Patents Examined by Corey D. Mack
  • Patent number: 6792361
    Abstract: A system, method and program for calculating a fluid flow volume within a conduit having an operably connected flow meter is disclosed. The system includes a controller having a backplane. A flow meter module is operably connected to the backplane of the controller and to the flow meter. A program embedded within the controller is also operably connected to the flow meter. The program includes a plurality of segments for sensing a characteristic of the fluid for determining the flow volume of the fluid. The controller, in cooperation with the flow meter module, monitors the dynamic fluid density of the fluid in the conduit. The controller utilizes the dynamic density to determine a correction factor to more accurately calculate the fluid flow volume through the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Schneider Automation Inc.
    Inventor: James A Vun Cannon
  • Patent number: 6782761
    Abstract: This ultrasonic flow meter is provided for measuring flow volume by determining the flow rate of a liquid from the difference in propagation times of ultrasonic waves in both directions between measuring units by providing measuring units having transducer at an interval in the lengthwise direction on a measuring pipe through which liquid flows. A pair of mounting members are provided in a lower case of a case serving as a base at an interval wider than that of measuring units. The measuring pipe is held by respective retaining indentations to the outside in the axial direction of measuring units by facing a left mounting member and a right mounting member that compose the mounting members. In addition, an insulating material is filled into the case so as to cover the measuring units and the measuring pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Surpass Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Imai, Masahiro Hasunuma
  • Patent number: 6769298
    Abstract: A flow rate signal analog-digital conversion circuit 30, an adjustment processing circuit 40 and a chip temperature sensor circuit 60 are disposed a single semiconductor chip 100 to form an integrated circuit, and a chip temperature signal in a form of digital signal outputted from the chip temperature sensor circuit 60 is inputted into the adjustment processing circuit 40 in which correction reducing temperature dependent error in a series of signal processing circuits is performed. Thereby, a board temperature dependent error in a gas flow rate measuring device can be reduced in which adjustment is performed for digital signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takafumi Matsumura, Kenichi Katagishi, Masahiro Matsumoto, Keiji Hanzawa
  • Patent number: 6763712
    Abstract: A gaseous flow sensor that utilizes non-platinum resistive sensing elements and a method for fabricating such sensor are disclosed. The gaseous flow sensor is constructed by an insulating substrate; a reference resistor formed on the substrate and disposed in the gaseous flow at an ambient temperature without heating; a flow-sensing resistor formed on the substrate disposed in the gaseous flow that is heated to a temperature higher than the ambient temperature; and an electrical circuit in electrical communication with the reference resistor and the flow-sensing resistor for feeding a current into the flow-sensing resistor in order to keep the two resistors at the same temperature during the operation of the gaseous flow sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gary Mark Crosbie, Russell James Haeberle, Randall Roy Hume
  • Patent number: 6755078
    Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve coil temperature is estimated non-intrusively using only existing sensors. In one embodiment an EGR valve coil temperature estimator running on a powertrain control module estimates the EGR valve coil temperature as a linear function of estimated charge temperature, inlet air temperature, coolant temperature, and vehicle speed. Coefficients of the mathematical function, which describe the degree of association between the inputs and EGR valve coil temperature, are calculated by measuring the actual EGR valve coil temperature over wide operating conditions. The powertrain control module uses the EGR valve temperature estimated in this manner to vary the drive signal to the EGR valve coil to open the EGR valve a desired amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Claudio A. Hernandez, Daniel G. Brennan, Gregory J. York, Donald W. Harnack
  • Patent number: 6752023
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the nondestructive metal characterization and the measurement of stress in the interior of a ferromagnetic part under test by means of measuring a high-frequency electric signal caused by flowing an excitation current through the part under test and/or by the mechanical deformation of the part under test. The present invention is distinguished by the electric potential of the part under test being detected by means of direct or indirect electric tapping on said part under test or a region of said part under test and a high-frequency potential component, which is used as the high-frequency noise signal for determining test parameters, is determined from the electric potential of the part under test caused by changes in magnetization processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Fraunhofer Gesellschaft zur Forderung der Angewandten Forschung E.V.
    Inventors: Norbert Meyendorf, Henrik Rösner, Alexandre Sourkov, Fritz Michel
  • Patent number: 6739205
    Abstract: A system, method and program for calculating a fluid flow volume within a conduit having an operably connected flow meter is disclosed. The system includes a controller having a backplane. A flow meter module is operably connected to the backplane of the controller and to the flow meter. A program embedded within the controller is also operably connected to the flow meter. The program includes a plurality of segments for sensing a characteristic of the fluid for determining the flow volume of the fluid. The controller, in cooperation with the flow meter module, monitors the dynamic fluid density of the fluid in the conduit. The controller utilizes the dynamic density to determine a correction factor to more accurately calculate the fluid flow volume through the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Schneider Automation Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Vun Cannon
  • Patent number: 6736017
    Abstract: A library of materials is screened for mechanical properties such as strength, tack, frictional resistance or other properties. A library of materials is provided. A stimulus such as a stress or force is provided to each member of the library. A response (e.g., a strain) of each of the materials due to the stimulus is measured and the response, the stimulus or both are recorded and related to provide data. Thereafter, the data is analyzed to reach conclusions regarding properties of the material samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Symyx Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Mansky
  • Patent number: 6736016
    Abstract: An airflow detection system for a vehicle paint booth. The vehicle paint booth has a first zone and a second zone adjacent to the first zone. An air velocity sensor measures airflow passing between the first zone and the second zone. An air deflector having at least one air deflection surface is located near the flow velocity sensor. At least one air deflection surface directs the airflow toward the flow velocity sensor to improve the reliability of the airflow detection system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Ernest Henry Tong, Prasad Dev Hanumalagutti
  • Patent number: 6725717
    Abstract: A blockage in a pipeline is detected by selecting a position on the pipeline between a supply position and a downstream receiving position where the blockage may be located, attaching a strain gauge to the pipeline at the selected position, applying pressure changes to product in the pipeline on one side of the blockage sufficient to cause strain changes in the pipeline, detecting by the strain gauge the presence of any strain changes in the pipeline at the selected position caused by the pressure changes and determining therefrom whether the blockage is upstream or downstream of the selected position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Inventor: Leslie Dale Hiebert
  • Patent number: 6722211
    Abstract: There is provided a multi-stage variable orifice flow obstruction sensor for measuring a fluid flow. The sensor comprises a body member having an aperture therethrough. Moreover, a cover member is engaged to the body member and is disposed within the aperture. The cover member is adapted to transition between open and closed positions with respect to the aperture. Additionally, a flow-limiting obstruction member is engaged to the body member and is disposed within the aperture adjacent the cover member. The flow-limiting member is configured to apply a generally opposing force to the cover member when the cover member extends to the open position and contacts the flow-limiting member. By doing so, a pressure differential of the fluid may be sensed such that the fluid flow can be measured therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Viasys Healthcare, Critical Care Division
    Inventors: Calin I. Ciobanu, Adrian D. De Silva
  • Patent number: 6715367
    Abstract: Improvement in a mass air flow meter having an elongated hollow body having a venturi member therein, the improvement comprising channels formed in the outside surface of the venturi member, lands defined by such outside surface which bear against the inside surface of the hollow body, such lands, together with the inside surface of the hollow body, directing the flow of sample air to be measured through such channels, around the outside surface of the venturi member and axially thereof, a first one of the channels being annular and in communication with the interior of the meter for receiving sample air therein, a second one of the channels serving as a measurement path in which the mass of sample air is measured as it travels therethrough, and a third one of the channels being annular and in which air exiting from the measurement path is accumulated before being recombined with the main flow of air traveling through the meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Best Products, Inc.
    Inventors: James Gonzales, Gladwyn Wendell Cummins, William Edward Thomas
  • Patent number: 6715356
    Abstract: A pressure sensor that is particularly suitable for the food industry and the measuring accuracy of which is stable over a long time, having a diaphragm seal with a separating diaphragm on which a pressure to be measured acts and having a ceramic measuring cell which is connected to the diaphragm seal exclusively by inorganic materials, is provided, in which sensor the separating diaphragm and all further sensor components coming into contact during measurement with a medium of which the pressure is to be measured are metallic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Inventors: Peter Gerst, Karlheinz Banholzer, Karl Flögel, Thomas Uehlin, Frank Hegner, Elke Schmidt, Ulfert Drewes, Rainer Martin
  • Patent number: 6694825
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for accurately controlling the amount of NH3 to be applied to a field by measuring the NH3 flow rate without condensing or cooling the NH3. The system includes a control station 12 on the vehicle with a tachometer 12A or a GPS system for providing a vehicle speed signal to a control panel 13. The control panel includes a toggle switch 17 for adjusting the opening or closing of a valve 52 in the flow line to regulate the flow through the system, although the control panel alternatively may automatically control the valve 52. The vehicle transports a tank 20 containing liquid NH3 and a tool bar 30 for distributing the NH3 to the soil. After flowing through the flow meter 40,60, 130, the NH3 is conducted to the soil through a series of hoses, fittings, a distributor, and tubing. The flow meter transmits a signal to the control panel, which is converted to a corrected flow rate signal in response to a fixed value vaporization correction factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: PGI International, Ltd.
    Inventors: Spence M. Nimberger, Kevin J. Cessac
  • Patent number: 6688184
    Abstract: A flow sensing venturi system includes a venturi body and a manifold mounted thereto. The manifold is thermally isolated from the venturi body. A multiple of sensor ports are formed into the manifold which support each individual sensor and provide communication between the sensor and one or more passageways. The passageways communicate with a single high-pressure and a single low-pressure sense line. The high and low pressure sense line tap respective high and low pressure areas within the venturi body. The sensor is individually screwed into the manifold to provide an airtight connection for two independent sensor input ports. Replacement of individual sensors is thereby greatly simplified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Hamilton Sunstrand
    Inventors: Donald E. Army, Jr., Michael D. Greenberg
  • Patent number: 6688186
    Abstract: A slim type fingerprint recognition device including: a TFT fingerprint input device having a structure where a plurality of unit cells including an light sensing unit and a switching unit are aligned; and a contact light emitting device being installed on the TFT fingerprint input device, the TFT fingerprint input device and the contact light emitting device being adhered to each other by an adhesive layer, one alternating current terminal being connected to a transparent electrode layer of the contact type light emitting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Testech, Inc.
    Inventor: Sang Hoon Chae
  • Patent number: 6684689
    Abstract: The activation of a swirl control valve which is seated downstream of a throttle valve in the intake tract of an internal combustion engine is diagnosed. The swirl control valve is activated by a specific adjustment travel within a supercritical operating range of the intake pipe pressure in the intake tract downstream of the throttle valve. If a specific jump in pressure that is dependent on the adjustment travel does not take place in the intake tract downstream of the throttle valve, a defect in the actuation of the swirl control valve is diagnosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Robert Fromm, Johann Graf, Michael Henn, Hong Zhang
  • Patent number: 6681642
    Abstract: An ultrasonic flowmeter of the present invention has a pipe (2) through which a fluid to be measured flows, and measurement portions (3) separated on the pipe by a predetermined distance along the longitudinal direction of the pipe. The measurement portions each comprises a transducer fixing member (4) having an arc shaped indentation (6) into which a part of the pipe can be fitted, and a piezoelectric transducer (5) fixed to the transducer fixing member. The pipe and the arc shaped indentation are closely fixed to each other by an adhesive (7) by fitting and pressing the pipe into the arc shaped indentation via the adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Surpass Industry Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Michio Ohkawa
  • Patent number: 6681639
    Abstract: A method of estimating the lifetime of a thermal barrier coating (14), which is applied to the surface of a member subjected to cyclical thermal loads, especially a vane and/or blade of a gas turbine, by means of a bond coat (12) lying in between the coating and the member, leads to more accurate results with simplified calculation by determining, in a first step, the amplitude of the normal stress (&Dgr;&sgr;n) perpendicular to the interface between the bond coat (12) and the thermal barrier coating (14) during cyclical loading, and calculating, in a second step, the number Ni of cycles to failure for every normal stress amplitude (&Dgr;&sgr;n) in accordance with the formula N i ⁢   = C ⁡ ( △σ n σ 0 ) m
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Alstom (Switzerland) Ltd.
    Inventors: Otto Bernhardi, Roland Muecke, Hans Joachim Schmutzler, Christoph Sommer, Marianne Sommer
  • Patent number: 6681644
    Abstract: A flowmeter capable of real-time fuel mass flow measurement involving extremely low fuel mass flow quanta. The flowmeter includes a dual flow path conduit system, a flow control for alternating the selection of one flow path exclusive of the other flow path, an indicator tube interfaced with the conduit system, an indicator shuttle slidably mounted in the indicator tube, and a sensor for sensing the position of the indicator shuttle relative thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Martin E. Rosalik, Jr., Stephen Roy Dillon