Patents Issued in May 2, 2013
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Publication number: 20130104624Abstract: Measuring ethanol vapour concentration comprising; introducing an ethanol vapour sample into a fuel cell that is adapted to generate an output which is proportional to the ethanol vapour concentration of the ethanol sample; a voltage measurement circuit; a current measurement circuit; and means to switch the fuel cell output either to the voltage measurement circuit or to the current measurement circuit in dependence on one or more predetermined signal measurement parameters. The signal measurement parameter may be the temperature of the fuel cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2011Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: PFK Electronics (Pty) Ltd.Inventor: Donovan Paul Devine
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Publication number: 20130104625Abstract: A gas sensor element (100) includes a laminate of a detection element (300) and a heater (200), and a porous protection layer (20) covering a forward end portion thereof. The laminate has a measuring chamber (107c) into which a gas-to-be-measured is introduced via a diffusion resistor (115). The porous protection layer includes an inner porous layer (21), and an outer porous layer (23). The inner porous layer has a higher porosity than the outer porous layer and the diffusion resistor. As viewed in a plurality of 100 ?m×100 ?m regions a1 to a3 and b1 to b3 on sections of the inner porous layer and the diffusion resistor, respectively, a pore diameter greater than the greatest pore diameter CDIF in the regions of the diffusion resistor exists in each of the regions of the inner porous layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2012Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: NGK SPARK PLUG CO., LTD.Inventor: NGK SPARK PLUG CO., LTD.
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Publication number: 20130104626Abstract: A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes an error period module and a sensor diagnostic module. The error period module determines an error period based on an amount of time that a first air/fuel ratio and a desired air/fuel ratio are different. A first oxygen sensor generates a first signal indicating the first air/fuel ratio. The sensor diagnostic module diagnoses a fault in the first oxygen sensor when the error period is greater than a predetermined period.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2011Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Stephen Paul Levijoki, Thomas J. Majcher, John W. Siekkinen, Michael John Dokter, Scott Jeffrey
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Publication number: 20130104627Abstract: A sensor main body includes a piezoelectric element, which outputs a signal in response to vibration generated from an engine. A sensor support body is configured into a tubular form and supports the sensor main body. The sensor support body has a bolt receiving hole, which extends through the sensor support body and receives a bolt. A protective coating, which is rust resistant and/or corrosion resistant, is formed on an entire surface of the sensor support body. A surface of a corner between a contact surface and a step of the sensor support body is curved or defines an obtuse angle.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2012Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: DENSO CORPORATIONInventor: Denso Corporation
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Publication number: 20130104628Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for determining a condition at an item of media container. The method includes the steps of locating a suction element at a pick up region of a container, selectively connecting a source of negative pressure to the suction element, determining a pressure at the suction element, and determining a condition of the container responsive to the determined pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2011Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: NCR CORPORATIONInventors: Scott L. Colston, Douglas L. Milne
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Publication number: 20130104629Abstract: Disclosed is a holder for measuring a permeability of an unconsolidated sediment. The holder includes a sediment installation part having a solid sediment attached to opposite ends of an unconsolidated sediment along a longitudinal direction; a transverse pressure supply part installed to surround the sediment installation part to supply a predetermined transverse pressure to the sediment installation part by using a fluid supplied from the outside; and a longitudinal pressure supply part installed at opposite ends of the transverse pressure supply part to cover opposite ends of the sediment installation part to be moved along a vertical direction so as to supply a predetermined longitudinal pressure to the sediment installation part.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2012Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: KOREA INSTITUTE OF GEOSCIENCE AND MINERAL RESOURCESInventor: KOREA INSTITUTE OF GEOSCIENCE AND MINERAL RESOURCES
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Publication number: 20130104630Abstract: A measurement apparatus and method for determining a viscosity of a fluid are disclosed. A predetermined pre-fill portion of a sample of the fluid is injected into a capillary at a predetermined flow rate. The pressure differential across the capillary is determined, and the measurement is aborted when the measured pressure is greater than a predetermined maximum pressure. When the measured pressure is less than the predetermined maximum pressure, the remaining portion of the sample is injected into through the capillary. The viscosity of the sample is calculated based on a pressure within the capillary during the injection of the remaining portion of the sample.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2012Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: FREESLATE, INC.Inventor: Freeslate, Inc.
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Publication number: 20130104631Abstract: A pump controller causes a first plunger pump and a second plunger pump connected in series or in parallel to perform intake and compression actions alternately at substantially constant cycles, sets a pressurizing chamber of one of the plunger pumps to a state of a higher pressure than the pressurizing chamber of the other plunger pump, and performs flow rate control by adjusting lift amounts of the first plunger and the second plunger. Thus, it is possible to provide a pump for liquid chromatograph, and a liquid chromatograph, which are capable of reducing pulsations even when an ejection flow rate is changed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2011Publication date: May 2, 2013Inventors: Kenichiro Tokuo, Kenji Hiraku, Hironori Kaji, Daisuke Akieda, Kimihiko Ishii, Naoya Yasuhara
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Publication number: 20130104632Abstract: A biochip including a chip body, a first electrode and a second electrode is provided. The body has a first accommodating cavity, a second accommodating cavity and a micro-fluid channel. The micro-fluid channel is connected with the first accommodating cavity and the second accommodating cavity. The first electrode has a first end and a second end. The first end is used for contacting a first probe of a detection apparatus. The second end is positioned in the first accommodating cavity. The second electrode has a third end and a forth end. The third end is used for contacting a second probe of the detection apparatus. The forth end is positioned in the second accommodating cavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2012Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: WISTRON CORPORATIONInventors: Pai-Yang Lin, Yih-Far Chen, Chin-Kuan Lin, Hsiang-Chia Chen, Sheng-Hsiung Weng
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Publication number: 20130104633Abstract: A system for determining an analyte in a water sample includes at least one stationary sampling site identification transmitter at a sampling site. The at least one stationary sampling site identification transmitter is configured to wirelessly transmit a sampling site identification. A mobile sample container is configured to take a sample at the sampling site. The mobile sample container comprises a transmitter and receiver device. The transmitter and receiver device comprises a memory for the sampling site identification and for a sampling time stamp. A time stamp generator comprises a time stamp transmitter configured to wirelessly transmit the sampling time stamp. A water analysis device comprises a receiver configured to wirelessly receive the sampling site identification and the sampling time stamp from the transmitter and receiver device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2011Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: HACH LANGE GMBHInventors: Dietmar Zangenberg, Carsten Schulz
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Publication number: 20130104634Abstract: The present invention provides an instrument and a method for examining the condition of column-shaped or cylindrical sections of objects. It comprises a drive device having a drill chuck, which holds a drill needle that can be driven by the drive device, and a guiding device for guided insertion of the drill needle into the object to be examined. The guiding device is a telescopic tube that comprises a shorter inner tube section that is arranged in a longer outer tube section such that it is axially displaceable, and has a longitudinally arranged measuring scale on its outer circumference. The telescopic tube is placed on the drive device in non-rotating manner via the inner tube section. The inner and the outer tube sections have guiding means for centrally-axially guiding the drill needle, which extends in central-axial direction from the drill chuck through the inner tube section and through the outer tube section.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2011Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: IML-INSTRUMENTA MECHANIK LABOR GMBHInventors: Erich Hunger, Sebastian Hunger
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Publication number: 20130104635Abstract: A method for detecting a first rotation angle of a first shaft of an engine is provided, whereby a first marking carrier with sensor-readable markings is provided, whereby the markings form a first marking pattern that has marking sections having at least one first and a second marking section. The first marking carrier is scanned by a first sensor and a first sensor signal is generated. The first sensor signal is modulated by the markings on the marking carrier. A correlation between a time course of the first sensor signal and a time signal is made by a computing unit. A first marking section is recovered from the first sensor signal by the computing unit, and then, a first exclusion criterion for excluding the first stored marking section is determined from the recovered first marking section. The first stored marking section is then excluded by the first exclusion criteria.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2012Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: dSpace digital signal processing and control engineering GmbHInventor: dSpace digital signal processing and control engineering GmbH
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Publication number: 20130104636Abstract: A method is provided for determining a time duration for an electric actuation of a valve which has a coil drive, in particular of a direct-injection valve for an internal combustion engine. The method may include a deactivation of a current flow through a coil of the coil drive, such that the coil is in a currentless state, a detection of a time profile of a voltage induced in the currentless coil, a determination of the closing time of the valve on the basis of the detected time profile, and a determination of a time duration of the electric actuation of the valve for a future injection process on the basis of the determined closing time. A corresponding device and a computer program for carrying out the described method are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2011Publication date: May 2, 2013Inventors: Johannes Beer, Erwin Achleitner
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Publication number: 20130104637Abstract: A control method for monitoring a selective catalytic reduction (“SCR”) device is provided. A control method includes adjusting an existing efficiency threshold based on a dosing adaptation value to determine an efficiency threshold. The dosing adaptation value represents an adjusted value of a supply of reductant based on a determined deviation of a downstream NOx concentration value to an expected NOx concentration. The control method includes comparing the efficiency threshold with a determined efficiency of the SCR device. The control method includes generating a message based on comparing the efficiency threshold with the determined efficiency of the SCR device.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2012Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Janean E. Kowalkowski, John Coppola
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Publication number: 20130104638Abstract: A NOx sensor diagnosis device which can diagnose validity of a NOx sensor by considering an environmental condition and can prevent erroneous diagnosis, and a selective catalytic reduction system are provided. The device provided in an exhaust pipe of an engine E and diagnosing a NOx sensor that detects NOx concentration in an exhaust gas, a diagnosis prohibition determination unit is provided that prohibits diagnosis of the NOx sensor during diesel particulate filter regeneration, during power take-off operation or during exhaust brake operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2011Publication date: May 2, 2013Inventors: Hirotaka Takahashi, Masashi Mizutani, Takanobu Ogawa
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Publication number: 20130104639Abstract: A checking device for checking automotive suspension system comprises a rod and a work piece fixed on the rod. The work piece includes a work surface for pressing against a tread portion of the wheel. Rotating the rod can make the wheel and the suspension system connected thereto sway in a direction different from the forward rotating direction of the wheel. Then the user can find out the faults by the abnormal sound made by the respective components of the suspension system, so that the checking device for checking automotive suspension system is capable of reducing the time for finding out the faults in the suspension system.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2011Publication date: May 2, 2013Inventor: Michael Mueller
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Publication number: 20130104640Abstract: Embodiments relate to indirect tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMSs) and methods that utilize anti-lock braking system (ABS) signals. In embodiments, information from the ABS Hall signal is obtained before pulse forming. The information can be analyzed for resonance within the ABS sensor. In some embodiments, the digitized information can be modulated onto the conventional ABS wheel speed clock signal for transmission to and analysis by the indirect TPMS electronic control unit (ECU). According to embodiments, additional information about higher-order harmonics of the wheel rotation can be provided to the TPMS ECU, which can then calculate a more accurate estimation of tire pressure while reducing warning latency.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2011Publication date: May 2, 2013Inventor: Martin Gotschlich
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Publication number: 20130104641Abstract: A logging tool, toolstring (10), or element (19) comprises a stabilizer including a pair of moveable, rigid, main stabilizer arms (23, 24) that each is pivotably secured adjacent to one another at one end to the logging tool or toolstring. As a result the arms (23, 24) are moveable between a relatively retracted position on the one hand and a relatively advanced position on the other in which the main stabilizer arms diverge from one another and protrude from the logging tool so as to present a pair of main arm free ends (29, 31) that are spaced from an outer surface of the tool and are engageable with a borehole surface. The logging tool (10) or element (19) includes a mechanism for effecting coordinated, powered, linked movement of the main stabilizer arms (23, 24) between the retracted and advanced positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2011Publication date: May 2, 2013Inventors: James R. Samworth, Michael J. Chaplin
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Publication number: 20130104642Abstract: Determining constituent components of a fluid sample. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including: creating electromagnetic energy with a wavelength in the infrared region; directing the electromagnetic energy into a fluid sample; modulating the electromagnetic energy at a modulation frequency; directing the electromagnetic energy that passes through the fluid sample to a first resonant chamber, the first resonant chamber has an acoustic resonant frequency substantially equal to the modulation frequency; absorbing at least a portion of the electromagnetic energy by a detector fluid within the first resonant chamber; detecting acoustic energy within the first resonant chamber; and determining a first constituent component of the fluid sample based on the acoustic energy within the first resonant chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2010Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: LANDMARK GRAPHICS CORPORATIONInventors: Michael T. Pelletier, Christopher M. Jones
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Publication number: 20130104643Abstract: A tool for testing a tubular has a shaft with a fluid passageway connecting a first port and one or more second ports. A sealing element seals against the tubular member. The shaft moves relative to the sealing sleeve between an open position in which the first port is in fluid communication with the second port and a closed position in which the sealing sleeve closes the first port. An anchor secures the sealing sleeve relative to the tubular member to permit the shaft to move from the open position to the closed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2012Publication date: May 2, 2013Inventor: Wade TOKAREK
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Publication number: 20130104644Abstract: A coiled member measuring device includes a main frame fixedly anchored in relation to the outer casing or the coiled member handling device of a well and an inner housing supported by the main frame for unrestricted lateral movement in at least two different directions transverse to one another and in a common plane oriented perpendicularly to an axial direction of the outer casing. Followers in the inner housing surround an axial passage receiving a coiled member such as coiled tubing or continuous rod therethrough. Two adjacent followers are supported in a V-shaped pattern for sliding movement diametrically opposite a third remaining follower. Sensors associated with the followers permit determination of overall circumference and length of the coiled member.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2012Publication date: May 2, 2013Inventor: Shawn Rodney Van Drecht
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Publication number: 20130104645Abstract: Diagnosing a pump apparatus having a downhole pump disposed in a deviated wellbore characterizes axial and transverse displacement of a rod string with two coupled non-linear differential equations of fourth order, which include axial and transverse equations of motion. To solve the equations, derivatives are replaced with finite difference analogs. Initial axial displacement of the rod string is calculated by assuming there is no transverse displacement and solving the axial equation. Initial axial force is calculated using the initial axial displacement and assuming there is no transverse displacement. Initial transverse displacement is calculated using the initial axial force and the initial axial displacement. Axial force and friction force are calculated using the initial displacements, and the axial displacement at the downhole pump is calculated by solving the axial equation with the axial force and the friction force. Load at the downhole pump is calculated so a downhole card can be generated.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2012Publication date: May 2, 2013Inventor: Victoria M. Pons
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Publication number: 20130104646Abstract: An improved net radiometer that measures the total net difference between incoming solar and surface reflected radiant short-wave solar energy flux, and inclusive of the down and upwelling long-wave infrared terrestrial radiant energy flux, within the combined short-wave and long-wave far infrared spectral range is disclosed. Disclosed are net radiometers with thermal absorbers structured to reduce wind sensitivity while maintaining or improving response time. Also disclosed are net radiometers that are configured in a novel way to reduce moisture and water accumulation on the thermal absorber surfaces. In addition, net radiometers are disclosed where the components are configured and thermal absorber structured to reduce unit-to-unit inconsistencies and minimize absorber sensitivity asymmetry effect between the upper and lower instrument absorbers.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2012Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: ACCUFLUX INC.Inventor: ACCUFLUX INC.
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Publication number: 20130104647Abstract: An apparatus for determining and/or monitoring at least one process variable of a medium in a container which comprises a mechanically oscillatable structure, which has at least one oscillation characteristic dependent on the process variable, an electromechanical transducer having at least one piezoelectric element, which excites the structure, by means of an excitation signal supplied to the transducer, to execute mechanical oscillations, and which converts the resulting oscillations of the structure into a received signal, which corresponds to a superpositioning of the excitation signal and a wanted signal representing the oscillation.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2011Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KGInventors: Sergej Lopatin, Martin Urban
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Publication number: 20130104648Abstract: A torsional sensor including a high-pressure sealing mechanism for sensing at least one parameter of a high-pressure fluid. The torsional sensor includes a torsional portion including a torsional rod sensor, a reference portion coupled to the torsional portion and including a transducer device and a high-pressure sealing mechanism coupled to the reference portion and the torsional portion and in sealing arrangement therewith. The high-pressure sealing mechanism is configured to provide for sealing therein the transducer device and allow for protrusion therethrough of a torsional rod sensor. At least a portion of the torsional sensor is mountable for immersion in the high-pressure fluid and operable to propagate a torsional wave that interacts with the high-pressure fluid along the at least portion of the torsional sensor so as to affect propagation of the torsional wave in a manner dependent on the at least one parameter of the high-pressure fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2011Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Andrzej Michal May, John Robert Ward, Vamshi Krishna Reddy Kommareddy
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Publication number: 20130104649Abstract: A sensor device may comprise a base portion extending in a depth direction of a container, a pair of electrodes attaching to a surface of the base portion and a filter portion surrounding the pair of electrodes. In a plan view perpendicular to the depth direction of the container, a measuring range in which the pair of electrodes may be disposed and a non-measuring range in which the pair of electrodes may be not disposed are provided in a circumferential direction with the base portion at a center. The filter portion may comprise a filter, and a wall having a lower liquid permeability than the filter. At least a part of the wall may be located within the measuring range.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2012Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: AISAN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: AISAN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
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Publication number: 20130104650Abstract: A cycle crank includes a first portion for attachment to a cycle and a second portion spaced from the first portion for attachment to a pedal; wherein the crank includes a sensor for determining, in use, a value representative of a force applied to the crank; an angular rate sensor for determining, in use, the angular rated of rotation of the crank; and a processor for determining the angular position of the crank from the determined angular rate of rotation and associating the position with its corresponding value representative of a force applied to the crank.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2012Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: BF1SYSTEMS LIMITEDInventor: bf1systems Limited
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Publication number: 20130104651Abstract: An inertial sensor (20) includes a drive mass (30) configured to undergo oscillatory motion and a sense mass (32) linked to the drive mass (30). On-axis torsion springs (58) are coupled to the sense mass (32), the on-axis torsion springs (58) being co-located with an axis of rotation (22). The inertial sensor (20) further includes an off-axis spring system (60). The off-axis spring system (60) includes off-axis springs (68, 70, 72, 74), each having a connection interface (76) coupled to the sense mass (32) at a location on the sense mass (32) that is displaced away from the axis of rotation (22). Together, the on-axis torsion springs (58) and the off-axis spring system (60) enable the sense mass (32) to oscillate out of plane about the axis of rotation (22) at a sense frequency that substantially matches a drive frequency of the drive mass (30).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2011Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.Inventors: Gary G. Li, Yizhen Lin, Andrew C. McNeil, Lisa Z. Zhang
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Publication number: 20130104652Abstract: A driving circuit for a gyroscope device provided with a micromechanical detection structure having a driving mass, which is driven in resonance condition and elastically coupled to which is a sensing mass for enabling detection of angular velocity; the driving circuit has: a set of driving electrodes, coupled to the driving mass; a driving stage supplying driving signals to the set of driving electrodes to cause oscillation in resonance condition of the driving mass; and a reading stage, which detects movement of the driving mass to implement a feedback control of the driving signals. In particular, the reading stage is selectively coupleable to the set of driving electrodes in a way temporally alternative to the driving stage, for discrete-time detection of the movement of the driving mass.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2012Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.Inventor: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
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Publication number: 20130104653Abstract: A MEMS gyroscope is provided. A substrate can be formed with a substantially planar surface, a substantially hemispherical cavity extending into the surface, an actuation electrode, and a plurality of sensing electrodes. A resonator formed from a substantially hemispherical shell can be suspended within the cavity by a stem coupling the center of the bottom of the cavity to the center of the bottom of the shell. An electronic processor can be configured to cause a voltage to be applied to the actuation electrode, receive signals from the sensing electrodes, and process the received signals to determine rotation of the MEMS gyroscope.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2012Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.Inventor: The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.
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Publication number: 20130104654Abstract: A micromechanical component includes: a substrate; a seismic weight joined to the substrate at a first suspension mount; at least one first electrode for measuring a motion of the seismic weight in a first direction, the first electrode being joined to the substrate at a second suspension mount; and at least one second electrode for measuring a motion of the seismic weight in a second direction different from the first direction, the second electrode being joined to the substrate at a third suspension mount. The first electrode is mechanically connected to the second suspension mount with the aid of a support arm and set apart from the second suspension mount.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2012Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: ROBERT BOSCH GMBHInventor: Robert Bosch GmbH
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Publication number: 20130104655Abstract: A fibre optical accelerometer comprising a base structure, a first seismic mass movably coupled to the base structure through a first hinge element, a second seismic mass movably coupled to the base structure through a second hinge element, an optical fibre coupled to the first and second seismic masses at first and second attachment joints, respectively, to subject the optical fibre to varying strain by displacement of the first and second seismic masses about the first and second hinge structures, respectively.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2011Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: Bruel & Kjaer Sound & Vibration Measurement A/SInventors: Søren Andresen, Torben Rask Licht
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Publication number: 20130104656Abstract: An apparatus includes a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device including a mass anchored to a substrate. The MEMS device is configured to generate an output signal indicative of motion of the mass with respect to the substrate. The MEMS device includes a feedback module configured to provide a control signal to the MEMS device. The control signal is based on the output signal. The MEMS device is configured to apply a damping force to the mass in response to the control signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2011Publication date: May 2, 2013Inventor: Eric B. Smith
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Publication number: 20130104657Abstract: An ultrasonic particle measuring system having an ultrasonic transducer with at least one ultrasonic transducer element and at least one coupling element, wherein, during operation, acoustic signals are transmittable and receivable by the ultrasonic transducer element via the coupling element, wherein the coupling element is embodied as an acoustic lens, and the ultrasonic, particle measuring system has an evaluation unit suitable for amplitude analysis of reflection signals of acoustic signals reflected from particles to the ultrasonic transducer, and wherein, with the evaluation unit, amplitudes of reflection signals in a predetermined time interval are countable, which are greater than a predetermined threshold value.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2011Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AGInventors: Yaoying Lin, Beat Kissling, Wolfgang Drahm, Thomas Frohlich
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Publication number: 20130104658Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer driving circuit configured to supply an output current and/or an output voltage to an output line for driving an ultrasonic transducer is provided. The ultrasonic transducer driving circuit includes a first current discharge circuit configured to allow a current arising from electric charges accumulated in the ultrasonic transducer to flow from the output line to ground when the output line is at a positive voltage, and a second current discharge circuit configured to allow the current arising from the electric charges accumulated in the ultrasonic transducer to flow from ground to the output line when the output line is at a negative voltage. The first current discharge circuit and the second current discharge circuit are controlled based on the output current and/or the output voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2011Publication date: May 2, 2013Inventors: Shinichi Amemiya, Bruno Haider, Krishnakumar Sundaresan
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Publication number: 20130104659Abstract: At least one location on a component is to be inspected by performing non-destructive testing. The components to be tested typically include piping and plate materials or a structural component. The components to be tested are typically storage and transmission components. A guided wave probe is installed on the component at the at least one location. A wave is transmitted a along the component. A reflected wave is analyzed to determine if a fault or damage condition exists or if a specific geometric feature, which is unable to be seen visually, is present. A location of the condition is determined based on the analysis. A localized test at the location is performed to determine structural integrity. The location is marked and its respective condition is recorded for follow-up analysis. The follow-up analysis is performed at the location for the respective condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2012Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: Amerapex CorporationInventors: James E. PARKER, Clyde O. ADAMS, III
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Publication number: 20130104660Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer module for an ultrasonic sensor for detection and/or examination of value documents which includes at least one piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer with electrical connecting strands, and a mounting module for holding the ultrasonic transducer for mounting on a connection support. The mounting module has conducting paths which are electrically connected to the connecting strands of the ultrasonic transducer and which have contact areas which are so configured that the ultrasonic transducer module is placeable for mounting onto a surface of the connection support on which there are located contact areas complementary to the conducting path contact areas, with the contact areas and the complementary contact areas being solderable to each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2011Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: GIESECKE & DEVRIENT GMBHInventors: Joseph Lohner, Hans-Uwe Moosler, Ernst Rausch, Walter Berngeher
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Publication number: 20130104661Abstract: In accordance with various aspects of the disclosure, a method and apparatus is disclosed for optically resolving one or more vibrating objects at an unknown distance using a vibrometer. The vibrometer includes a processor, a memory, and an optical device including a transmitter and a receiver. The method includes transmitting a first optical waveform having a linear frequency modulated chirp from the transmitter towards a region of space. At the receiver, a second optical waveform reflected from the one or more vibrating objects in the region of space is received. The vibrometer determines both a vibration frequency and a range information associated with the one or more vibrating objects based upon one or more characteristics of the second optical waveform. The determined vibration frequency and range information are stored in the memory for processing by the processor.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2011Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: RAYTHEON COMPANYInventors: Matthew J. KLOTZ, Jean-Paul BULOT
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Publication number: 20130104662Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing an object. A testing unit comprises a base structure, a contact structure, and piezoelectric transducers. The piezoelectric transducers are located between the base structure and the contact structure. A preload is present on the piezoelectric transducers.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2011Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: James P. Rogers, Abbas Mandvi, Chi Chin Lee, Chhour M. Thong, Anthony Charles Buono
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Publication number: 20130104663Abstract: A coplanar process fluid pressure sensor module is provided. The module includes a coplanar base and a housing body. The coplanar base has a pair of process fluid pressure inlets, each having an isolator diaphragm. The housing body is coupled to the coplanar base at an interface between the coplanar base and the housing body. A differential pressure sensor is operably coupled to the pair of process fluid pressure inlets, and is disposed proximate the coplanar base within the housing body.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2011Publication date: May 2, 2013Inventors: Robert C. Hedtke, David A. Broden
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Publication number: 20130104664Abstract: An apparatus for testing flexible containers traveling along a production line is disclosed. The apparatus includes a compression assembly in line with the production line. The compression assembly has a flexible section for directly contacting and applying a predetermined compression over a predetermined distance to a plurality of containers as they travel by an inspection station. The apparatus also includes a sensor assembly provided in direct contact with a container while a container is in the inspection station. The sensor assembly is arranged to sense the force applied by the compression assembly to the container. The sensor assembly generates a signal that varies in accordance with the internal pressure of the containers as they pass by the sensor assembly. The apparatus further includes a processing circuit configured to receive the signals from the sensor assembly and to determine the acceptability of the internal pressure of the containers.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2012Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: Teledyne Instruments, Inc.Inventor: Teledyne Instruments, Inc.
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Publication number: 20130104665Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention relates to a layered structure usable in a strain sensor. In one embodiment, the layered structure has a substrate with a first surface and an opposite, second surface defining a body portion therebetween; and a film of carbon nanotubes deposited on the first surface of the substrate, wherein the film of carbon nanotubes is conductive and characterized with an electrical resistance. In one embodiment, the carbon nanotubes are aligned in a preferential direction. In one embodiment, the carbon nanotubes are formed in a yarn such that any mechanical stress increases their electrical response. In one embodiment, the carbon nanotubes are incorporated into a polymeric scaffold that is attached to the surface of the substrate. In one embodiment, the surfaces of the carbon nanotubes are functionalized such that its electrical conductivity is increased.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2012Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSASInventor: Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas
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Publication number: 20130104666Abstract: A load detection device for a vehicle seat includes a strain generating body including a first end hole, a second end hole and a strain gauge, a first fixing member including a first middle shaft portion and a first end shaft portion, a second fixing member including a second middle shaft portion and a second end shaft portion, a bracket member including first and second fixing portions connected to each other with a connecting portion, first and second fixing holes, the first end shaft portion is press-fitted into the first fixing hole, the second fixing hole is fitted onto the second end shaft portion in a manner that the second fixing hole includes a degree of freedom of a movement thereof in a lengthwise direction and a movement thereof in a direction intersecting with the lengthwise direction is restricted, and a connecting member.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2012Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
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Publication number: 20130104667Abstract: An ultrasonic flow rate measuring device which measures a flow rate of a medium flowing in the tube body, when one of a plurality of the ultrasonic transmitting-receiving means transmit an ultrasonic wave as a transmitting means, by making another one of a plurality of the ultrasonic transmitting-receiving means receive the ultrasonic wave as a receiving means, and when the other ultrasonic transmitting-receiving means transmit the ultrasonic wave as the transmitting means, by making the one ultrasonic transmitting-receiving means receive the ultrasonic wave as the receiving means, wherein an ultrasonic wave propagation control means which controls a propagation of the ultrasonic wave is equipped between the ultrasonic transmitting-receiving means as the transmitting means and the receiving means. Further, the ultrasonic flow rate measuring device is easily mounted to a tube body.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2012Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: KABUSHIKIGAISHA IZUMI GIKENInventor: Kabushikigaisha Izumi Giken
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Publication number: 20130104668Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring volume flow rate of a liquid flowing into a container and/or volume of the liquid flowed into the container, with which method, respectively with which apparatus a high measure of automation is achievable in microfluidic systems, especially in the field of analysis Before liquid flows in, gas is enclosed under a starting pressure in a predetermined starting volume in the container, then liquid is allowed to flow into the container to compress the enclosed gas to a gas volume dependent on the volume of the flowed-in liquid, and to effect a rise of gas pressure of the gas in the container relative to the starting pressure dependent on the volume of liquid which has flowed in and on the volume flow rate of the inflowing liquid, the gas pressure in the container is measured as a function of time, and the volume flowed in up to a given time and/or the volume flow rate of inflowing liquid at the given time are/is determined based on the measured gas pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2011Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: Endress + Hauser Conducta Gesellschaft fur Mess - und Regeltechnik mbH + Co. KGInventors: Michael Hanko, Stefanie Honncher
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Publication number: 20130104669Abstract: An operation body is oscillatably supported by a fulcrum member. One side of the operation body is in contact with a projection of an actuator of a pressing force sensor, and a preload is applied to another side of the operation body by a compression coil spring as a preloading elastic member. By the preload, a detection output of the pressing force sensor is set at a neutral point. An operating force by which the one side of the operation body is pressed and an operating force by which the other side of the operation body is pressed can be distinctly detected with the single pressing force sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2012Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: ALPS ELECTRIC CO., LTD.Inventor: ALPS ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
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Publication number: 20130104670Abstract: A test system configured to impart a body disturbance to a test specimen and measure motion or displacement of the test specimen in response to the input body disturbance. The system includes one or more actuator devices configured to replicate motion or displacement of the body imparted through the original input body disturbance utilizing the measured motion or displacement. As disclosed, the system includes algorithms or instructions to generate control parameters utilizing the measured motion or displacement to control operation of the one or more actuator devices. The force applied through the one or more actuator devices to replicate the measured motion or displacement is used to determine the force or load applied to the body via the input disturbance.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2012Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: MTS Systems CorporationInventor: MTS Systems Corporation
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Publication number: 20130104671Abstract: An arrangement for the direct contacting of contact mechanism has a first contact mechanism arranged on a contact carrier and a second contact mechanism. The second contact mechanism acts with a predetermined contact force on the first contact mechanism. The contact carrier includes a plastic injection premolding of galvanizable plastic and a nongalvanizable plastic. The galvanizable plastic has a predetermined resilient behavior and the first contact mechanism is formed by a metal layer having predetermined dimensions. The first contact mechanism can be applied onto the galvanizable plastic in a galvanic process. The resilient behavior of the galvanizable plastic and the dimensions of the metal layer form, under the predetermined contact force, a microdepression configured to guide the second contact mechanism in the first contact mechanism. A corresponding connection device for a pressure measurement cell includes such a direct contacting arrangement.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2012Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Robert Bosch GmbH
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Publication number: 20130104672Abstract: A multi-axis force sensing apparatus that is installed at an operational end of a surgery robot and is capable of measuring force acting upon the operational end and a robot arm including the force sensing apparatus includes a body that is elastically deformable and has a pipe form extending along an axial direction of the body, an optical fiber strain gauge attached to a surface of the body to measure a tension and compression of the body in at least three directions. The optical fiber strain gauge may include at least three fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) that are attached to the surface of the body and extended in an axial direction of the body, a light source providing light to each of the FBGs, and a light detector detecting light reflected by the FBGs or light that has passed through the FBGs.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2012Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Jun-hyung Kim, Hyun--do Choi, Yeon-ho Kim, Chang-bae Park
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Publication number: 20130104673Abstract: In a pan coating apparatus provided with a rotating drum, a sampling portion is provided at a leading end portion of a sampling pipe extending inside and outside the rotating drum. The sampling portion swings between a pickup position A and a suction position D within the drum. The sampling portion introduces objects to be processed in the sampling portion, and then the objects are scooped out while moving the sampling portion to the suction position B. Thereafter, the objects are sucked by an ejector and fed to a sample collecting portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2012Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: FREUND CORPORATIONInventor: FREUND CORPORATION