Patents Examined by Jamel Williams
  • Patent number: 9297714
    Abstract: An air data probe includes a probe head and a raised portion. The probe head defines a longitudinal axis and includes a forward tip and a probe head surface. The raised portion is defined in the probe head surface aft of the forward tip. The raised portion is raised radially relative to the probe head surface. The raised portion is configured and adapted to trip a fluid boundary layer passing over the probe head to transition from laminar to turbulent for reducing boundary layer separation for consistent readings at high altitudes and/or high mach numbers. A method of manufacturing an air data probe includes forming a probe head and applying a raised portion to a surface of the probe head aft of the forward tip. Applying the raised portion to the surface of the probe head includes using brazing, additive manufacturing, adhesives and/or any other suitable technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Rosemount Aerospace Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Jae Doolittle, Roger Duane Foster, Brian Daniel Matheis
  • Patent number: 9297704
    Abstract: A method and circuit for determining a working temperature of a device, the method comprising: providing a first signal to a device having a temperature-sensitive characteristic; performing a function on the first signal by the device; demodulating a second signal output by the device to obtain a third signal thus generating a signal having reduced 1/f noise component; and based upon the first signal and the second signal, determining a working temperature of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dan Corcos, Michel Despont, Danny Elad, Thomas Morf, Mehmet Soyuer
  • Patent number: 9297674
    Abstract: A sensor housing container comprises a container having an opening, a lid that covers the opening, and a sensor housing body that can be pulled out of the opening of the container. The sensor housing body includes a sensor case, a plurality of sensors, and a spring that biases these sensors. The sensor case is provided with a sensor discharge port at the portion where the sensors are biased by the spring. Also, this sensor discharge port is provided with a guide protrusion for aligning the sensor discharge port with a sensor insertion port of a measurement device. Furthermore, the inner face of the container is provided with a push-out protrusion that contacts with the end of the sensors on the opposite side from electrodes, at the portion corresponding to the end of the sensors on the opposite side from the electrodes inside the sensor case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: PANASONIC HEALTHCARE HOLDINGS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yoichi Tanizaki
  • Patent number: 9297709
    Abstract: Various sensor systems are described herein, including inserts having sensors thereon, which are configured to be received in an article of footwear. The inserts may be connected to a sole member of the footwear, or may function as a sole member. The sensors may be bonded to an outer surface of the insert, or positioned within the insert, in some configurations. The system may also include an electronic module that is overmolded into the sole structure and includes a connector for external access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick J. Dojan, Steven H. Walker, Daniel Johnson
  • Patent number: 9297791
    Abstract: A gas sensor includes a sensor housing, and a sensing element located within the sensor housing, the sensing element defining an axis and having a distal end extending from the sensor housing. The gas sensor further includes a sensor protection element coupled to the sensor housing and at least partially surrounding the distal end of the sensing element. The sensor protection element includes a tube, the distal end of the sensing element located within the tube, the tube including a window located along a side of the tube adjacent the distal end of the sensing element. The sensor protection element further includes a fabric layer positioned adjacent the window, the fabric layer spaced from the sensing element and extending generally parallel to the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Hannes Weiblen, Craig Magera, Karen Carwile, John Day
  • Patent number: 9295200
    Abstract: The invention relates to a clamp element for a temperature-independent turgor pressure measurement device for measuring the turgor pressure in a plant sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: YARA ZIM PLANT TECHNOLOGY GMBH
    Inventors: Ulrich Zimmermann, Wilhelm Ehrenberger, Simon RĂ¼ger, Gertraud Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 9291482
    Abstract: A linear encoder includes a scale; a frame in which the scale is held, the frame having an opening that extends in a longitudinal direction of the frame; and a pair of elongated dustproof members arranged to face each other in the opening. At least a part of each dustproof member is elastically deformable. Each dustproof member includes a first end portion in a transverse direction of the dustproof member, a first projecting portion disposed on the first end portion, and a second end portion in the transverse direction. The opening has a pair of fitting recesses formed therein. The first end portion of each dustproof member is fitted in a corresponding one of the fitting recesses, and the first projecting portion contacts the corresponding one of the fitting recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: MITUTOYO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Kodama, Kazushi Kikuchi, Takanori Otsuka
  • Patent number: 9290069
    Abstract: A tire inner liner-based estimation system and method for a vehicle includes a tire pressure sensor mounted to a vehicle tire for detecting a measured tire air cavity pressure; a vehicle speed sensor mounted to provide a measured vehicle speed; a tire identification device mounted to the tire for conveying a tire identification; a tire inner liner deflection sensor mounted to detect and measure a loaded inner liner radius. An estimation of an inner liner-based parameter is iteratively made from the measured tire pressure and the loaded inner liner radius measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventor: Kanwar Bharat Singh
  • Patent number: 9291544
    Abstract: In a computer-implemented method and system for capturing the condition of a structure, the structure is scanned with a three-dimensional (3D) scanner. The 3D contact scanner includes a tactile sensor system having at least one tactile sensor for generating 3D data points based on tactile feedback resulting from physical contact with at least part of the structure. A 3D model is constructed from the 3D data and is then analyzed to determine the condition of the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Patrick H. Boyer, Nathan L. Tofte, Jackie O. Jordan, II, Brian N. Harvey
  • Patent number: 9285252
    Abstract: A sensor and housing suitable for harsh environments includes a central axis and first and second housing sections. The first housing section includes a first fitting including a mating surface orthogonal to the axis and a tapered recess formed in the mating surface and coaxial with the axis. The tapered recess has a decreasing internal dimension at points further from the mating surface and terminates at a faceted recess. The second housing section includes a second fitting having a flange and a frusto-conical projection terminating in a faceted tip. When the first and second housing are coupled, the flange and mating surface are aligned, the frusto-conical projection contacts an interior surface of the first fitting that defines the tapered recess, and the faceted tip seats within the faceted recess. The housing may include a head for housing sensor electronics and a shield that encloses the head and is spaced from the head by an air gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: ULTRA ELECTRONICS
    Inventors: Angela Nugent, Todd Allen, Todd Reynolds
  • Patent number: 9283840
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a hollow output shaft for a corner system that allows flotation and traction in difficult field conditions to reduce wheel rutting. According to a preferred embodiment, a system is provided which includes a rectangular tube leg, a gearbox, a substantially square tube extension member, a gear motor, a fully keyed shaft and a pair of hub units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: Benjamin Toman
  • Patent number: 9285254
    Abstract: A flowmeter for liquids has a measuring housing, which encloses and rotatably mounts an impeller, said measuring housing comprising a one-piece supply pipe and discharge pipe, wherein the impeller is eccentrically arranged in the discharge pipe after a nozzle-forming constriction. A sensor encoder is associated with the impeller and a sensor which responds to the sensor encoder is provided on the measuring housing for determining the amount of liquid flowing through the measuring housing on the basis of the revolutions of the impeller. The outer diameter corresponding to the impeller is smaller than the nominal inner diameter of the discharge pipe, enabling it to be pushed into the one-piece pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: DIGMESA AG
    Inventors: Stefan Lauber, Stefan Schneider, Martin Sigrist, Christoph Rusch, Jean-Claude Frely
  • Patent number: 9279683
    Abstract: A low power method for determining whether a cargo destined for air transport is in a flying state having the steps of: providing a housing for attachment to a cargo the housing having: an accelerometer for detecting a linear acceleration, a gyroscope for detecting an angular rate, a controller measuring a linear acceleration with the accelerometer, measuring an angular rate with the gyroscope, providing the measured linear acceleration and angular rate to the controller, and generating a flight status output signal indicating whether the housing is in a flying state as a function of the linear acceleration signal and angular rate signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Moog Inc.
    Inventors: Martin A. Turon, Darren S. Liccardo
  • Patent number: 9274016
    Abstract: A pressure sensor chip includes a sensor diaphragm, and first and second retaining members. The first and second retaining members face and are bonded to peripheral edge portions of a first face and another face of the sensor diaphragm, and have pressure guiding holes that guide measurement pressures to the sensor diaphragm. The first retaining member has, in an interior thereof, a non-bonded region that is continuous with a peripheral portion of the pressure guiding hole. The non-bonded region in the interior of the first retaining member is provided at a portion of a plane that is parallel to a pressure bearing surface of the sensor diaphragm. The second retaining member is provided with a recessed portion that prevents excessive dislocation of the sensor diaphragm when an excessively large pressure is applied to the sensor diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: AZBIL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tomohisa Tokuda, Yuuki Seto
  • Patent number: 9273807
    Abstract: A sealing device of a level meter is acid-and-alkali-resistant and pressure-resistant, and has a flexible outer tube, a plug, a female union connector and a male union connector. The flexible outer tube has an expansion neck formed on a bottom end thereof. The plug is mounted in the expansion neck. The female union connector is mounted around the expansion neck. The male union connector engages the female union connector by means of threaded engagement. The male union connector has a through hole for tying a weight such that the flexible outer tube is stretched along a force of a gravitational force of the weight. As being wholly and uniformly subjected to the gravitational force of the weight, the male union connector is less damage-prone. Accordingly, the tensile strength of the level meter is effectively increased, and a life duration of the level meter therefore prolongs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: FINETEK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chih-Wen Wang, Ting-Kuo Wu, Yu-Yen Lo, Chao-Kai Cheng
  • Patent number: 9267958
    Abstract: A single sensing unit having two electrodes with a common thermal reference is positioned near the centroid of the inertial mass of a differential inductive accelerometer. As the mass is displaced a first sensor detects an increase in inductance while a second sensor detects a decrease in inductance. Significantly, the first and second sensors share a common thermal reference eliminating any thermal differential. As the sensor system is closely aligned with the centroid of the inertial mass the sensor system of the present invention reduces or eliminates any systemic error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Blue Line Engineering Company
    Inventor: Gregory H. Ames
  • Patent number: 9267824
    Abstract: A sensor assembly includes a frame defining a sensor axis having opposing endplates with axially extending supports, wherein the opposing endplates are connected by a pair of axially extending side beams. A suspended mass is within an interior of the frame suspended from the supports of the frame. A plurality of spacers are operatively connected to the endplates and supports of the frame. A plurality of piezoelectric material layers are operatively connected to sides of respective spacers opposite the frame to damp vibrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: Brian J. Smith, Alan Micah Giles
  • Patent number: 9261423
    Abstract: A three-axis load sensor utilizing four piezoresistive devices on a flexible silicon membrane is provided. The load sensor further includes a mesa disposed on the membrane substantially equidistant from the piezoresistive devices. A six-axis load cell is provided by placing a plurality of load sensors disposed on a substrate, the substrate configured to attach to an object wherein forces applied to the object can be measured and/or determined. The load sensors can be manufactured using bulk microfabrication techniques on a single crystal silicon wafer, and can detect normal and shear loading applied to the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: The Governors of the University of Alberta
    Inventors: David Benfield, Walied Ahmed Mohamed Moussa
  • Patent number: 9261386
    Abstract: A detecting probe mounting device for fixation in the proximity to a rotating member of a machine is provided. The detecting probe mounting device includes at least two detecting probes with a connecting part and a detecting part for detecting parameters of the machine and/or the rotating member, a probe support structure with one through hole for each detecting probe and with mounting means for mounting each detecting probe at the probe support structure, wherein in a mounted state the connecting part and the detecting part are located on different sides of each through hole, and fixing means for fixing the probe support structure at a predefined position in proximity to the rotating member of the machine, wherein in the fixed state the detecting part of each detecting probe is facing the rotating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Dave Carter
  • Patent number: 9255869
    Abstract: The invention relates to the method of feeding the air, or fluid of lower density, into the duct (2) by means of tubes separated one from another in such a way that there should be water, or liquid fluid, between them, so that this bathes at least part of its walls. In other words, similar to the stalks of a bouquet submerged in water, and at whose ends, instead of flowers, air bubbles exit, these being produced at the air inlet at the extremity of the stalk or tube. It relates more specifically to the method of feeding the lower-density fluid by means of tubes which at their base are grouped, close to each other or touching, and at their outlet extremities are separated, as if forming a bouquet, in such a way that the separation distance of the extremities of the tubes, between axes of symmetry, is approximately the diameter of the bubble.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Inventor: Francisco Javier Rosende Barturen