Publication number: 20120060586
    Abstract: Chromatography assembly for multi-dimensional chromatography, includes a first separating column (12; 112) for separating a sample into components; a second separating column (13; 114) having different separating characteristics for further separating the components separated in the first separating column (12; 112); a collecting volume (20; 120, 121) for collecting the components from the first separating column (12; 112) before entering the second separating column (14; 114); a switching assembly (22, 24; 122, 124) for switching from a first state (FIG. 1; FIG. 3), where the components leaving the first separating column (12; 112) are collected in the collecting volume (20; 120, 121) to a second state (FIG. 2; FIG. 4) where the components collected in the collecting volume (20; 120, 121) are transferred to the second separating column (14; 114); and a detector (18; 118) for detecting sample components leaving the second separating column (14; 114).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: joint analytical systems GmbH
    Inventor: Jörg Radtke
  • Publication number: 20120060587
    Abstract: A semiconductor-based gas detector enhances the collection of gas molecules and also provides a self-contained means for removing collected gas molecules by utilizing one or more electric fields to transport the gas molecules to and away from a metallic material that has a high permeability to the gas molecules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Babcock, Peter J. Hopper, Yuri Mirgorodski
  • Publication number: 20120060588
    Abstract: Described herein are systems, apparatuses and methods for the design and use of a suction-controlled box for the measurement of stress-dependent soil and water characteristics, shear strength, volume changes and consolidation characteristics from a single unsaturated soil specimen. The suction-controlled box can include a suction control part and a mechanical loading part, which can apply various suctions and mechanical loadings to test a specimen for a full range of suctions. The suction-controlled box can also include a helical water compartment that can flush diffused air bubbles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventor: Charles Wang Wai NG
  • Publication number: 20120060589
    Abstract: A sensor device for analyzing fluidic samples is provided, wherein the sensor device comprises a stacked sensing arrangement comprising at least three sensing layers and a multilayer structure, wherein the multilayer structure has a hole formed therein which is adapted to let pass the fluidic sample and wherein the stacked sensing arrangement is formed in the multilayer structure in such a way that the fluidic sample passes the stacked sensing arrangement when the fluidic sample passes the hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: NXP B.V.
    Inventors: Evelyne Gridelet, Pablo Garcia Tello, Michiel Jos Van Duuren, Nader Akil
  • Publication number: 20120060590
    Abstract: A fluid sample is measured with a tear film measuring system that includes a processing device that receives a sample chip comprising a sample region configured to contain an aliquot volume of sample fluid, the processing device configured to perform analyses of osmolarity and of one or more biomarkers within the sample fluid, wherein the analysis of biomarkers includes normalization of biomarker concentration values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventor: Benjamin Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20120060591
    Abstract: An apparatus determines the properties of a medium in the form of a fluid or soft material. An acoustic waveguide has two opposing guide elements delimiting an interior space to be filled with a medium. The guide elements, upon filling the interior space with a medium, form an interface with the medium with an inner surface. A transmitter generates acoustic surface waves in the waveguide, which are received by a receiver. The waveguide can be coupled with an evaluation unit for determining physical properties of the medium based on a signal generated by the receiver. A housing accommodates the guide elements, transmitter and receiver. On the respective inner surface, at least a part of the acoustic surface waves can be converted into volumetric sound waves of the medium and at least a part of the volumetric sound waves can be converted into acoustic surface waves of the waveguide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: SENSACTION AG
    Inventors: Hendrik Faustmann, Michael Muench
  • Publication number: 20120060592
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a solids dosing device for finely divided solids, comprising sampling means for withdrawing a sample from a sampling jar and dosing means for inserting a prescribed amount of finely divided solid material into a testing jar, a dosing accuracy of at least 0.1 g being achieved with the solids dosing device and characteristics of the dosed amount substantially corresponding to those of the sample in the sampling jar. The invention also relates to an automated analyzer for determining properties of finely divided solids, comprising a depot for sampling jars and testing jars, analysis devices for the analysis of samples, manipulators for the movement and positioning of sampling jars, solids dosing devices and dosing devices for liquids. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for the automatic analysis of finely divided solids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: BASF SE
    Inventors: Karen Vercruysse, Frans Suykerbuyk, Sven Veelaert, Veron Nsunda, Kris Wullus
  • Publication number: 20120060593
    Abstract: A predetermined test sample is used to test a measuring instrument (10) for gravimetric moisture determination. The measuring instrument has a test chamber (30), a weighing device (40) for determining the mass of a sample contained in a sample holder (60) in a measuring position in the test chamber, and at least one means for heating (31) the sample on the sample holder. The test sample is placed on the sample holder and its initial mass is determined. The test chamber is heated, using a predefined temperature profile. After heating, the subsequent mass of the test sample is determined, using the weighing device. By comparing this subsequent mass to a reference mass for the test sample, a signal corresponding to the result of the comparison is generated and transmitted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: METTLER-TOLEDO AG
    Inventors: Markus Steinrisser, Helen Vogt, Claas Boerger, Dominik Gössi
  • Publication number: 20120060594
    Abstract: A component for use in a gas turbine engine comprises an indicator operable to provide a visual indication when strain over a threshold value has been experienced by the component by transitioning from a rest state to an indication state on occurrence of strain above the threshold value. Also disclosed is a method of detecting foreign object damage in a component of a gas turbine engine, comprising: identifying at least one of a component or a region of a component that is subject to increased strain during a foreign object impact; and mounting an indicator on the identified component or region of a component, the indicator providing a visual indication when increased strain has been experienced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventors: Ian C. D. CARE, Ewan F. THOMPSON
  • Publication number: 20120060595
    Abstract: A method and a circuit for processing a signal supplied by a piezoelectric sensor (10) indicating the cylinder pressure of a piston engine such as a heat engine. Undesirable variations in the value of the signal supplied by the sensor and corresponding to plateaux in the pressure are compensated by a closed-loop servo control which is suitable for setting an output signal to a predetermined constant reference value, independently of undesirable variations in the signal from the sensor (10). The value of the output signal is sampled, and at each sampling moment, if the absolute value of the variation in the output signal is less than a comparison value, the servo control is kept active. A circuit for processing and a pressure-measuring device including a circuit of this kind is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: HIDRIA AET Druzba za proizvodnjo vzignih sistemov in elektronike d.o.o.
    Inventors: Marcel GUWANG, Alain RAMOND
  • Publication number: 20120060596
    Abstract: A chassis dynamometer for a vehicle has a base seat, a fixed shaft having one end thereof attached to the base seat, a rotary proximal portion rotatably supported to the fixed shaft, a roller connected to the rotary proximal portion, for loading a wheel of a vehicle, and a motor connected to the roller so that power can be transmitted therebetween. The roller has a single flange portion connected to the rotary proximal portion and extending obliquely to the axis, and an outer peripheral portion extending both axial directions from an outer periphery of the flange portion and disposed outward in the radial direction of the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicants: TOYO ELECTRIC MFG. CO., LTD., A&D COMPANY, LIMITED
    Inventors: Tatsuo Ichige, Hidenori Nagai (deceased), Mieko Nagai, Yoshihiro Okamoto
  • Publication number: 20120060597
    Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and method for testing braking performance. The apparatus of the disclosed invention comprises: a driving unit which generates power; a test unit driven by the driving unit; and a control unit which controls the operation of a braking apparatus to generate a brake force on the test unit and to check braking performance. The present invention uses a rope unit moving at a speed for inducing a braking operation by the rotation of driving sheaves spaced apart from each other, rather than testing braking performance in an expensive elevator test tower, thereby preventing the possible dangers of tests conducted in said test tower. Further, the present invention controls loading capacity simply by controlling the loads of the driving unit to enable easy testing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: GUMYOUNG GENERAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Gum Gee Lee, Yong Soo Jang, Hyun Kyu Cho
  • Publication number: 20120060598
    Abstract: Allocates identifiers of units of a tire pressure monitoring system to the positions of ABS-sensors which are each assigned to the wheels of the vehicle. The identifiers are contained in signals that are emitted by the units. Each unit, which is called a wheel electronic, has a pressure sensor, which is sensitive to the tire pressure of the wheel, a motion sensor, which provides information on the rotation speed of the wheel, a memory with the individual identifier of the wheel stored therein, and a transmitter, which transmits signals only containing information on the rotation speed of the respective wheel, to a receiver. An evaluation device receives the transmitted identifier and compares the information on the rotation speed of the wheel transmitted along with the identifier, with rotation speed information, which were acquired by the ABS sensors for the same time span and transferred to the evaluation device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: BorgWarner BERU Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf KESSLER, Andreas KRAFT, Markus WAGNER, Jürgen SCHÖNBECK, Peter BRAND
  • Publication number: 20120060599
    Abstract: A thermal type air flow meter that is capable of suppressing deformation of a base member at the time of molding is disclosed, to thereby secure dimension accuracy and reduce an influence of a dimension change on measuring accuracy. The meter includes a housing member placed in an intake passage of an internal combustion engine, and a base member fixed to the housing member and includes a secondary air passage into which part of air passing through the intake passage flows. The base member is a plate-like resin molded component formed of a synthetic resin material and includes a reinforcing structure integrally formed between a board fixing part to which a circuit board is fixed; and a secondary passage constituting part formed at a leading end part of the board fixing part, the reinforcing structure enhancing strength of the base member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi MORINO, Chihiro Kobayashi, Yuki Okamoto, Tsutomu Kono
  • Publication number: 20120060600
    Abstract: An arrangement for measuring fill level of a fill substance in a container, comprising: a fill level measuring device, wherein the device includes measuring device electronics and an antenna connected to the measuring device electronics; and at least one feedthrough installed in a signal path of the microwave signals or the reflection signals; the feedthrough. The feedthrough comprises a hollow conductor, into which a microwave transparent window is inserted gas tightly. The window comprises: a disk, whose thickness corresponds approximately to a half wavelength or a small integer multiple of the half wavelength of a first, hollow conductor propagation capable, signal mode of the microwave signals at a predetermined signal frequency in the disk; and two matching layers located on oppositely lying, outer surfaces of the disk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: ENDRESS + HAUSER GMBH + CO. KG
    Inventor: Ralf Reimelt