Patents Examined by Xin Zhong
  • Patent number: 10241092
    Abstract: A gas chromatograph includes a column module for independently adjusting the temperature of a separation column. The column module is held by an oven with the separation column being horizontal. The column module includes the separation column for separating a sample gas into components, a column accommodating member accommodating inside the separation column while surrounding the separation column by a heat insulating member, and including a gap between the separation column and the heat insulating member for air to flow along the separation column, and a heater, provided inside the column accommodating member, for heating the separation column by being in direct or indirect contact with the separation column. The column accommodating member includes an air inlet port for introducing external air into the gap between the separation column and the heat insulating member, and an air outlet port for exhausting air in the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masaki Kanai, Satoshi Matsuoka, Masanori Nishino, Takahiro Nishimoto
  • Patent number: 10175209
    Abstract: Apparatus and method measure the flow rate of fluid for use in calibrating fraction collection in a chromatography system. An injector inserts a detectable substance into a flow of fluid. A first detector, disposed in a path of the flow of liquid with the substance, produces a signal in response to detecting the substance in the flow of fluid. A second detector, disposed downstream from the first detector in the path of the flow of fluid with the substance, produces a signal in response to detecting the substance in the flow of fluid. A computing system receives each signal produced by the first and second detectors upon detecting the substance in the flow of fluid, and computes a volumetric flow rate of the flow of fluid based on a time interval between the signals and a volume of the path between the first and second detectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: WATERS TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joshua A. Burnett, James Usowicz, Marc Lemelin, Lucas O. Tiziani, Aaron Lebeau
  • Patent number: 10139317
    Abstract: Methods of analyzing analytes from a liquid medium are disclosed. A system and apparatus for the analysis of analytes from a liquid medium are further disclosed. In particular, methods and apparatus of analyzing analytes by freezing liquid medium and partitioning the analyte into a sorptive stirrer are disclosed. Further, the methods and apparatus of the present invention can be useful in concentrating and isolating target chemicals of high value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: South Dakota Board of Regents
    Inventor: Brian Logue
  • Patent number: 10132704
    Abstract: A method for measuring a preload of a fastener is described. The method, which may be practiced at least in part by an apparatus, includes establishing an initial value associated with an absence of the preload of the fastener and providing an adapter and a transducer rotatably coupled to the adapter. The transducer may be positioned in contact with the fastener. The transducer is caused to direct an incident ultrasonic wave to the fastener and to receive a reflected ultrasonic wave from the fastener. Data associated with the incident ultrasonic wave and the reflected sonic wave is used to generate a modified value associated with the preload of the fastener, and the preload of the fastener is calculated based on a difference between the initial value and the modified value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Nancy Jane George
  • Patent number: 10126269
    Abstract: A fastener probe assembly includes a disc configured to rotate about a first axis of a fastener, an ultrasound probe coupled to the disc, and an encoder configured to determine an orientation of the ultrasound probe relative to the first axis of the fastener during an inspection of the fastener. The ultrasound probe is configured to interface with an axial end of the fastener, to emit ultrasound signals into the axial end of the fastener, and to receive ultrasound signals from the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Manuel Kenneth Bueno, Willis James Perry, Robert Charles Shaffer
  • Patent number: 10101302
    Abstract: An ultrasonic flaw detector includes: a flaw detection head including a probe that transmits an ultrasonic wave to an inspection object formed by a composite member and receives the ultrasonic wave that has reflected on the inspection object; a moving mechanism, which causes the flaw detection head to perform scanning; and a support mechanism disposed such that the support mechanism comes into contact with a lower surface of the inspection object, the support mechanism supporting the inspection object. The support mechanism is configured to come into contact with the inspection object over a predetermined area such that a waveform of the ultrasonic wave that has reflected on a position where the support mechanism is in contact with the inspection object and that is received by the probe is within a noise level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Toshihiro Yamaoka
  • Patent number: 10099699
    Abstract: A road surface condition estimation device includes a tire side device and a vehicle side device. The tire side device includes a vibration detection unit attached to a back surface of a tire tread and outputting a detection signal indicating a tire vibration magnitude, a signal processing unit, and a transmitter. The signal processing unit extracts a ground contact duration during which a portion of the tread corresponding to an arrangement position of the vibration detection unit is in contact with a ground, and calculates a high frequency component level of the detection signal detected during the ground contact duration as road surface condition data. When the ground contact duration is ended, a transmission trigger is transmitted to the transmitter and the transmitter transmits the road surface condition data. The vehicle side device estimates a road surface condition of the travelling road based on the road surface condition data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Youichirou Suzuki, Akira Takaoka, Takashi Saitou, Nobuya Watabe, Masashi Mori, Takatoshi Sekizawa
  • Patent number: 10086842
    Abstract: A road surface condition estimation device includes a tire side device and a vehicle side device. The tire side device includes a vibration detection unit outputting a detection signal indicating a tire vibration magnitude, a signal processing unit, and a transmitter. The signal processing unit extracts a ground contact duration during which a portion of the tread corresponding to an arrangement position of the vibration detection unit is in contact with a ground, calculates a high frequency component level of the detection signal detected during the ground contact duration, counts cumulative rotation number of the tire, and corrects the level of the high frequency component based on the cumulative rotation number of the tire. The transmitter transmits corrected level of the high frequency component as road surface condition data. The vehicle side device estimates a road surface condition of the travelling road based on the received road surface condition data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Youichirou Suzuki, Akira Takaoka, Takashi Saitou, Nobuya Watabe, Masashi Mori, Takatoshi Sekizawa
  • Patent number: 10082416
    Abstract: An electronic liquid level gauge assembly includes an electronic display located in a housing connected to a tank. The display has first and second display portions for indicating liquid level condition. A first electronic sensor senses a change in magnetic field of a magnet associated with a liquid level transducer, with magnet rotation being proportional liquid level change. A processor determines a temperature-compensated liquid level condition by correlating the liquid level signal with temperature measurement of the liquid. A temperature-compensated vapor space can also be calculated based on tank information and properties of the liquid. Signals related to the temperature-compensated liquid level and vapor space are sent to the display and wirelessly transmitted to a smart phone or the like for remotely viewing the tank information. The smart phone also includes a special app for sending information, firmware updates, and display configuration data to the electronic gauge assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Rochester Gauges, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Neal Lease, Herbert G. Ross, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10048114
    Abstract: In a device for measuring the vibrational amplitude of a capillary tube of a wire bonder, the capillary tube is placed between a light source and a detector system, so that the vibrational amplitude is able to be ascertained from the shading of a beam of light by the capillary tube. The beam of light emitted by the light source is split into a measuring beam of light and a reference beam of light, an edge of the capillary tube at least partially shading the measuring beam of light in the vibrating state, while the reference beam of light is not shaded. The detector system includes a measuring detector assigned to the measuring beam of light as well as at least one reference detector assigned to the reference beam of light, and the vibrational amplitude of the capillary tube is ascertainable from the interconnected output signals of the measuring detector and the reference detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GMBH
    Inventors: Walter Huber, Wolfgang Holzapfel
  • Patent number: 10048234
    Abstract: Analyzer 1 for analyzing a fluid 3 containing at least one substance to be analyzed and at least one inflammable substance containing: a source of gas 9 to provide a flux of diluent gas, an injecting nozzle 11 for introducing samples of the fluid into the flux of diluent gas and for producing a gaseous flux, and a detector 7 for analyzing the gaseous flux, wherein: the source of gas is intended to deliver a flux of diluent gas containing a material capable of supporting the combustion of the inflammable substance, preferably to deliver a flux of air, the injection nozzle is configured so as to introduce into the diluent gas samples of the fluid such that the average volume fraction of the fluid in the gaseous flux is less than 1/2,000 and preferably less than 1/20,000, and the detector contains at least one microsensor for detecting the substance to be analyzed. Corresponding method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignees: Apix Analytics, Total SA, EIF—Astute
    Inventors: Phillipe Andreucci, Eric Colinet, Philippe Coric, Jean-Claude De Wit, Pierre Puget
  • Patent number: 10036732
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an ultrasonic inspection device for small bore pipes comprising: a first arc-shaped frame part and a second arc-shaped frame part which surround the circumference of a pipe when combined with the pipe, and which have one side thereof rotationally connected to each other by means of a rotary connecting pin; an adjustment part that connects the other side of the first arc-shaped frame part and the other side of the second arc-shaped frame part to each other and is capable of adjusting the diameter of the bore formed by the first arc-shaped frame part and the second arc-shaped frame part according to the diameter of the pipe; a probe fixing part for fixing a probe to the first arc-shaped frame part such that the probe comes into contact with the surface of the pipe; an encoder part which is provided to the second arc-shaped frame part and maintains an encoder at a predetermined distance from the pipe; and a plurality of roller parts which are provided to the first arc-shaped fram
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Byoung Sik Yoon, Yong Sik Kim, Jeong Seok Lee, Tae Hun Lee
  • Patent number: 10024763
    Abstract: Methods and systems for improving the uniformity of a tire by determining one or more high speed uniformity parameters of the tire are provided. The high speed uniformity parameters can be determined by continuously acquiring uniformity data while ramping the tire to and from high speeds. For instance, measured uniformity data can be continuously collected for the tire as the tire is increased to high rotational speeds and decreased from high rotational speeds. The measured uniformity data can then be analyzed to determine one or more high speed uniformity parameters for the tire. For instance, the measured uniformity data can be corrected for non-high speed uniformity contributions to the uniformity measurements, such as contributions resulting from non-uniformity of a road wheel use to load the tire during uniformity testing, contributions resulting from mass unbalance of the tire, and contributions from low speed uniformity parameters of the tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN
    Inventors: Verner Steve Nicholson, James Michael Traylor
  • Patent number: 10024824
    Abstract: A device and method for performing ultrasound scanning of a substantially cylindrical object, the device comprising a cuff adapted to fit around a circumference of the object, a carrier mounted slidably on the cuff and adapted to traverse the circumference of the object, an ultrasound probe mounted on the carrier and positioned to scan the circumference of the object as the carrier traverses the circumference of the object, a carrier motor mounted on the cuff or the carrier and used to drive the movement of the carrier about the circumference of the object, and one or more data connections providing control information for the carrier motor and the ultrasound probe and receiving scanning data from the ultrasound probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Ontario Power Generation Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond Ten Grotenhuis, Andrew Hong, Zhenxiang Chen, Matt Madill, Shaddy Shokralla, Benedict Cheng Chuen Wong, Scott Preston, Alexander Sakuta
  • Patent number: 10006897
    Abstract: A portable device for measuring parameters of water includes: a shield spherical in shape; an instrument capsule maintaining a water-tight seal with the shield, isolating water inside the shield from water outside the shield; electronic sensors extending from the capsule for measuring chemical, physical, hydrological, and/or biological properties of water; a computer control device within the capsule for programming operation and data storage for the electronic sensors; a battery within the instrument capsule for powering the electronic sensors and computer control device; an electronic signal generator to transmit an acoustic or radio signal into water surrounding the instrument capsule; an electronic signal receiver to receive an acoustic signal in water surrounding the instrument capsule; a supply of compressed gas within the instrument capsule; an assembly capable of trapping gas released from the instrument capsule; and a valve capable of connecting the supply of compressed gas within the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Inventor: Scott Howard Ensign
  • Patent number: 10001460
    Abstract: A phasing adder and an ultrasound probe are disclosed. According to one implementation, the phasing adder includes a delay charge transferring unit and a delay adding unit. The delay charge transferring unit obtains signal charge in an amount obtained without amplifying according to charge generated in each of a plurality of piezoelectric elements. Each of the plurality of piezoelectric elements includes a piezoelectric body to generate charge according to sound pressure of input ultrasound. The delay charge transferring unit holds the signal charge for a predetermined amount of time. The delay adding unit executes phasing adding of an amount of the signal charge held for the predetermined amount of time in the delay charge transferring unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventor: Yuta Nakayama
  • Patent number: 9968209
    Abstract: Olfactory identification of the contents of a bottle, in particular wine, or any food container, intended to facilitate the choice of the product by a novice consumer making a purchase is enabled. A support, such as an enclosure attached to a bottle and, inside, a substance aromatized with the aromas representative of the contents of the bottle, make it possible to assist with the selection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Inventor: Patrick Maranon
  • Patent number: 9970907
    Abstract: A device and method for performing ultrasound scanning of a substantially cylindrical object, the device comprising a cuff adapted to fit around a circumference of the object, a carrier mounted slidably on the cuff and adapted to traverse the circumference of the object, an ultrasound probe mounted on the carrier and positioned to scan the circumference of the object as the carrier traverses the circumference of the object, a carrier motor mounted on the cuff or the carrier and used to drive the movement of the carrier about the circumference of the object, and one or more data connections providing control information for the carrier motor and the ultrasound probe and receiving scanning data from the ultrasound probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Ontario Power Generation Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond Ten Grotenhuis, Andrew Hong, Zhenxiang Chen, Matt Madill, Shaddy Shokralla, Benedict Cheng Chuen Wong, Scott Preston, Alexander Sakuta
  • Patent number: 9964477
    Abstract: A method of detecting a preload of a linear guide includes: applying an external force to the linear guide with an external force applying device, wherein the external force applying device sends an impact signal while applying the external force; sensing with a sensor a vibration signal sent from the linear guide because of vibration thereof which occurs under the external force; and receiving the impact signal of the external force applying device and the vibration signal of the sensor and calculating the preload of the linear guide according to a received result, with a signal analyzer. Therefore, with the method of the present invention, the preload of the linear guide is precisely tested regardless of environmental factors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: Hiwin Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Chang-Hsin Kuo, Po-Lin Lee
  • Patent number: 9958052
    Abstract: A system includes a gear unit, the gear unit including at least one housing cover, a sensor unit, on which sensors are provided, being provided on the housing cover, the sensors being connected at least electrically to an evaluation unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: SEW-EURODRIVE GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Antonius Bader