Patents Examined by Stewart J. Levy
  • Patent number: 4857850
    Abstract: An antenna for nuclear magnetic resonance imaging devices has two electromagnetic circuits connected to each other so as to produce mutual opposition of their electromotive force when they are placed in a uniform electromagnetic induction field. It is considered that a localized transmitter does not produce a uniform field. This antenna therefore makes it possible to detect this field if it comes close to this latter. On the other hand, this antenna does not present any reactive field to a transmitter in which it may be considered that the field opposite to said antenna is uniform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1989
    Assignee: General Electric CGR SA.
    Inventors: Henri-Jose Mametsa, Herve Jacob
  • Patent number: 4856337
    Abstract: Both an apparatus and a method for simultaneously inspecting the walls of a tube with both ultrasonic and eddy current probes is disclosed herein. The apparatus generally comprises a cylindrical housing assembly insertable within the tube to be inspected, and a probe carrier rotatably mounted within and helically movable with respect to the housing. The probe carrier holds three ultrasonic probes for transmitting ultrasonic beams which are directly oriented radially, chordally, an axially with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tube, as well as an eddy current probe for simultaneously inspecting the walls of the tube with electromagnetic lines of flux. The apparatus further includes a helical drive train formed from a lead screw assembly having a motor means, a drive shaft, and a drive sleeve for imparting a helical scanning motion to the probe carrier with respect to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1989
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: Michael J. Metala, William G. Clark, Jr., Warren R. Junker, Lee W. Burtner, Thomas E. Arzenti, Harold P. Johnson, Robert P. Vestovich, Bruce W. Bevilacqua
  • Patent number: 4856335
    Abstract: A standard reference deformation of a composite material containing a flowable phase and compressible inclusions, such as a prepreg, is measured as the deformation whereat the dominant compressive mode of composite deformation changes from that characteristic of compressible inclusion collapse to that characteristic of resin flow, termed the optimal consolidation deformation. Establishment of this point permits measurement and correlation of physically significant composite properties. For example, material properties of such composite materials are measured under a compressive loading by an ultrasonic transducer at the optimal consolidation deformation. At this point, normally determined to be the deformation at which the second derivative of compressive displacement falls to about zero, compressible inclusions such as voids are eliminated but the flowable phase has not yet begun to flow significantly so as to change the fractions of the phases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1989
    Assignee: The Expert System Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Neal E. Tornberg
  • Patent number: 4856322
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for monitoring the viscosity of ink in a continuous jet ink jet printer, which method comprises causing at least part of the ink to flow through a restricted orifice into a vessel and measuring the time taken to fill the vessel between a lower level limit and an upper level limit and allowing ink to escape from the vessel to reduce the level to below the lower level limit, characterized in that ink is automatically removed from the vessel by a syphon when the ink has reached the upper level limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1989
    Assignee: Willett International Limited
    Inventors: David J. Langrick, Mark Smith
  • Patent number: 4856336
    Abstract: An ultrasonic flaw detector comprises channels for transmitting and receiving electrical signals. The transmission channel comprises a sync pulse generator (1) connected to a sonic pulse generator (2) and transmitting piezoelectric elements (3). The receiving channel comprises receiving piezoelectric elements (4), a radio-frequency pulse amplifier (6), a video detector (7), a control voltage generator (15), and horizontal-sweep and vertical-sweep generators (16 and 15) which are connected to a frequency divider (13). The output of the video amplifier (8) is connected to a multivibrator (10). The receiving channel also comprises three electronic switches (11, 12, and 5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1989
    Inventors: Sergei A. Falkevich, Mikhail V. Naumov, Jury M. Shkarlet, Dmitry V. Sukhorukov, Viktor N. Fedotov, Jury I. Sazonov
  • Patent number: 4857847
    Abstract: The magnetic resonance (MR) imaging system, in which magnetic resonance is caused on the spin of a specific nucleus using a gradient field and a excitation pulse, and, through observation of an MR signal, an image representing the density distribution of that nucleus in a target region of a body is attained, provides at least one of a density distribution image of protons in water of the body and that of protons in the body's fat. First image data comprising complex image data representing the distribution of the spin in a water phantom and second image data comprising complex image data representing the spin distribution in the body are obtained. The first and second image data are acquired in the excitation sequence in which the phase of the MR signal for the water protons is opposite to that of the fat protons. By comparing the first and second image data, it is discriminated which one of the densities of water and fat protons in the second image data is dominant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1989
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Yoshio Machida
  • Patent number: 4856342
    Abstract: The adherence of an individual fibre embedded in a polymer matrix is determined by a drawing experiment in which the fibre is drawn out of the polymer matrix and simultaneously the pertaining force-distance diagram is registered. To this end a test sample consisting of the polymer matrix with the individual fibre embedded therein is manufactured by melting down a quantity of polymer present in granular or powder form on an object holder, the individual fibre is dipped into the molten polymer mass and the polymer mass is subsequently cooled down below the melting point. Subsequently the object holder with the test sample adhering thereto is brought into a force-distance measuring device, and the free end of the fibre is fixed to a chucking device moveable in the direction of the fibre.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1989
    Assignee: Bayer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ludwig Bottenbruch, Hans-Joachim Traenckner, Andreas Hampe, Klaus Schumacher
  • Patent number: 4854158
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for leak testing a fluid containing chamber wherein the chamber is pressurized with a gas and is submerged in liquid. The bubbles of gas rising from the submerged chamber are directed past a predetermined location which is adjacent to a photoelectric detector. The electrical signals from the photoelectric detectors are counted and when the number bubbles exceeds a predetermined number a fault signal is activated indicating a leaking container. By grouping a number of adjacent photocells into a predetermined set, the apparatus can discriminate between random bubbles rising from the chamber as it is submerged, and a number of bubbles all originating from a given location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1989
    Assignee: Expertek, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald C. Gates
  • Patent number: 4854162
    Abstract: A method of determining the location and type of dimensional defects, particularly friction generating defects, which comprises: (a) initiating simulated operation at ambient conditions of an assembly having certain sliding or rolling contact surfaces; (b) sensing any change in the temperature of such assembly surrounding each certain sliding or rolling contact surfaces (i) with a resolution of 0.02-1.0 C.degree. (preferably 0.1-0.7 C.degree.) and (ii) during a time span of 2-10 seconds measured from such initiation to provide separated voltage signals for each location; (c) converting the signals to a digitized thermal map; and (d) comparing the sensed digitized thermal map with a reference digitized thermal map for such an assembly without defects operated during the same time span and adjusted to compensate for any differing thermal conditions. Any deviations detected by such comparison representing defects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1989
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Daniel Yerace, Alexander J. Zinkosky
  • Patent number: 4854167
    Abstract: A mass fluid flow sensor is disclosed which utilizes a sensing bridge circuit to develop a sense (control) signal related to fluid flow. A fluid temperature variable resistor, separate from said bridge circuit, is utilized to implement temperature compensation so that a desired output signal is a function of sensed fluid flow, but is less dependent on fluid temperature than the sense (control) signal provided by the bridge circuit. A resistor in the bridge circuit is selected such that the sense (control) signal provided by the bridge circuit has a rate of change as a function of flow rate substantially independent of fluid temperature, but this sense signal still varies as a function of fluid temperature. This permits fluid temperature compensation of the bridge sense signal in a noncomplex and cost effective manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1989
    Assignee: Motorola Inc.
    Inventors: Walter S. Czarnocki, Peter W. Harper, Kevin S. Moran, Steven W. Alexander
  • Patent number: 4855714
    Abstract: There is a controller connected to a plurality of probes via a transmission line. Each probe includes sensors which provide voltage signals related to the fluid status in the probe environment. The voltage signals are applied to a voltage controlled oscillator which in turn provides an oscillating signal for transmission to the controller. A counter in the controller is controlled by a timer to count the number of oscillations of the transmitted signal over a predetermined time period. The count is represented by a digital signal which is processed to provide an indication of the fluid status of the probes. Probe circuit temperature is also transmitted to the controller for use in correcting the received oscillator frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1989
    Assignee: Emhart Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce A. Clarkson, Steven A. MacIntyre
  • Patent number: 4855679
    Abstract: Apparatus for spatial localization in magnetic resonance (MR) systems applicable to both imaging and spectroscopy. Spatial localization provides data from a volume of interest (VOI) by means of selective inversion followed by the application of a modified spin-echo sequence having a second slice selection gradient used with the 180.degree. pulse being orthogonal to a first slice selection gradient used with the 90.degree. pulse. The selective inversion 180.degree. pulse is applied in the presence of a third selection gradient which is orthogonal to the other two selection gradient pulses. This basic sequence is applied twice with the preinversion pulse absent in the second application. The resulting signals are substracted from one another to obtain a net localized signal from the VOI.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1989
    Assignee: Elscint Ltd.
    Inventor: Joseph Granot
  • Patent number: 4854154
    Abstract: A mechanical displacement flowmeter calibrator has a first fluid line external of the measuring cylinder of the calibrator connected between the inlet and outlet thereof. A flowmeter that produces flow-representative passes is connected in the fluid line. A rod is connected to a measuring piston adapted to travel through the measuring cylinder as a fluid barrier. The rod draws the measuring piston through the measuring cylinder at a predetermined, constant speed and thereby determines the flow rate of the calibration. A reservoir means, connected to the measuring cylinder, is provided which maintains the pressure within the measuring cylinder at a substantially constant value. The displacement of the measuring piston is sensed as it travels through the measuring cylinder during a test run, while the pulses produced by the flowmeter are counted during the time interval in which the piston displaces a given volume. The flowmeter is preferably connected in the fluid line at the pressure null point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1989
    Assignee: Flow Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael W. Halpin
  • Patent number: 4854181
    Abstract: A sample injection or extraction head for gaseous or liquid fluids, especially for use in gas chromatography. An inner bore of the head is in alignment with a passage of an introduction opening for receiving a syringe needle. The introduction opening is connected with the inner bore via a seal so that a syringe needle which has been inserted through the introduction opening into the inner bore is sealed against the exterior via the seal. An inlet valve is provided having a valve body which is sealingly spring biased against the inner bore and is displaceable by the introduction of a syringe needle for opening the valve against the spring bias, such displacement taking place at an angle between the axis of the inner bore and the axis of the valve within the range of more than 90.degree. up to less than 180.degree.. A cylindrical guide for the valve body ends in a recess of the head. The recess extends across the inner bore and provides an annular sealing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1989
    Inventor: Eberhard Gerstel
  • Patent number: 4854159
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the load bearing capacity of engine oils under determined temperatures and shear rates. An eccentrically rotating cylindrical shaft (rotor) is used in a cylindrical journal bearing (stator) so arranged that the stator can be displaced from the center of rotation by a known amount. Measurements are made of minimum gap between the rotor and stator and of the force required to maintain the eccentrically rotating loaded shaft at a position such that the oil in the gap between rotor and stator achieves a shear rate between 1.times.10.sup.5 and 1.times.10.sup.7 s.sup.-1, typically 1.times.10.sup.6 s.sup.-1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1989
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Terence W. Bates
  • Patent number: 4854169
    Abstract: An accelerometer is composed of a pair of housings each of which forms a magnetic structure together with a permanent magnet and a flapper flexurally supported by hinge portions between the magnetic structures. The permanent magnet is secured to the housing of the magnetic structure by means of a spacer so as to prevent a harmful thermal stress which will be caused by the difference of thermal expansion between the magnet and the housing. A bobbin with a torquer coil is secured to the flapper by means of a base member to take no effect of thermal stress which will be caused by the difference between the materials of the bobbin and the flapper. The above elements are housed in a case which is installed in an instrument board so as to be unaffected by changes in temperature in surroundings of the accelerometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1989
    Assignee: Japan Aviation Electronics Industry Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Sakuma, Hirohito Itoh, Mitsuaki Kazou, Kenji Kuramoto
  • Patent number: 4854172
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for evaluating the density profile of a wood-derived specimen. A sample of the material is mounted on a lathe and rotated at high speed. An acoustic emission transducer is coupled to a cutting tool, brought into contact with the specimen to produce an AE signal, as the tool is moved across the thickness of the rotating sample. The acoustic emission signal is then transformed into an electrical signal and the resultant electrical signal is amplified and transmitted to a second amplifier for further amplification and analysis of the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1989
    Assignee: Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Richard L. Lemaster, David A. Dornfeld
  • Patent number: 4854175
    Abstract: A simple shear device and method for its use to test stress and strain characteristics of earthen samples and powders. The shear device particularly comprises a stacked plurality of plates which are slidably movable laterally relative to one another, which plates have a hollow central area for holding a cuboidal sample and spaced first and second platens having faces at between parallel and 45.degree. relative orientation to one another, between which the plurality of plates containing the sample may be placed. A first force may be applied to the first platen urging it toward the second platen to compress the sample therebetween; a second force is applied to one of the platens to urge the platen in an angular direction relative to the direction of the first force to apply a shear force to the sample. The resulting stresses and strains in the sample are monitored when the forces are applied to the sample while confined between the platens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1989
    Assignee: The Research Foundation of State University of New York
    Inventor: Muniram Budhu
  • Patent number: 4854171
    Abstract: The presence of extraneous materials such as polypropylene strings or strands in textile fiber material is detected at the bale shaver or plucker in which tufts of the textile fiber are removed from the bale by a rotary plucker head. The plucker head is received in a suction removal hood so that a strand which tends to be wound on the head will impact upon the hood and the frequency of such impact is automatically detected and, if found to be related to the frequency of rotation of the head, automatically causes shut down of the machine to enable clearing of the extraneous fiber or string from the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1989
    Inventor: Hubert Hergeth
  • Patent number: 4854153
    Abstract: An automatic calibration apparatus for a partial gas pressure measuring sensor supplies a gas having a high partial pressure (referred to as the high gas) and a gas having a low partial pressure (referred to as the low gas), to a gas selection device (103) from a gas supplier (101) through a detector device (102) which detects an abnormal gas supply condition outside given, satisfactory gas supply conditions. The selection device (103) selects the high gas or the low gas for supplying the selected gas to a sensor support (27 or 104). A partial gas pressure measuring sensor to be calibrated is placed on the sensor support and an automatic calibration controller (106) stores an output of the partial gas pressure measuring sensor (105) in an information storing memory. When the detector device, detects an abnormal gas supply of the high gas or the low gas, the automatic calibration controller stops the storing of the output of the partial gas pressure measuring sensor (105) in the storing means (107).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1989
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuichi Miyagawa, Kiwamu Yoneda, Kazuhiro Kuwa, Katsuyuki Kogo