Abstract: A surface-mountable electrolytic capacitor with improved volumetric efficiency includes an electrolytic capacitor element, anode and cathode terminations, an encapsulation material and external terminations. The capacitor element has first and second opposing end surfaces and an anode wire extending from the first end surface that is electrically connected to a first anode termination portion. A first cathode termination portion is conductively adhered to a surface of the capacitor element, and a second portion is perpendicular to the first portion and parallel to the second end surface of the capacitor element. Encapsulating material surrounds the capacitor element to form a device package that is subsequently diced to improve volumetric efficiency and optionally expose the anode and cathode terminations on opposing end surfaces. First and second external terminations may be formed over the exposed portions of anode and cathode terminations to wrap around to one or more given surfaces of the device package.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 22, 2009
Date of Patent:
December 13, 2011
Assignee:
AVX Corporation
Inventors:
Ladislav Marek, Stanislav Zednicek, Jaroslav Tomasko, Jiri Navratil
Abstract: A part to be mounted into force or pressure sensors includes an annular measuring element made of piezoelectric material. First and second electrodes rest against respective opposite sides of the measuring element and are provided with wires. An electrically insulating transmission member laterally adjoins the first electrode, across from the measuring element. Another electrically insulating insulation member laterally adjoins the second electrode, across from the measuring element. All components are mounted within the part in such a way as to be centered relative to each other. The external face of the transmission member and the external face of the insulation member which face away from and run parallel to the electrodes are designed in a very planar manner, having a levelness of less than 10 ?m.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 24, 2008
Date of Patent:
December 13, 2011
Assignee:
Kistler Holding, AG
Inventors:
Michael Müeller, Andrea Bertola, Kay Unzicker
Abstract: An improved multiplier for a lottery game is provided. In connection with a base lottery game, each player receives or selects a multiplier indicia (or other bonus indicia) from a pool of multiplier indicia. In addition to drawings for the base game, a drawing of multiplier indicia and a determination of associated multiplier values is also conducted. For those players winning the base game who also received a multiplier indicia matching the drawn multiplier indicia, the base game prize is multiplied by the associated multiplier value.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 2, 2007
Date of Patent:
December 13, 2011
Assignee:
Scientific Games International, Inc.
Inventors:
Mark G. Meyer, Charles Holton, Charles Martin Boykin, Steven Wayne Beason
Abstract: The invention relates to an optical pressure sensor based on light intensity measurements and comprises at least one membrane and two parallel optical fibers. At least one first fiber has a fiber end and a light emission surface for emitting light in the direction of the membrane. At least one second fiber has a fiber end having a light admission surface for receiving the light reflected from the membrane and transmitting that reflected light. The light emission surface and the light admission surface of the two fibers are disposed facing away from each other. This changes the optical path of the light during use such that the light portion received by the at least one second fiber is very sensitive to the position of the membrane.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 26, 2007
Date of Patent:
December 13, 2011
Assignee:
Kistler Holding, AG
Inventors:
Adrian Kummer, Marco Gnielka, Axel Bertholds
Abstract: A piezoelectric measuring element comprises at least one bar with transverse effect which can be used with two conductor technology. Poles comprising the metallizations, electrodes and lines in the measuring element are embodied with one or more piezoelectric bars with transverse effect such that the electric capacitances thereof with respect to the housing are identical. There can be a completely symmetrical design of the poles. A capacitor from one pole to the housing can correspond to the difference in capacitance of both poles to the environment.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 2, 2007
Date of Patent:
December 13, 2011
Assignee:
Kistler Holding, AG
Inventors:
Ulrich Staiger, Paul Engeler, Claudio Cavalloni
Abstract: A game of chance is provided in which a predetermined fixed number of winning cell content drawn from a predetermined set of cell content. The drawn content is matched to the content on game cards and if the matched game card content covers a predetermined winning pattern then the game card is a winner. In one example, numerous winners may occur per game session because the game continues until the predetermined fixed number of winning cell content is drawn and not until a win occurs.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 11, 2009
Date of Patent:
December 6, 2011
Assignee:
Scientific Games Holdings Limited
Inventors:
Mark E. Herrmann, Steven N. Kane, Stuart Roseman, Jason Yanowitz
Abstract: A retention pin for fastening retaining lugs of an outer sidewall, of a turbine nozzle, within a groove between a forward land and an aft land of a retaining ring. The retention pins fit through coaxial holes in the lug and the lands, securing the radial and circumferential location of the nozzles as well as allowing transitional motion. While maintaining limited contact with both the nozzles and the retaining ring they significantly reduce conductive heat transfer from the nozzle to the retaining ring. By positioning the nozzles, they also set the desired nozzle throat areas for targeted turbine performance. The pins have been designed such that the nozzle cannot disengage within the assembly due to the pin backing out of its nominal axial position, and the pin will not fail due to low cycle fatigue, creep, or yielding, all of which prevent nozzle fallout.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 31, 2007
Date of Patent:
December 6, 2011
Assignee:
General Electric Company
Inventors:
Ariel K. Harter, Edward D. Benjamin, Daniel D. Snook, David J. Humanchuk
Abstract: A bladder catheter for transurethral introduction into the urinary bladder by the urethrae, includes an elastic catheter shank with a fillable balloon element secured thereto and connected to a filling channel incorporated into the wall of the catheter shank. The balloon element and the catheter shank are made of polyurethane, a polyurethane-polyvinylchloride mixture or similar polyurethane-based material.
Abstract: A system for controlling a machine includes a first controller, a second controller, and a comparator. During a first cycle, the first controller generates a control signal to the machine while the second controller generates a predicted parameter signal. During the first cycle, the comparator transmits a feedback signal to the second controller if a predetermined threshold is not met. A method for controlling a machine includes transmitting a control signal from a first controller to the machine and generating a predicted parameter value in a second controller. The method further includes transmitting a feedback signal to the second controller if a predetermined threshold is not met.
Abstract: An apparatus and method for mounting a wind turbine and blade assembly on the upper end of a wind turbine tower. In one aspect the apparatus generally includes a ginpole that is used to assemble the tower and a lifting frame or truss that is removably secured to a top bay assembly of the tower using the ginpole. The lifting frame or truss is operated using either cables or hydraulic rams and extends fore of the tower when the frame or truss is in a first position and generally above the tower when in a second position. When in the first position, a wind turbine or blade assembly can be hoisted to the top of the tower. The wind turbine or blade assembly is then moved into position for mounting to the tower as the frame or truss is pivoted to a second position. When the turbine and blade assembly are secured to the tower, the frame or truss is disconnected from the tower and lowered to the ground followed by the ginpole being lowered to the ground.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 2, 2007
Date of Patent:
December 6, 2011
Assignee:
General Electric Company
Inventors:
Tracy Livingston, James Goldhardt, Terry Schrader, James Lott, David Oliphant, Harry Daugherty
Abstract: A cleansing composition is disclosed that changes color during use. The cleansing composition contains a plurality of thermochromic dyes that cause a color change to occur at a threshold temperature and continue to cause a color change over a temperature range. The range of temperatures corresponds to approximately the amount of time sufficient to properly wash or scrub using the product.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 27, 2007
Date of Patent:
November 29, 2011
Assignee:
Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
Inventors:
Scott W. Wenzel, Corey Thomas Cunningham, Katherine D. Stahl, David William Koenig, Kelly Davis Arehart, John Gavin MacDonald, Brendon F. Ribble
Abstract: Absorbent articles with carefully controlled stretch properties are disclosed. In particular, the articles exhibit stretch not only in the lateral direction but also in the longitudinal direction. Specifically, the articles have a biaxial stretch ratio, which refers to a ratio of stretch along the hip circumference of the article to the amount of stretch in the longitudinal direction, that is from about 1.0 to about 2.5, and particularly from about 1.1 to about 1.5. Absorbent articles made in accordance with the present invention are capable of accommodating a relatively large size range of wearers. The articles also exhibit improved fit and prevent sagging or drooping of the crotch region, even after the crotch region has been wetted.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 30, 2004
Date of Patent:
November 29, 2011
Assignee:
Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
Inventors:
Christopher Peter Olson, James Marcus Carr, Lawrence Howell Sawyer, Michael John Faulks, Robert Lee Popp, Mark Michael Mleziva
Abstract: A wiping product is disclosed containing an odor control agent. In one embodiment, the wipe may comprise a pre-moistened wipe containing a wiping solution. The wiping solution can contain the odor control agent. The odor control agent may comprise inorganic oxide particles, quinone compounds, or activated carbon particles. The odor control agent can be present in the wipe and can be configured to transfer to an opposing surface. In one embodiment, the pre-moistened wipe can be used during diaper changing to reduce malodors given off by the diaper after being discarded.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 15, 2006
Date of Patent:
November 29, 2011
Assignee:
Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
Inventors:
Bao Trong Do, John Gavin MacDonald, Stephanie Michelle Martin, Duane G. Uitenbroek
Abstract: The present subject matter is directed to a high-speed high resolution and accuracy time interpolator circuit. The interpolator uses basic dual ramp time-to-digital converter architecture, but provides circuits and methodologies to improve the accuracy, reduce the effective intrinsic jitter, and reduce the measurement time. Improved aspects of the present subject matter correspond to the introduction of a current mirror for improved settling time, a high frequency clock for improved resolution and ADC sample processing to improve resolution and accuracy.
Abstract: A wind turbine blade has a suction side surface and a pressure side surface. A plurality of dynamic vortex elements are formed on at least one of the suction side or the pressure side surfaces. The vortex elements are activatable between a first retracted position that is inwardly recessed relative to a neutral plane of the surface on which they are formed and a second extended position that is outwardly protruding relative to the neutral plane of the surface.