Patents Examined by Stewart J. Levy
  • Method and apparatus for optimization of running conditions of an automobile wheel
    Patent number: 4817429
    Abstract: Optimization of running conditions of an automobile wheel is achieved by matching (readjustment of tire relative to rim) after two measuring runs of the tire/rim assembly and in which the static and dynamic unbalance vectors of the tire and rim include coefficients of influence on said running conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1989
    Assignee: Hofmann Werkstatt Technik GmbH
    Inventor: Eickhart Goebel
  • MR tomography method and apparatus for performing the method
    Patent number: 4818941
    Abstract: An MR tomography method for generating water and fat images and an apparatus for performing the method. In one embodiment each sequence, consisting of a high-frequency pulse and different gradient fields, is executed twice, the gradient fields being influenced so that the distance between the high-frequency pulse and the echo signal in one execution of a sequence deviates from that in the other execution of the sequence by a given amount. Water images and fat images can thus be formed by summing and subtraction, respectively. In a second embodiment, two read phases are provided in each sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1989
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventor: Graeme C. McKinnon
  • Method and device for examination of a joint of a ultrasonic joint inspection device and method
    Patent number: 4817420
    Abstract: A method and device for the examination of a joint between a hollow steel shaft and a piece joined to the steel hollow shaft of a composite camshaft using ultrasonic examination. In the ultrasonic examination, the composite camshaft is put into a liquid and a probe of an ultrasonic search unit is inserted inside of the hollow steel shaft. The ultrasonic examination of the joint is performed from inside of the hollow steel shaft. According to the ultrasonic examination, any kind of joint of the composite camshaft is possible, because a distance from an inside surface of the hollow steel shaft to the joint is constant. In addition, since the probe does not contact the inside surface of the hollow steel shaft, the probe is not consumed due to abrasion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1989
    Assignee: Nippon Piston-Ring Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Kawaguchi, Yoshiaki Fujita, Satoshi Kawai
  • Method of high-speed magnetic resonance imaging employing continuous wave readout gradient
    Patent number: 4818942
    Abstract: A method of high-speed magnetic resonance imaging in which the object to be imaged is placed in a high static magnetic field. Nuclear spins are excited in an image area in a selected plane of the object by superimposing a slice-selection gradient along an axis and applying a pulse of radio frequency magnetic field. Following an encoding pulse sequence and rephasing of the nuclear spins by the application of a 180.degree. radio frequency pulse, mutually orthogonal phase-encoding and readout gradients are alternately applied in the image plane to effect a traversal through spatial frequency domain (k-space). In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the readout gradient is applied as a continuous sinusoidal wave, resulting in a slight overlap between the phase-encoding and readout gradients. If phase errors vary slowly in time, only a partial k-space trajectory is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1989
    Assignee: Advanced NMR Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard R. Rzedzian
  • Device for imaging three dimensions using simultaneous multiple beam formation
    Patent number: 4817434
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for three dimensional imaging of a solid angular volume utilizing a single pulse of radiated energy is described. An embodiment is disclosed which utilizes a single unipolar acoustic pulse to insonify a three dimensional volume. An array of transducers is used to collect the echoes which are stored in a memory as a replica of the reflected three dimensional wavefield. This data is processed to form a replica of the three dimensional volume of objects responsible for the echoes which is then stored in a second three dimensional memory. The data in this memory is collapsed in the direction of preferred perspective to enable viewing on a cathode ray tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1989
    Inventor: Forrest Anderson
  • Sample splitter
    Patent number: 4817442
    Abstract: A sample splitter comprising a housing having a substantially cylindrical rotor chamber having at least one inlet, at least two outlets, and a rotor rotatably received in the rotor chamber, said rotor being subdivided into at least two separate zones wherein each zone communicates with said inlet on rotation of the rotor, and each zone communicates with a different outlet from the other zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1989
    Assignee: Brian Christoperh Coupe
    Inventor: John C. Loosemore
  • Device for moving samples in a controlled atmosphere enclosure
    Patent number: 4817449
    Abstract: The device comprises a sheath assembly defining an internal value opening into the enclosure. It further comprises a rack unit mounted in the sheath assembly for axial movement; a pinion mounted for rotation on said sheath assembly; meshing with said rack and rotatable from the outside of said sheath through a deformable sealed mechanical drive connection; a sample holder connected to said rack having a freely rotatable axial connection with said rack; and a drive rod slidably non-rotatably connected to said sample holder, fixed against axial movement with respect to the sheath assembly and rotatable from the outside of said sheath assembly through a deformable sealed mechanical drive connection, each of said connection being devoid of slidable joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1989
    Inventor: Claude Le Tyrant
  • Double eccentric mount
    Patent number: 4817417
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for aligning and securing a blade vibration sensor about a selectable position along an inner surface of a turbomachine. The apparatus comprises a first rotatable member adapted to eccentrically secure the sensor, a second rotatable member eccentrically coupled to the first member and a ring clamp for mounting the rotatable members on the inner surface. The method includes the steps of securing the sensor to the first member, mounting the rotatable members on the inner surface, rotating the first and second members until the sensor is in a selected position and securing the first and second members against rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1989
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventor: Michael Twerdochlib
  • On-line rheological measurements
    Patent number: 4817416
    Abstract: On-line rheological measurements are made utilizing a rheometer of the type in which a first metering pump delivers diverted melt from a process main stream to a capillary passage and a second metering pump returns the diverted melt from the capillary passage to the process main stream and the viscosity of the diverted melt is measured by controlling the rate of flow of the melt to maintain constant the pressure drop between spaced apart locations along the capillary passage and measuring the temperature of the melt in the capillary passage. The measurements may be made while controlling the speed of the second metering pump independent of the speed of the first metering pump to maintain the pressure at the exit of the capillary passage essentially constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1989
    Assignee: Rheometrics, Inc.
    Inventors: John F. Blanch, Ronald F. Garritano, William D. Richards, Joseph C. Golba, Jr.
  • Speed indicator device for vehicles
    Patent number: 4815322
    Abstract: A speed indicator device for vehicles is described, of the type in which the speed indication is given over a scale by an index fitted to an oscillating element drawn for example, by a permanent magnet carried into rotation by the shaft of an electric motor. The device comprises a bush on one side fixed to the magnet and on the other fixed, by a spring, to the shaft of the electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1989
    Assignee: Veglia Borletti S.r.l.
    Inventor: Rodolfo Bitetti
  • Three-dimensional metric, perfusion and metabolic compartment spectroscopy phantom
    Patent number: 4816762
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for calibrating NMR imaging and imaging spectroscopy devices. A precise three-dimensional Cartesian grid allowing measurable three-dimensional fluid flow is established. T.sub.1 /T.sub.2 and regional spectroscopy is precisely measured at diverse places in the grid. Gradual system change over time is measured by pumping fluids through the grid. A modular embodiment can be reassembled into different shapes by the user, and provides both flow-through and static fluid measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1989
    Assignee: North American Philips Corporation
    Inventor: Daryl E. Bohning
  • Oxide free sampler
    Patent number: 4815326
    Abstract: A molten metal sampler which can be pre-evacuated is provided with a double skirt end structure to receive, chill and solidify molten metal around the fill end to reinforce the outer tube and minimize erosion of the outer housing during immersion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1989
    Inventor: Richard A. Falk
  • Inertia sensor
    Patent number: 4815320
    Abstract: An inertia body moves from a rest position in response to an applied acceleration and in so doing operates an electrical switch remote from the rest position. The body moves on spaced rails of a track arranged in a plane, with an aperture between the rails so that the body can extend below the running surfaces of the rails. The plane may be inclined and/or the rails may be non-parallel so that the center of gravity of the body rises as it moves from the rest position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1989
    Assignee: First Inertia Switch Limited
    Inventors: Peter D. Allen, Peter R. Jackman
  • Diffusion measurement
    Patent number: 4815316
    Abstract: The diffusibility or permeability of a sample of material (6) is determined by mounting the sample in the wall of a chamber (1), having an electrochemical gas sensor (4) fitted therein. If a differential pressure is applied across the sample, and output signals from the gas sensor are recorded at least two times, the signals and times can be processed to yield diffusibility or permeability values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1989
    Assignee: City Technology Limited
    Inventor: Anthony D. S. Tantram
  • Intake air meter for an internal combustion engine
    Patent number: 4815324
    Abstract: An intake air meter for measuring the intake air of an internal combustion engine operates on the principle of an ultrasonic Karman vortex flowmeter. A Karman vortex shedder is disposed in the main intake air passageway of an engine. Ultrasonic waves which are generated by an ultrasonic transmitter are phase modulated by the Karman vortex street which is shed by the vortex shedder. An ultrasonic receiver receives the ultrasonic waves and produces a phase modulated output signal, which is demodulated using a phase locked loop and a low-pass filter. The output of the low-pass filter can be used to count the rate of which Karman vortices are generated by the vortex shedder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1989
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasuo Tada, Minoru Abe
  • Apparatus for providing calibrated gas pressure
    Patent number: 4813265
    Abstract: Apparatus for providing a calibrated gas pressure comprising a piston mounted within a cylinder, there being provided a gap between adjacent walls of the piston and cylinder, the cylinder being generally closed at one end so as to provide a closed chamber. The closed chamber includes an outlet for gas at a calibrated pressure and a variable outlet valve. A gas inlet is provided in the wall of the cylinder adjacent to the position of the piston, and the piston engages a force measuring apparatus such that gas, in use, is supplied to the gas inlet and passes to the chamber to provide a calibrated gas pressure within the chamber, the pressure being measured by the force measuring apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1989
    Assignee: Furness Controls Limited
    Inventors: Joseph T. Furness, Henri Rosenberg
  • Method of determining the spectral distribution of the nuclear magnetization in a limited volume range
    Patent number: 4814710
    Abstract: In order to avoid the disturbing influence of the decay of the transverse magnetization and/or of the eddy currents, a sequence comprising at least two high-frequency pulses is repeated n times, the distance being varied from sequence to sequence so that the position in time of the echo signals produced by the high-frequency pulses varies from sequence to sequence. If each time a sample value from each echo signal is used for the Fourier transformation which has a defined position with respect to the respective sequence, a frequency spectrum is obtained which does not depend or depends only to a smaller extent upon the said disturbing influences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1989
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventor: Graeme C. McKinnon
  • Ultrasonic imaging apparatus
    Patent number: 4813279
    Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging apparatus is constituted by an ultrasonic transducer for scanning an object to be examined with an ultrasonic beam in a plurality of scan directions and converting echo waves from the object into echo signals, a transmitter for driving the ultrasonic transducer twice, so as to cause the ultrasonic transducer to emit the ultrasonic beam twice in each scan direction, a delay circuit for causing the echo signals to be subjected to signal-processing by different delay amounts to alternately form odd- and even-numbered receiving focus regions in the scan direction upon two transmission operations of the ultrasonic beam and for outputting echo signal components corresponding to the odd- and even-numbered receiving focus regions, and a mixing circuit for mixing the echo signal components corresponding to the odd- and even-numbered receiving focus regions to form video data for one scan line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1989
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Toshio Shirasaka
  • Leak detection method and device
    Patent number: 4813275
    Abstract: A device for measuring leaks by measuring buoyancy force changes on a mechanical force transducer inserted into a liquid in the storage tank. The buoyancy force changes result in liquid level changes inside the tank which in turn cause moment forces acting on the mechanical force transducer. These moment forces cause strain changes in the mechanical force transducer. These strain changes are measured by a strain gage attached to the mechanical force transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1989
    Assignee: ENG, Inc.
    Inventor: Trevor P. Castor
  • Thermal conductivity detector
    Patent number: 4813267
    Abstract: A thermal conductivity cell is described whose elements are well protected against short term temperature fluctuations, changes in flow rates, leaks, and vapor pressures of construction materials. The sample and reference chambers are formed within a relatively large copper block with a controlled thermal time constant. The thermal elements are isolated from the gas flow paths by porous metal plugs which are thermally "clamped" to the block. Element feed-throughs are potted in thermally conductive epoxy to minimize the effect of temperature gradients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1989
    Assignee: The Perkin-Elmer Corporation
    Inventors: Stanley D. Norem, Henry W. Bullinger