By Measuring A Fluid Pressure Patents (Class 73/862.581)
  • Patent number: 11959818
    Abstract: A method for predicting the explosion pressure of a medium- and large-size cell module, according to the present invention, comprises the steps of: (S100) deriving a profile (SOC-temperature profile) of the generation temperature according to a state of charge (SOC) of a medium- and large-size cell module to be predicted; (S200) mounting a small cell inside an explosion pressure measurement device; (S300) overcharging the small cell until an explosion occurs while heating the small cell in the same manner as the SOC-temperature profile derived in step (S100); (S400) measuring the pressure during the explosion of the small cell; and (S500) converting the pressure during the explosion of the measured small cell into pressure of a medium- and large-size cell module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: LG ENERGY SOLUTION, LTD.
    Inventors: Ji Hye Park, Su Hyun Kim
  • Patent number: 11692919
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a reciprocating rock fracture friction-seepage characteristic test device and method. The test device includes an X-axis shear system, a Y-axis stress loading system, a Z-axis stress loading system, a servo oil source system, 5 a pore pressure loading system, and a host. The X-axis shear system includes an X-axis EDC controller, an upper shear box, a lower shear box, an X-axis left hydraulic cylinder, an X-axis right hydraulic cylinder, an X-axis left pressure head, an X-axis right pressure head, an X-axis left pressure sensor, an X-axis right pressure sensor, an X-axis displacement sensor, and an X-axis 10 displacement sensor. The pore pressure loading system includes an air cylinder, a pressure gauge, a pressure reducing valve, a fluid inlet pipeline, a fluid outlet pipeline, and a flowmeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignees: CHONGQING INSTITUTE OF GEOLOGY AND MINERAL RESOURCES, CHONGQING UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Zhaohui Lu, Yunzhong Jia, Jiren Tang, Yugang Cheng, Junping Zhou, Lei Zhou, Pei He
  • Patent number: 11448566
    Abstract: A first shaft segment and a second shaft segment are joined by a first fastener and a second fastener to form a shaft test assembly. The first shaft segment and the second shaft segment are each curved between first and second circumferential ends. A method of testing a shaft includes displacing a first applicator part relative a second applicator part to exert a load on the shaft test assembly. The resulting shear stress on the shaft test assembly can be measured to determine material properties of the shaft. A first applicator part extends at least partially into the shaft test assembly and interfaces with the first shaft segment to apply a load. A second applicator part extends at least partially into the shaft test assembly and interfaces with the second shaft segment to apply a load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Mark R. Gurvich, Brayton Reed, Kevin Thomas Gryk, Michael King, Joyel M. Schaefer
  • Patent number: 10985131
    Abstract: A microelectronic device includes a chip housing a functional part and carrying first electrical contact regions in electrical connection with the functional part through first protected connections extending over or in the chip. A substrate has a first contact area and a second contact area, which is remote from the first contact area. The first contact area carries second electrical contact regions, and the second contact area carries external connection regions. The second contact regions and the external connection regions are in mutual electrical connection through second protected connections extending over or in the substrate. A protection-ring structure surrounds the first and second electrical contact regions and delimits a first chamber closed with respect to the outside. The first electrical contact regions and the second electrical contact regions are in mutual electrical contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: STMICROELECTRONICS S.R.L.
    Inventors: Daniele Caltabiano, Agatino Minotti
  • Patent number: 10809309
    Abstract: Systems and corresponding methods for monitoring of a state of charge or a state of health of a battery are described. For example, the battery monitoring system may include strain gauges to measure dimensions or changes in dimension of cells of the battery, and may determine states of charge of the cells based on dimensional changes over time, e.g., based on data from strain gauges. The dimensional changes may also be corrected for dimensional changes due to thermal strain. In addition, states of health of individual cells of the battery may be determined by comparing the dimensional changes of each of the cells over time. Further, the data from strain gauges may be received at various frequencies, e.g., based on an expected operational duration of the battery and/or based on a current state of charge or state of health.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Chengwu Cui, Benjamin Martin Schweitzer
  • Patent number: 10704976
    Abstract: A pressure sensor according to the present invention includes a diaphragm (3) including a first principal surface (3A) and a second principal surface (3B) that is opposite thereto, the first principal surface receiving a pressure of a fluid; a semiconductor chip (1) provided with resistors that constitute a strain gauge; and at least three support members (2a, 2b, 2c) made of an insulating material, each support member being fixed to the second principal surface at one end thereof and to the semiconductor chip at the other end thereof and extending perpendicularly to the second principal surface so as to support the semiconductor chip. One of the support members (2a) is provided at a center (30) of the diaphragm in plan view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: AZBIL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yuki Seto, Masayuki Yoneda, Yoshiyuki Ishikura, Tomohisa Tokuda, Rina Ogasawara
  • Patent number: 10496209
    Abstract: An electronic device can include a force and touch sensing system. In one embodiment, an input force sensor device of an electronic device is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Krishna Prasad Vummidi Murali, Hari Vasudevan, Michael A. Lehr, Wesley S. Smith
  • Patent number: 9931085
    Abstract: Methods and devices for monitoring the position of a subject are disclosed. One such method includes sensing pressure waves generated by the subject moving on a divided bladder comprising interleaved portions, generating signals indicative of the pressure waves for each of the interleaved portions, and sending the signals to a processor. The method further includes determining the position of the subject based on the difference between the signals from each of the interleaved portions and generating a pattern for the subject. The pattern includes the presence and/or position of the subject over time. The method further includes predicting an action such as an exit of the subject from the divided bladder based on comparing a current pattern for the subject to previous patterns for the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Select Comfort Retail Corporation
    Inventors: Steven Jay Young, Carl Hewitt, Al Luckow
  • Publication number: 20150128726
    Abstract: The invention relates to a test bench (1) for testing a drive train of a wind turbine, comprising a drive device (40) for introducing test power into the drive train, which can be detachably connected to a drive train to be tested. The invention further relates to a method for testing a drive train of a wind turbine by way of a test bench (1), and to a drive train of a wind turbine. The test bench (1) according to the invention is characterized in that the drive device (40) for testing a drive train is or will be fitted and mounted on or to the drive train so as to be removable, wherein most of the weight of the drive device (40) is borne by the drive train when the drive device (40) is fitted or mounted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2015
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventor: Carsten Eusterbarkey
  • Patent number: 9016142
    Abstract: A collision detection device which can determine in a short time a collision to each portion of a chamber member in the longitudinal direction thereof and which is highly reliable. A collision determination system (10) is provided with: a chamber member (20) which is disposed with the longitudinal direction thereof aligned with the vehicle width direction, has a pressure chamber (22) formed therein, and is provided forward of bumper reinforcement (14); a pair of pressure sensors (24) which is provided to the chamber member (20) at positions spaced from each other in the longitudinal direction thereof and outputs a signal corresponding to a variation in the pressure within the pressure chamber (22); and a collision determination ECU (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Takahashi, Takatoshi Tanabe
  • Patent number: 8978486
    Abstract: A collision detecting device and a collision detecting method are provided that enable accurate detection of a collision based on pressure change in a pressure chamber. A collision body discriminating system (10) is provided with: a chamber member (18) elongated in the vehicle width direction, having a pressure chamber (24) therein and provided in front of a bumper reinforcement (14); an absorber (20) elongated in the vehicle width direction and provided in front of the bumper reinforcement (14); a pressure sensor (22) for outputting a signal corresponding to a change in the pressure in the pressure chamber (24); and an ECU (26) for discriminating a collision body on the basis of a signal from the pressure sensor (22). The chamber member (18) and the absorber (20) are arranged in a vertical relationship with a gap (C) therebetween, and this allows the chamber member (18) and the absorber (20) to deform independently of each other when the collision body collides with the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Takahashi, Sotaro Narita, Takatoshi Tanabe
  • Patent number: 8833181
    Abstract: A reversible force measuring device that can comprise at least one cavity, at least one load receiving area, and at least one indicating material; wherein the indicating material moves in or out of the at least one cavity as its volume changes to indicate the magnitude and/or direction of the applied loads. A reversible force measuring device that can comprise at least one cavity, at least one load receiving area, and at least one indicating material; a fastener causes the indicating material to move in and out of the at least one cavity to indicate the magnitude and/or direction of the applied loads. A reversible force measuring device comprising at least two independent cavities, at least one load receiving area, and at least one indicating material; wherein the difference in volume changes indicates the force as the indicating material moves in or out of the at least two cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Inventor: Geoffrey Keith Rowe
  • Patent number: 8783120
    Abstract: The present invention provides a testing system of metal sheet, and the system at least comprises a clipping apparatus, a hydraulic press apparatus and a measuring apparatus. The clipping apparatus comprises a first mold, a second mold and a hyperelastic plate. The hydraulic press apparatus connects to the clipping apparatus and transfer a hydraulic pressure via the second mold to the one of the testing sheet set to let it bulge along an orientation toward the first mold. The measuring apparatus connects with the clipping apparatus and the hydraulic press apparatus separately to measure a momentary pressure of the hydraulic pressure and the bulge height of the one of the testing sheet set. A testing method using the abovementioned system is also disclosed in the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: National Chiao Tung University
    Inventors: Chinghua Hung, Yan-Yo Chen, Yu-Chung Tsai
  • Publication number: 20140190276
    Abstract: The present invention provides a testing system of metal sheet, and the system at least comprises a clipping apparatus, a hydraulic press apparatus and a measuring apparatus. The clipping apparatus comprises a first mold, a second mold and a hyperelastic plate. The hydraulic press apparatus connects to the clipping apparatus and transfer a hydraulic pressure via the second mold to the one of the testing sheet set to let it bulge along an orientation toward the first mold. The measuring apparatus connects with the clipping apparatus and the hydraulic press apparatus separately to measure a momentary pressure of the hydraulic pressure and the bulge height of the one of the testing sheet set. A testing method using the abovementioned system is also disclosed in the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: National Chiao Tung University
    Inventors: Chinghua HUNG, Yan-Yo CHEN, Yu-Chung TSAI
  • Patent number: 8733184
    Abstract: A position testing apparatus includes a stage on which a piezoelectric element object is set, a through hole formed through the stage and covered with the piezoelectric element set on the stage according to a positioning state, and a flow measurement unit configured to draw air through the through hole from around the piezoelectric element and determine the positioning state of the piezoelectric element according to a flow rate of the drawn air. The position testing apparatus is capable of surely testing a positioning state of the piezoelectric element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: NHK Spring Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shogo Ogaki, Takashi Ando
  • Publication number: 20140069212
    Abstract: A compliant tactile sensor may include sponge-like material, a flexible skin, and a fluid pressure sensor. The flexible skin may have a shape, absorb fluid, compress in response to force applied to the sponge-like material, and decompress and return to its original shape when the force is removed. The flexible skin may cover an outer surface of the sponge-like material. The fluid pressure sensor may sense changes in pressure in fluid that is within the sponge-like material caused by a force applied to the flexible skin. A robotic system may include a movable robotic arm, a compliant tactile sensor on the movable robotic arm that senses contact between the compliant tactile sensor and an object during movement of the movable robotic arm and that cushions the effect of that contact, and a reflex system that causes the moveable robotic arm to move in response to commands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: SynTouch, LLC
    Inventors: Jeremy A. Fishel, Gerald E. Loeb, Raymond A. Peck, Chia-Hsien Lin, Blaine Matulevich, Vikram Pandit
  • Patent number: 8656788
    Abstract: A ring shear apparatus for measuring a shear strength of soil samples. The ring shear apparatus considering a wall-slip effect including: an upper ring for forming a first accommodation portion having a ring shape in which soil samples are accommodated; a lower ring for forming a second accommodation portion that corresponds to the first accommodation portion of the upper ring and has a ring shape in which soil samples are accommodated, closely attached to a lower portion of the upper ring and rotatably installed relative to the upper ring; a rotating unit for rotating the lower ring relative to the upper ring; and a shear strength measuring sensor combined with the upper ring and for measuring a shear strength of the soil samples, wherein a plurality of protrusions that protrudes from the lower ring is formed on an inner circumferential surface of the lower ring along a circumferential direction of the lower ring in order to prevent the soil samples from being slid when the lower ring is rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM)
    Inventors: Sueng-Won Jeong, Young-Suk Song, Choon Oh Lee, Kyeong-Su Kim
  • Patent number: 8621941
    Abstract: A feedback system for identifying an external force, includes an operation plate and a pressure-sensing unit. The pressure-sensing unit includes an elastic member supporting the operation plate and a pressure sensor inside the elastic member. The pressure sensor includes a pressure sensitive film. An inner side of the elastic member is filled with fluid material which acts on the pressure sensitive film. The operation plate is driven by the external force to be slant which extrudes the elastic member to deform so as to change fluid pressure of the fluid material limited in the elastic member, and such change of the fluid pressure can be sensed by the pressure sensitive film of the pressure sensor so as to identify the movement and the intensity of the external force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Memsensing Microsystems Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jia-Xin Mei, Gang Li, Hong-Yuan Yang
  • Publication number: 20140001738
    Abstract: A pressure sensor, which detects a pressure in a space close to an inner side of an exterior member of a vehicle, and an occupant protecting device, which protects an occupant inside a vehicle are provided. An electronic control unit determines an occurrence of collision in the case where the pressure and a change per unit time of the pressure each satisfy a collision condition, and then makes the occupant protecting device operate. At this time, the collision condition is set to restrict the determination indicative of an occurrence of collision unless the change per unit time of the pressure is larger with lowering the pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Naoki Ikuta, Shunichi Katsumata, Motomi Iyoda, Yusuke Mase
  • Publication number: 20130263678
    Abstract: The present disclosure is related to diaphragm assembly for a pressure sensor, including a multi-layered assembly of an outer diaphragm and an inner diaphragm, and an intermediate layer between both diaphragms, the intermediate layer being made of a solid material which is permeable to air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: Badotherm Proces Instrumentatie B.V.
    Inventors: Robert-Paul Bastiaan, Nicolaas Adrianus Johannes Bernardus Bontje, Reijer Wolting
  • Patent number: 8534142
    Abstract: A method for measuring back pressure in open ended chemical reactor tubes is provided. The method can include using automatic test heads or manual test head connected to a continuous real-time monitor and display device, a controller, a multiport manifold, and a plurality of umbilicals. Each umbilical can be used to carry compressed air, sensor signals, and power to the test heads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Turnkey Automation, Ltd.
    Inventor: Shannon Jones
  • Patent number: 8453522
    Abstract: One aspect of the invention is a test assembly comprising a prime mover, an actuator assembly and a torque transfer coupling. The actuator assembly has an end configured to be attached to a shaft of a portion of a test specimen such as a wind turbine assembly. The actuator assembly has a shaft supported for rotation by hydraulic bearings. The torque transfer coupling connects the primer mover to the actuator assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: MTS Systems Corporation
    Inventors: John A. Bushey, Martin M. Gram, Jay S. Warner, Zdenek Mestenhauser, Robert J. Orange
  • Publication number: 20130112013
    Abstract: A ring shear apparatus for measuring a shear strength of soil samples. The ring shear apparatus considering a wall-slip effect including: an upper ring for forming a first accommodation portion having a ring shape in which soil samples are accommodated; a lower ring for forming a second accommodation portion that corresponds to the first accommodation portion of the upper ring and has a ring shape in which soil samples are accommodated, closely attached to a lower portion of the upper ring and rotatably installed relative to the upper ring; a rotating unit for rotating the lower ring relative to the upper ring; and a shear strength measuring sensor combined with the upper ring and for measuring a shear strength of the soil samples, wherein a plurality of protrusions that protrudes from the lower ring is formed on an inner circumferential surface of the lower ring along a circumferential direction of the lower ring in order to prevent the soil samples from being slid when the lower ring is rotated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: KOREA INSTITUTE OF GEOSCIENCE AND MINERAL RESOURCES (KIGAM)
    Inventor: Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resour
  • Publication number: 20130081479
    Abstract: A presence sensor system includes at least one resilient extending member defining an enclosed sensing volume. The sensing volume includes a fluid therein. A pressure within the sensing volume changes upon application of force to the extending member. The presence sensor system further includes a pressure sensor in fluid connection with the sensing volume, a processor system in communicative connection with the pressure sensor and a communication system in communicative connection with the processor system. In a number of embodiments, the presence sensor system is adapted to determine a pressure threshold associated with onset of presence after being placed in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Inventors: CRAIG MILLER, MICHAEL STURDEVANT, WILLIAM KAIGLER
  • Publication number: 20130019531
    Abstract: A door having a pneumatic sensing edge is operated automatically to open when an object and the edge make contact. An optical pressure switch in fluid communication with gas forced from the edge on contact with the object initiates the operation of a door opener. The optical pressure switch includes a membrane having a portion that interrupts a light beam when the membrane flexes due to the increase gas pressure over ambient pressure as gas is forced from the edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: JEC Optics, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory S. Beck, Clare M. Condon
  • Publication number: 20120325022
    Abstract: Measuring container fluid levels and fluid volumes using pressure sensors. An immersion tube is used to detect and convey the pressure at a bottom of a container, and a sender circuit converts the pressure into a liquid level or liquid volume. The sender circuit is isolated from the fluid container for fuel applications using corrosion resistant elastomers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventors: Robert E. Shanebrook, Colin B. Jury, Michael F. Maddi, Gary R. Flynn
  • Publication number: 20120318073
    Abstract: Sensor offsets for an air filter monitor installed in an HVAC system may be determined by measuring a sensor offset differential pressure value across an air filter when substantially no air flow exists through the air filter. The sensor offset differential pressure value obtained at or near zero flow may represent the sensor offset for the air filter monitor. The sensor offset differential pressure value may be used to compensate an un-compensated differential pressure value obtained during flow conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Ludek Zavodny, Reed Bisson, Steven Hoglund
  • Patent number: 8333122
    Abstract: A device for applying a force to a planar surface includes a tub, a cavity, a membrane, and an opening. The tub includes a bottom wall, at least one sidewall, and a cavity defined between the bottom and sidewalls. The membrane is disposed within the cavity and a perimeter edge of the membrane is fixed to the tub. The opening is formed in the tub and adapted to receive a pressurized fluid to fill a portion of the cavity below the membrane to displace at least a portion of the membrane away from the bottom wall to apply a force to the planar surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: UL LLC
    Inventors: Marijo Cosic, Stefan Scheller, Thomas Malysa
  • Patent number: 8322231
    Abstract: A hydrostatic force/displacement measuring device measures the force and displacement exerted by a rotating tire in soil/aggregate. The measuring device has a hydrostatic actuation assembly having a pressure plate at near surface depths of soil/aggregate to provide hydrostatic pressures in a liquid representative of force and displacement created by the downward forces exerted by a rotating tire in the soil/aggregate at the near surface depths. A hydrostatic hose transmits the hydrostatic pressure forces in the liquid to a surface manifold assembly. The surface manifold assembly receives the hydrostatic pressure forces and has a gauge providing visual readouts of the hydrostatic pressure forces representative of the downward forces. The surface manifold assembly also has an axially displaceable piston defining an interface chamber. The piston is connected to an electronic sensor to provide visual readouts representative of displacements caused by the downward force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Jack R. O'Rourke, Robert L. Peebles, Danny L. Smith
  • Patent number: 8181540
    Abstract: Tactile sensors are disclosed that mimic the human fingertip and its touch receptors. The mechanical components are similar to a fingertip, with a rigid core surrounded by a weakly conductive fluid contained within an elastomeric skin. The deformable properties of the finger pad can be used as part of a transduction process. Multiple electrodes can be mounted on the surface of the rigid core and connected to impedance measuring circuitry within the core. External forces deform the fluid path around the electrodes, resulting in a distributed pattern of impedance changes containing information about those forces and the objects that applied them. Strategies are described for extracting features related to the mechanical inputs and using this information for reflexive grip control. Controlling grip force in a prosthetic having sensory feedback information is described. Pressure transducers can provide sensory feedback by measuring micro-vibrations due to sliding friction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: University of Southern California
    Inventors: Gerald E. Loeb, Jeremy Fishel, Nicholas Wettels, Veronica J. Santos, Raymond Peck
  • Patent number: 8122776
    Abstract: An apparatus for checking or monitoring a vacuum drawn by a suction cup used in connection with a material handling system. The apparatus includes a faceplate and a handle connected to the faceplate. The handle includes a vacuum gauge wherein a passageway extends from the vacuum gauge to the faceplate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Inventor: Michael A. Fox
  • Patent number: 8082807
    Abstract: Described herein is the sensor assembly and method for rapidly obtaining accurate readings of a variable. The sensor assembly comprises a plurality of sensors which are connected to a microcontroller that processes the signals of the individual transducers to the microcontroller. The microcontroller contains software that maximizes the refresh rate and/or minimizes the time it takes to process the outputs of each of the transducers. The microcontroller that is coupled to the sensor assembly selectively measures the outputs of each transducer so as to speed up the refresh rate of the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Custom Sensors & Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Casey, Nhan Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20110303023
    Abstract: A pressure sensor, comprising: a semiconductor pressure measuring transducer having a measuring membrane and a circuit for transducing a deformation of the measuring membrane into a signal; a pressure transfer structure having a hydraulic path, which extends through a solid body between a first a second opening. The first opening is sealed by an isolating diaphragm, which is contactable with a pressure, in order to introduce the pressure to be measured into the hydraulic path. The hydraulic path opens, at the second opening, into a transducer chamber, in which the pressure measuring transducer is arranged and which is sealed by the measuring membrane of the pressure measuring transducer. The hydraulic path contains a transfer liquid; a filling element, which is arranged in the transducer chamber, in order to fill hollow spaces between metal walls of the transducer chamber and the semiconductor pressure measuring transducer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Raimund Becher, Ralf Nurnberger, Fred Haker, Olaf Krusemark, Olaf Textor
  • Publication number: 20110239789
    Abstract: A collision detection device which can determine in a short time a collision to each portion of a chamber member in the longitudinal direction thereof and which is highly reliable. A collision determination system (10) is provided with: a chamber member (20) which is disposed with the longitudinal direction thereof aligned with the vehicle width direction, has a pressure chamber (22) formed therein, and is provided forward of bumper reinforcement (14); a pair of pressure sensors (24) which is provided to the chamber member (20) at positions spaced from each other in the longitudinal direction thereof and outputs a signal corresponding to a variation in the pressure within the pressure chamber (22); and a collision determination ECU (26).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Takahashi, Takatoshi Tanabe
  • Publication number: 20110232396
    Abstract: A collision detecting device and a collision detecting method are provided that enable accurate detection of a collision based on pressure change in a pressure chamber. A collision body discriminating system (10) is provided with: a chamber member (18) elongated in the vehicle width direction, having a pressure chamber (24) therein and provided in front of a bumper reinforcement (14); an absorber (20) elongated in the vehicle width direction and provided in front of the bumper reinforcement (14); a pressure sensor (22) for outputting a signal corresponding to a change in the pressure in the pressure chamber (24); and an ECU (26) for discriminating a collision body on the basis of a signal from the pressure sensor (22). The chamber member (18) and the absorber (20) are arranged in a vertical relationship with a gap (C) therebetween, and this allows the chamber member (18) and the absorber (20) to deform independently of each other when the collision body collides with the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Takahashi, Sotaro Narita, Takatoshi Tanabe
  • Publication number: 20110174084
    Abstract: Charge information associated with an energy storage device may be determined from one or more kinetic responses of the energy storage device. Kinetic responses may include displacements, forces, pressures, or other kinetic properties, and changes in properties thereof. An indication device, such as a sensor, transducer, or other device, may be used to indicate kinetic responses. Charge information, measurements, or both, may be derived from indications of kinetic responses. Charging or discharging of an energy storage device may be controlled based on charge information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: G4 SYNERGETICS, INC.
    Inventors: Jon K. West, Daniel J. West, Julius Regalado, Nelson Citta
  • Publication number: 20110120234
    Abstract: A method for assessing sealing of a housing of a servomotor. The method includes lowering the pressure inside the housing, from an initial pressure to a set pressure, by fluid suction through an opening in the housing, the opening being normally sealed by a plug. When the pressure inside the housing is equal to the set pressure, pressure variation inside the housing, for a predetermined time interval, is determined. The fluid suction prevents any fluid exchange with the housing in a direction opposite a fluid suction direction. The sealing of the housing of the servomotor is assessed based on the pressure variation determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: BERNARD CONTROLS
    Inventors: Etienne Bernard, Gilles Aubert-Maguero
  • Publication number: 20110023629
    Abstract: One aspect of the invention is a test assembly comprising a prime mover, an actuator assembly and a torque transfer coupling. The actuator assembly has an end configured to be attached to a shaft of a portion of a test specimen such as a wind turbine assembly. The actuator assembly has a shaft supported for rotation by hydraulic bearings. The torque transfer coupling connects the primer mover to the actuator assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: MTS Systems Corporation
    Inventors: John A. Bushey, Martin M. Gram, Jay S. Warner, Zdenek Mestenhauser, Robert J. Orange
  • Publication number: 20100030115
    Abstract: A measurement device capable of sensing presence of an obstacle within a vessel from outside the vessel in operating a linear body inserted in the vessel is provided. According to this measurement device, an easy-to-use measurement device capable of measuring compressive force in a direction of longitudinal axis applied to the linear body that has a sheath thicker than the linear body, such as a wire having a coil for embolizing an aneurysm attached at a tip end, without lowering measurement accuracy, can be provided. In addition, a length of a restraint portion is minimized, to achieve a smaller size of the measurement device. Moreover, the measurement device capable of measuring compressive force in the direction of longitudinal axis applied to the linear body regardless of magnitude of buckling load of the linear body can be provided, and the same measurement device is applicable to linear bodies of various materials, which leads to cost efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventors: Hideo Fujimoto, Akihito Sano, Yoshitaka Nagano
  • Publication number: 20090293584
    Abstract: Described herein is the sensor assembly and method for rapidly obtaining accurate readings of a variable. The sensor assembly comprises a plurality of sensors which are connected to a microcontroller that processes the signals of the individual transducers to the microcontroller. The microcontroller contains software that maximizes the refresh rate and/or minimizes the time it takes to process the outputs of each of the transducers. The microcontroller that is coupled to the sensor assembly selectively measures the outputs of each transducer so as to speed up the refresh rate of the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: CUSTOM SENSORS & TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Gary Casey, Nhan Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20090200815
    Abstract: According to one embodiment in the invention, a pressure sensor includes: an inner flexible insulation substrate; a plurality of inner electrodes arranged on the inner flexible insulation substrate at a certain distance from each other; an outer flexible insulation substrate disposed along an outer face of the inner flexible insulating substrate so that the inner electrodes are disposed between the inner flexible insulation substrate and the outer flexible insulation substrate; a plurality of outer electrodes disposed on an outer face of the outer flexible insulation substrate at a given distance from each other; and an elastic cover covering the outer face of the outer flexible insulating substrate with the outer electrodes, wherein respective distances between the inner electrodes and the outer electrodes are variable by a pressure applied externally to the elastic cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Atsushi Sugahara, Hideki Ogawa
  • Patent number: 7437957
    Abstract: A porous medium tensiometer has a filling mechanism which allows to fill a fluid chamber and simultaneously withdraw gas contained in the fluid chamber. A self-priming tensiometer includes a porous material tip having a first section surrounded by a fluid-impermeable membrane, a second section, a threshold suction range and pores, the pores auto-filling with liquid when in fluid communication with a porous medium having a liquid potential being at least equal, in absolute value, to the threshold suction range, the liquid contained in the pores having a liquid pressure representative of the liquid potential; a one-way fluid control device in fluid communication with the porous material tip and allowing fluid contained in pores of the porous material to exit therethrough when the porous material tip auto-fills with liquid; and a pressure transducer in liquid communication with the porous material tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Hortau Inc.
    Inventors: Philippe Jobin, Jean Caron, Sébastien Descoteaux, Jocelyn Boudreau
  • Publication number: 20080215285
    Abstract: A boxing training device comprising a body having an inner layer and an outer layer separated by a gap. A compressible fluid is disposed within the gap. A sensor for sensing the pressure within the gap upon compression of the fluid is disposed within the gap. A circuit, including the sensor determines and displays the force of an impact to the outer layer, which causes compression.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventor: Mike Bucar
  • Publication number: 20080196512
    Abstract: A power pump performance analysis system and methods includes a signal processor connected to certain sensors for sensing pressures and stresses in the cylinder chambers and the inlet and discharge piping of a single or multicylinder pump. Pump speed and pump piston position may be determined by a crankshaft position sensor. Performance analyses for pump work performed, pump cylinder chamber stress, pump fluid end useful cycles to failure, and crosshead loading and shock analysis are provided for estimating pump component life and determining times for component replacement before failure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: WRDS, INC.
    Inventor: J. Davis Miller
  • Publication number: 20080168846
    Abstract: A pressure measurement device with protection from long-term loads and pressure shocks. The novel device includes a diaphragm adapted to deform in response to a pressure applied thereto, and a retractable support adapted to support the diaphragm during periods of non-operation. A strain gauge is attached to the diaphragm for measuring the deformation and the retractable support is designed to minimize stress on the strain gauge during periods of non-operation. The support is retracted during periods of operation to allow the diaphragm and strain gauge to function normally in response to the applied pressure. The diaphragm is disposed within a housing to form a first cavity, which is coupled to media to be measured, and a second cavity, which is set at a reference pressure. In an illustrative embodiment, the retractable support is a threaded plug inserted into the second cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Inventor: Peter C. Lukens
  • Publication number: 20080115592
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for measuring a body weight of a user are provided. The apparatus includes a container containing a fluid inside for supporting the user, a fluid sensor measuring a pressure of the fluid inside the container, and a control unit determining the body weight of the user. The fluid sensor measures a change of the pressure as the user lying on the container, and the control unit determines the body weight of the user based on the change of the pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventor: Suzanne Wang
  • Publication number: 20080098826
    Abstract: The invention relates to a force measuring assembly for processing pressure signals in electronic, especially electromechanical, brake systems, particularly for motor vehicles comprising at least one force sensor subassembly and at least one signal processing device per wheel brake. At least one force sensor subassembly encompasses a brake actuator (2, 3) that is in non-positive connection with at least one pressure component (1) which is provided at least in part with an amorphous piezoresistive diamond-like carbon layer (4) forming a force sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Applicant: CONTINENTAL TEVES AG & Co.oHG
    Inventors: Holger Luthje, Saskia Biehl, Andreas Schirling, Bernward Bayer
  • Publication number: 20080041170
    Abstract: A porous medium tensiometer has a filling mechanism which allows to fill a fluid chamber and simultaneously withdraw gas contained in the fluid chamber. A self-priming tensiometer includes a porous material tip having a first section surrounded by a fluid-impermeable membrane, a second section, a threshold suction range and pores, the pores auto-filling with liquid when in fluid communication with a porous medium having a liquid potential being at least equal, in absolute value, to the threshold suction range, the liquid contained in the pores having a liquid pressure representative of the liquid potential; a one-way fluid control device in fluid communication with the porous material tip and allowing fluid contained in pores of the porous material to exit therethrough when the porous material tip auto-fills with liquid; and a pressure transducer in liquid communication with the porous material tip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Inventors: Philippe Jobin, Jean Caron, Sebastien Descoteaux, Jocelyn Boudreau
  • Patent number: 7313975
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring tension in guy wire systems wherein the lower end of the guy wire has a thimble adjoined by a connection pin to a yoke or clevis of a turnbuckle shackle bolt connected to an earth anchor. A block assembly is removably received beneath the clevis and a thimble-engaging jaw assembly is removably received on the guy wire above the clevis. The block assembly and jaw assembly are connected at one end by a threaded rod assembly that includes a strain sensor connected with an indicator device, and by a threaded rod at their opposed end. The jaw assembly is drawn downward by adjusting nuts on the threaded rods beneath the block assembly to engage the thimble and move it downward transferring the tension to the threaded rod and threaded rod assembly which is sensed by the strain sensor and indicated by the indicator device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Inventor: Romel Scorteanu
  • Patent number: 7263895
    Abstract: A fluid pressure sensor (1) for measuring the pressure of a fluid comprises a diaphragm portion (12) which is a strain generating body, a silicon oxide film (21) as an insulating film, and a strain gauge (20) made of crystalline silicon, and austenitic precipitation hardening type Fe—Ni heat-resisting steel excellent in mechanical strength and corrosion resistance is used for the diaphragm portion (12). The silicon oxide film (21) is formed with the internal stress thereof adjusted to the range from ?150 to 130 MPa. With this feature, the fluid pressure sensor (1) ensures high precision and reliability, and may be used even for measurement of a highly corrosive fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Nagano Keiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Nagasaka, Takeshi Abe, Yoshikazu Kaneko