Patents Examined by Robert Raevis
  • Patent number: 7387039
    Abstract: A container inspection apparatus and method measures both warp and off-level of an annular sealing surface of a container. The apparatus preferably has a warp gauge device and an off-level gauge device suspended over a container support and base by at least one column for the warp gauge device and a pillar for the off-level gauge device. When measuring for warp, the off-level gauge device is constructed and arranged to pivot clear of the warp gauge device, and vice-versa when measuring for off-level. The container preferably is held laterally or radially in place by two V-bracket assemblies, and vertically in place by a container support. The V-bracket assemblies are adjustable vertically to accommodate containers of differing diameters and heights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Owens-Brockway Glass Container Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Juvinall, James A. Ringlien, Timothy J. Nicks, William H. Anderson, Brian A. Langenderfer
  • Patent number: 7387021
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided that assess reservoir compartmentalization by determining whether there are compositional differences such as whether the isotopic ratios of carbon (13C/12C) or of oxygen (17O/18O) are the same or different in various parts of the reservoir. A quartz enhanced photoacoustic spectrometer is provided for analysis of reservoir samples taken in various parts of the reservoir for comparison of geochemical composition to estimate reservoir compartmentalization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Rocco DiFoggio
  • Patent number: 7387036
    Abstract: A vessel with retention features for the retention of pellets for use in laboratory processes, manufacturing, and producing packaged foods, chemicals, and medicines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Gentra Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Darin O'Brien, Nate Morken, Alan Wirbisky
  • Patent number: 7383745
    Abstract: A heated sampling hose assembly includes a sampling hose having an inlet and an outlet for passage of a sample gas. An outer sleeve surrounds the sampling hose with an annular purge gas passage radially therebetween. The outer sleeve is closed at opposite ends by first and second fittings having a purge gas inlet and purge gas outlet, respectively, and a heater is arranged to heat the purge gas in the annular purge gas passage to a temperature of the sample gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Boris Nikolaevich Eiteneer, Glenn Charles England, Brian Clifton Jacobs
  • Patent number: 7377187
    Abstract: An aerosol size-selective impactor for reducing particle bounce includes a main structure, a buffering layer, and a dehydration preventing layer. This main structure with an inlet and an outlet has a central channel and a receiving cavity. There are many nozzles in the inlet. The buffering layer is filled in the receiving cavity. The dehydration preventing layer is coated on the buffering layer for reducing the dehydration of water contained in the buffering layer. So, this invention utilizes the design of the receiving cavity to receive both layers. Its accuracy is high. Its sampling time lasts longer. It can endure vibrations. This invention can yield the particle bounce effect with lower cost. And, its application scope is wide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Chung Shan Medical University
    Inventors: Chane-Yu Lai, Sheng-Hsiu Huang, Jia-Yun Lin, Chih-Chieh Chen
  • Patent number: 7377186
    Abstract: A steering wheel has a structural skeleton forming a core within an outer covering, the covering and skeleton forming a hub portion having at least one arm interconnecting the hub portion with an outer wheel portion. The skeleton within the outer wheel portion has a U-shaped cross sectional conformation. A wire harness is positioned within the U-shaped conformation of the outer wheel portion and a plurality of ethanol detectors are mounted in spaced apart relationship within the outer wheel portion and adjacent to an outer surface of the steering wheel. The ethanol detectors communicate with the wire harness and an electrical circuit, the circuit engaging the hub portion of the skeleton. The circuit is in communication with the wire harness for receiving electrical signals from the ethanol detectors for sensing ethanol vapors in proximity to at least one of the ethanol detectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Transbiotec, Inc.
    Inventor: Landon Duval
  • Patent number: 7373818
    Abstract: A securement system for a measuring device for monitoring and/or determining a fill level of a medium in a container, with at least one device housing and at least one elongated unit. In the device housing, at least one cutting ring is provided, which cuts into the outer layer of the end of the elongated unit far from the process in such a manner that the elongated unit is connected with the device housing electrically, pressure tightly and/or resistantly against pull.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Robert Schmidt, Armin Wendler
  • Patent number: 7373721
    Abstract: A goniometric sensor (1) for measuring the relative rotation of two objects (20,25) comprising a flexible elongated element (2) whose respective ends are connected to the two objects (20, 25) and during whose bending the length variation ?L is determined of one of the lines (15) not located at the neutral axis (10). This length variation ?L is directly proportional to the relative rotation (?) between the two bodies (20, 25) multiplied for the eccentricity (e) of the line (15) with respect to the neutral axis (10). Therefore, it is possible to determine easily the relative rotation (?) by knowing the length L and the eccentricity (e) with respect to the neutral axis 10, and measuring the length variation ?L of the line, for example by measuring the movement of the end of a cable located in a hole that contains the line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventors: Massimo Bergamasco, Fabio Salsedo, Guenther Nino Ullrich, Paolo Villella
  • Patent number: 7373852
    Abstract: What is described is a length measurement system and method for measuring relative movements between first and second machine parts, said measurement system comprising a sensing head and a rule sensed by it, said sensing head being securely mountable on the first machine part and said rule being connectable with the second machine part during final assembly of the length measurement system, wherein the rule is mounted within a profiled part which is securely mountable on the second machine part in final assembly and into which the sensing head protrudes, said sensing head being preadjusted, via a removable mounting element, and being releasably connected with said profiled part, in a state prepared for final assembly, or said sensing head, when finally assembled, protruding into the profiled part without being supported thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Dr. Johannes Heidenhain GmbH
    Inventors: Ludwig Boge, Hans-Joachim Freitag, Heinz-Gunther Franz, Andreas Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7373806
    Abstract: A scanning probe microscope has a probe tip for undergoing a scanning operation to scan a sample surface in X- and Y-directions parallel to the sample surface and for undergoing movement in a Z-direction vertical to the sample surface. A vibration unit vibrates the probe tip at a vibration frequency that resonates with of forcedly vibrates the probe tip. An observation unit collects observational data from the sample surface when the probe tip is in proximity or contact with the sample surface. A detection unit detects a variation in the state of vibration of the probe tip when the probe tip is in proximity or contact with the sample surface during a scanning operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: SII NanoTechnology Inc.
    Inventors: Itaru Kitajima, Kazutoshi Watanabe, Shigeru Wakiyama, Masatoshi Yasutake, Akira Inoue
  • Patent number: 7373807
    Abstract: A drive unit is provided that is capable of providing a high-accuracy measurement operation while suppressing a posture change of a detector even if the detector is moved. The drive unit includes a cross section of horizontally-oriented-U-shape guide rail provided to a frame, and the outside to be parallel to the movement direction of a roughness detector; a slider formed to be able to freely slide along the guide rail, and configures a frame being rectangular in cross section to include a detector therein; biasing member that biases the slider against the guide rail; and drive device that moves the slider along the guide rail. The drive unit is configured to include a motor, a ball screw axis to be driven by the motor, and a nut member that is screwed to the ball screw axis, and is coupled to the slider. The ball screw axis is disposed in the vicinity of the substantial center of sliding surfaces of the slider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventor: Nobuyuki Hama
  • Patent number: 7373821
    Abstract: A semiconductor sensor is disclosed that includes a semiconductor substrate, a sensing portion provided on the semiconductor substrate, and a pad in electrical communication with the sensing portion and provided on the semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor sensor also includes a bonding wire in electrical communication with the pad. Furthermore, the semiconductor sensor includes a cover member with a covering portion disposed over the semiconductor substrate for covering the sensing portion such that the covering portion is separated at a distance from the sensing portion. The cover member further includes a coupling portion provided on the semiconductor substrate at an area including the pad and for enabling electrical connection of the pad with the bonding wire therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Minekazu Sakai, Ryuichiro Abe, Akitoshi Yamanaka
  • Patent number: 7373850
    Abstract: Test apparatus for bi-manual phaco needle apparatus are provided which includes a chamber for establishing a fluidic circuit between an irrigation needle and an aspiration needle. A first inlet into the chamber is provided for establishing a sealed communication with the irrigation needle and a second inlet is provided for establishing a sealed fluid communication with an aspiration needle. The apparatus enables a method for testing bi-manual phacoemulsification apparatus and priming thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Advanced Medical Optics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth E. Kadziauskas, Mark E. Steen
  • Patent number: 7373798
    Abstract: A pulse production interval measurement module (or temporal reconciliation module) for preferred use with a computational flowmeter to thereby temporally reconcile or time shift flowmeter output produced by a volume of fluid flow through the computational flowmeter with the start and stop times of the flow of a calibrated fluid volume through a prover. The pulse production interval measurement module may be implemented with software and/or hardware and operate on stored data or real time or near real time measurements. Timing signals are sampled or collected with respect to one or more measurement elements within the computational flowmeter from which the measurement time interval for the flowmeter is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: Galen Cotton
  • Patent number: 7373812
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a full reservoir sampling and testing apparatus having a ground surface testing and controlling tool (36) and a downhole tool (1), the downhole tool (1) comprises a wireline bridle (21), an adapter joint AH64 (2) connected to the wireline bridle (21), a GR pup joint, an electric unit (4), a single probe unit (5), a pumping unit (6), a dual packer unit (7), and a multi sampling unit (8); the ground surface testing and controlling tool (36) comprises a power supply controller, a computer system and a relevant control, analysis and interpretation software; an upper portion of the pumping unit (6) is connected to the single probe unit (5) and a lower portion thereof is connected to the multi sampling unit (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventors: Yong Ma, Jianguo Ma
  • Patent number: 7373849
    Abstract: A method for deploying a reconnaissance sonde, including the steps of: incorporating at least one environmental sensor and an associated communication device into a robust, aerodynamically efficient casing; deploying the sonde by imparting a spin and a directional velocity to the casing, sufficient to carry the sonde into a region of interest; and establishing communication with the communication device, thereby enabling data from the sensor(s) to be transmitted to a remote location. A sonde for remote data collection is also provided, including at least one environmental sensor, an energy source and communication means. The sonde is generally shaped as a discus or saucer, a clay pigeon or skeet, for deployment by applying a spin and directional velocity to the sonde.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Roke Manor Research Ltd.
    Inventors: Peter Gregory Lloyd, Paul Jonathan Stein
  • Patent number: 7370508
    Abstract: An electrical machine has a rotor position transducer which provides output signals to a control system. The output signals contain errors due to component shortcomings and manufacturing imperfections. An apparatus is disclosed which is able to determine the errors in the signals and provide compensations to the control system of the machine. The compensations may be stored in the control system and used to improve the accuracy of the transducer output signals, thus improving the output of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Switched Reluctance Drives Limited
    Inventor: Peter Mark Moriarty
  • Patent number: 7370515
    Abstract: Probes for use in a scanning probe microscope and methods of manufacturing such probes. Each probe includes a probe tip having a substantially vertical sidewall formed by an anisotropic etching process and a flared post underlying the probe tip that is formed by an etching process that is not anisotropic. A source gas comprising a bromine-containing gas and an oxygen-containing gas is used to etch the probe tip and flared post of the probe in a batch process. The probe tips may be qualified using any suitable criterion for use by a customer in an atomic force microscope without individual inspection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Veeco Instruments Inc.
    Inventors: Nihat Okulan, Ami Chand
  • Patent number: 7370543
    Abstract: The present disclosure concerns embodiments of a sampling apparatus that utilizes one or more cyclone separators to collect airborne particles from the atmosphere. In one representative embodiment, the sampling apparatus includes a collection-vessel retaining member that is adapted to be removably coupled to a collection vessel. The retaining member has an air-inlet conduit for permitting air to flow through the open end of the collection vessel and an air-outlet conduit for permitting air to exit the open end of the collection vessel. The airinlet conduit and the air-outlet conduit are configured to cause air flowing into the collection vessel to establishes a cyclonic flow path, which causes airborne particles to separate out from the air stream and collect in the collection vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventors: Teh-Hsun B. Chen, Gregory Feather, Jvoti Keswani, Herbert David Edgell, III
  • Patent number: 7367243
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to a volumetric pipet used to make a volumetric measurement and transfer a measured amount of liquid. More specifically the invention relates to a pipet that fills from the top, works well with automated systems because it does not require positioning devices or a supply of suction, is easy to rinse and rinses upon filling, and meets the precision requirements of class A volumetric glassware. The pipette of the invention may include a chamber for manipulation of the liquid before pipetting. The pipet is capable of delivering a repeatable predetermined volume of fluid, fills from the top and dispenses from the bottom, which eliminates a need for suction to fill the pipet. The pipet does not trap air in the measuring chamber and works without any valves making contact the sample liquid in the measuring chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Inventor: Randall A. Moon