Patents Issued in September 18, 2001
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Patent number: 6289693Abstract: A system and process for the production of synthesis gas with a specific H2CO ratio, for example, 0.7 to 1.2 and a low residual methane content, for example, less than 5 percent (5%). Excess hydrogen from the syngas feed stream is removed by a membrane as a permeate and the retentate gas cryogenically separated.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2000Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: Chart Industries, Inc.Inventor: John V. O'Brien
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Patent number: 6289694Abstract: During the melting of glass from charging material in furnaces with burners and regenerators for the recovery of waste heat, oxygen and primary fuel are introduced into the area around the flame roots under slightly sub-stoichiometric conditions to cover the heat requirement of the melting process. In order to further reduce the levels of NOx, and CO in the waste gases by re-burning or post oxidation, secondary fuel and, further downstream, additional air are introduced beyond the flame in order to reduce the level of NOx, in or above the checkerwork by means of the secondary fuel and to carry out re-burning or post oxidation downstream by means of the supply of air, so that ultimately approximately stoichiometric combustion takes place. Before the waste gases enter a waste gas stack they are used to preheat the charging material in at least one raw material pre-heater.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 1999Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: Beteiligungen Sorg GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Helmut Pieper
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Patent number: 6289695Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for vacuum fusion bonding of large, patterned glass plates. One or both glass plates are patterned with etched features such as microstructure capillaries and a vacuum pumpout moat, with one plate having at least one hole therethrough for communication with a vacuum pumpout fixture. High accuracy alignment of the plates is accomplished by a temporary clamping fixture until the start of the fusion bonding heat cycle. A complete, void-free fusion bond of seamless, full-strength quality is obtained through the plates; because the glass is heated well into its softening point and because of a large, distributed force that is developed that presses the two plates together from the difference in pressure between the furnace ambient (high pressure) and the channeling and microstructures in the plates (low pressure) due to the vacuum drawn.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 1999Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Steve P. Swierkowski, James C. Davidson, Joseph W. Balch
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Patent number: 6289696Abstract: In an apparatus (1) for the severing of gobs from one or more strands (2;3) of molten glass, the severing of each gob is effected by a shear blade pair (5;6). A shear blade (7,8;9,10) of each shear blade pair is arranged on an associated, pivotably mounted shear arm (11;12). The two shear arms (11;12) are coaxially and freely pivotably mounted relative to each other on a common column (13). Each shear arm is pivotably drivable synchronously in relation to the other by its own separate drive means (24;25).Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 1996Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: The Firm Herman HeyeInventors: Hermann Bögert, Gerhard Geisel
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Patent number: 6289697Abstract: Apparatus for controlling rate of molten glass flow through a forehearth that includes a flume disposed in the forehearth for restricting the width of the forehearth to glass flow, such that there is a difference in level of molten glass in the forehearth upstream and downstream of the flume. Sensors measure the level of molten glass upstream and downstream of the flume, and a controller is responsive to the sensors for determining rate of molten glass flow through the forehearth as a function of a difference in molten glass level between the sensors. Rate of glass flow through the forehearth is controlled as a function of the difference in glass level across the flume as compared with a desired flow rate set by an operator.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 1999Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: Owens-Brockway Glass Container Inc.Inventors: Philip D. Perry, Michael T. Dembicki
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Patent number: 6289698Abstract: A sintered dense glass, alumina-doped optical fiber preform is stretched and is then heated to a temperature of 1490-1495° C. to remove bubbles without causing crystallization. Thereafter, the stretched glass body is either drawn directly into an optical fiber or overclad and then drawn into a fiber.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 1997Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: Corning IncorporatedInventors: A. Joseph Antos, Polly W. Chu
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Patent number: 6289699Abstract: A wavelength selective optical fiber coupler having various applications in the field of optical communications is disclosed. The coupler is composed of dissimilar waveguides in close proximity. A light induced, permanent index of refraction grating is recorded in the coupler waist The grating filters and transfers energy within a particular range of wavelengths from a first waveguide to a second waveguide. Transversely asymmetric gratings provide an efficient means of energy transfer. The coupler can be used to combine or multiplex a plurality of lasers operating at slightly different wavelengths into a single fiber. Other embodiments such as a dispersion compensator and gain flattening filter are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 1998Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: Arroyo Optics, Inc.Inventors: Anthony S. Kewitsch, George A. Rakuljic, Amnon Yariv
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Patent number: 6289700Abstract: Chenille yarns having a spaced dyed appearance of made by crochet knitting a chenille fabric having a plurality of parallel spaced warp yarns with which chain stitches are formed for securing weft yarns laid transverse to the warp yarns as each stitch is formed. Weft yarns of different colors are applied at different times to create a chenille fabric with differently colored sections. Slitting of the fabric in the warp direction between the parallel chain stitches yields individual multi-colored chenille yarns which can be used a flat yarns or twisted to form round chenille yarns.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2000Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Inventors: Richard P. Gangi, Robert Joseph Gangi
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Patent number: 6289701Abstract: Hosiery articles like stockings, hose, socks or the like are made from a false twist or spinning twist knitting yarn composed of cotton and/or wool and/or synthetic in which an elastomer is incorporated by the SpiroSpun process. The knitting yarn is made by the SpiroSpun process and is knitted into the garment shape without any other yarn.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2000Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: ′WGF′ Colcoton-Garn Hasenack & Co.Inventor: Klaus Hasenack
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Patent number: 6289702Abstract: The heterogeneous knitted fabric comprises metal fibres and other fibres. The fabric has a single knitted layer structure in which yarns with a high metal fibre content are situated towards one surface and yarns with a low metal fibre content are situated towards the other surface.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2000Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: N.V. Bekaert S.A.Inventors: Guido Heirbaut, Wim Van Steenlandt
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Patent number: 6289703Abstract: A rashel machine is described for the production of a knitted fabric, especially on a double bar or multi-bar rashel machine which includes a knitting needle bar and a guide bar assemblage having several guide bars therein. The guide bar assemblage is supported on a shaft that has a rotationaL axis that can be adjusted relative to the knitting needle bar essentially in the direction of its stroke movement. According to the invention, the rotational axis is adjustable between a first position and a second position by way of an adjustment mechanism, whereby in a first position a threading-in of a thread into the hole of the guide needle is easily possible even with guide bars lying on the inside without having to disconnect the guide bars lying on the outside of the guide bar assemblage.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 1999Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: Liba Maschinenfabrik GmbHInventors: Edgar Kress, Karl-Heinz Roth
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Patent number: 6289704Abstract: An espagnolette-lock for use on a leaf within a sash-frame having a casing, an operating rod movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, a controller for actuating the operating rod, a springy element for automatically restoring the operating rod to the locked position, a manual controller for moving the operating rod to the unlocked position and for restoring the springy element to a compressed condition, a locking mechanism for maintaining the operating rod in the unlocked position during an opening of the leaf from the sash-frame, and an unlocking mechanism for releasing the locking mechanism when the leaf is closed into the sash-frame so as to return the operating rod to the locked position. The locking mechanism includes a toggle joint having a first rod and a second rod connected together by a fulcrum. The first rod is connected through a hinged joint to the operating rod. The second rod is connected through a hinged joint to the casing.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 1998Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: Ferco International Ferrures et Serrures de Batiment Societe AnonymeInventors: Jean-Yves Collet, Gerard Prevot
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Patent number: 6289705Abstract: A method of so-called “ultrasonic” peening is described for peening large sized annular surfaces on thin parts. The method uses a microbead mist vibrated in a chamber with an opening so that the surface that is to be peened makes at least five movements past the opening of the peening chamber during peening so as to reduce deformation of the part.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2000Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: Snecma MoteursInventors: Catherine Dominique Béatrice Duquenne, Véronique Christiane Raymonde Giffard, Gérard Michel Roland Gueldry, Claude Marcel Mons
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Patent number: 6289706Abstract: A method of making Circular and Oval Flanged Rings, for the connection of thin walled circular and oval ducting, including Circular and Oval Flanged Rings having a Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association (SMACNA) standard T24 Profile. Thin gauge Lock Form Quality steel, from 10 to 20 gauge, is cut into strips with the strip ends butt welded forming Flanged Ring Band Stock which is inserted and clamped into a Spinning Die. The Spinning Die is rotated by a horizontally configured lathe output shaft presenting the extended portion of the Flanged Ring Band Stock for machine tool forming. Standard machine tools are used to form the Flanged Ring Band Stock into a Circular Flanged Ring including the SMACNA T24 Flanged Ring Profile. A Circular Flanged Ring is cut along a diameter into Semi-circular Flanged Ring Portions; straight segments including segments with SMACNA T24 Linear Segments are roll formed, assembled into a oval shape within a fixture and welded forming the Oval Flanged Ring.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2000Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Inventor: J. A. Hermanson
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Patent number: 6289707Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a roofing panel has been accomplished such that the desired panel version can be produced by altering the infeed point of the panel (6) on a feeding table (5). The apparatus can be utilized in the manufacture of roofing panels of various materials and with varied profile shapes.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2000Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: Samesor OyInventor: Pekka Saarenko
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Patent number: 6289708Abstract: An apparatus for roll forming purlins and the like from a metal strip (37) allows the choice between upwards bending and downwards bending by means of two sets of forming rollers (40, 43) arranged on either side of drive rollers (38, 39, 41, 42) feeding the strip (37). At least one of the two set of forming rollers (40, 43) is vertically adjustable. The apparatus can be applied, for instance, to the forming of steel profiles for construction purposes.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2000Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: Samesor OyInventor: Rauno Keinänen
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Patent number: 6289709Abstract: A gutter outlet punch for punching an outlet in a rain gutter. The gutter outlet punch has a female die and a male cutting die mating with the female die with the rain gutter positioned therebetween. The male cutting die is attached to a rod. A ratchet permits incremental, one way movement of the male cutting die toward the rain gutter. A ratchet handle permits one-handed operation of the ratchet. A ratchet release allows the male cutting die to be moved away from the rain gutter. An alignment mechanism permits alignment of the rain gutter with the male cutting die in two alternate orthogonal orientations. A housing surrounds the female die and encloses the male cutting die to prevent contact with the operator when the apparatus is not in use. An automatic mechanism ejects the punched-out slug from the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2000Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: Malco Products, Inc.Inventor: Dennis G. Geurts
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Patent number: 6289710Abstract: A method for manufacturing a hollow rack bar having a flat portion thick enough, which prevents difficulty in pulling out a core after press working. The flat portion is formed by inserting the core having an approximately central depression in the longitudinal direction into a steel pipe and pressing the steel pipe from the outside by an upper and a lower dies. Subsequent to the formation of the flat portion, rack teeth are formed by placing the steel pipe in a tooth profile forming die and forcibly inserting a mandrel into the steel pipe.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2000Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: TRW Automotive Japan Co., Ltd.Inventor: Keita Ozeki
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Patent number: 6289711Abstract: The invention concerns a bending device (10) comprising two shaping dies (12, 14) with shaping chambers (22, 24) in order to round a sheet bar (26) about a core (16). The peripheral lengths of the two shaping chambers (22, 24) are each longer than half the bushing circumference. During a pre-shaping step, the core (16) penetrates a first chamber (22) by a depth which is greater than the bushing radius. The sheet bar (26) is thus shaped in the form of a U. In an intermediate shaping stage, an auxiliary core (18) is placed on the core (16) such that, as the second shaping die (14) moves downwards, only the end of the U-legs of the sheet bar blank (26) are shaped arcuately. When the auxiliary core (18) and part (20) of the first shaping die (12) have been removed, the final bushing shaping process occurs, in which the second shaping die (14) likewise travels over the center of the bushing. The three-stage bending method enables a bushing to be rounded highly accurately and carefully.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 1999Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: Krauss-Maffei AGInventor: Harald Garth
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Patent number: 6289712Abstract: Pliers for crimping work pieces include a first stationary handle (1) and a second movable handle (2). The first and second handle (1, 2) are designed and arranged to be movable with respect to one another and to be operable by one hand. A first pivot jaw (3) is connected to the first stationary handle (1) to form a stationary pliers portion. A second pivot (4) jaw is connected to the second movable handle (2). The first and second pivot jaw (3,4) each includes at least two parallel plates (43, 33; 45, 46) extending symmetrically to a plane of main extension (19) of the pliers. A common joint (5) pivotally connects the stationary pliers portion to the second pivot jaw (4). A first die (32) is designed as a semi shell (34) and to be insertable into the first pivot jaw (3). A second die (33) is designed as a semi shell (35) and to be insertable into the second pivot jaw (4).Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2000Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: WEZAG GmbH WerkzeugfabrikInventors: Horst Beetz, Kurt Battenfeld
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Patent number: 6289713Abstract: A method for calibrating a gage for measuring shot blast intensity having an indication mounted on a platform adjusts the calibration of the indicator to compensate for variations of positioning of the Almen test strip supports on the platform. After verifying that the test strip supports are within tolerance by use of “go-no go” gages, the indicator is mounted on the support and calibrated by using a notch calibration block to first set the zero datum of the indicator and then to make a calibration reading of the depth of the notch. If the reading is within specifications, the notched calibration block is removed, and a calibration block having a curved surface simulating the curvature of an Almen strip to be measured by the Almen gage and having a known maximum deflection is installed on the gage and the indicator used to measure the deflection. If the measured deflection is within tolerance limits of the known actual deflection, the indicator is recalibrated to read the actual deflection.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 1999Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: Electronics IncorporatedInventor: Jack M. Champaigne
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Patent number: 6289714Abstract: The method is used for locally testing underground soil contamination by determining the generation rate of a first contaminant fluid in porous soil. The method includes the steps of making a hole of known dimensions in the soil, with the hole defining a first and a second spaced-apart portions; covering the hole, so as to define a closed volume in the hole; constantly injecting a second fluid in the hole at a constant given flow rate at said first portion of the hole, while simultaneously collecting fluid samples at the above-mentioned constant given flow rate at the second portion of the hole; measuring the concentrations of the first contaminant fluid from the fluid samples collected at known time intervals; and computing the generation rate of the first contaminant fluid, from the known volume of the hole and from the concentrations previously measured and originating from samples collected at the known time intervals.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 1999Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Inventor: André Tartre
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Patent number: 6289715Abstract: A system for analyzing a content of at least one element of a contained atmosphere for soldering or tinning with a metal alloy, comprising: at least one sampling line for taking a gas sample from the contained atmosphere; at least one analyzer for analyzing the element; at least one coalescence filter located on the sampling line upstream of the analyzer; wherein the sampling line comprises a portion, located between the contained atmosphere and the coalescence filter, wherein the formation of cold spots which could cause precipitation of solid or pasty compounds in the line portion is prevented; a detector of a blockage in the sampling line between the enclosure and the analyzer.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2000Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges ClaudeInventors: Chevalier Gilbert, Leturmy Marc
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Patent number: 6289716Abstract: There is described a method of monitoring the fault gases in the headspace of a transformer and providing an indication of transformer conditions.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 1999Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.Inventor: Stanley R. Lindgren
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Patent number: 6289717Abstract: A sensor apparatus is provided using a microcantilevered spring element having a coating of a detector molecule such as an antibody or antigen. A sample containing a target molecule or substrate is provided to the coating. The spring element bends in response to the stress induced by the binding which occurs between the detector and target molecules. Deflections of the cantilever are detected by a variety of detection techniques. The microcantilever may be approximately 1 to 200 &mgr;m long, approximately 1 to 50 &mgr;m wide, and approximately 0.3 to 3.0 &mgr;m thick. A sensitivity for detection of deflections is in the range of 0.01 nanometers.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 1999Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: U. T. Battelle, LLCInventors: Thomas G. Thundat, K. Bruce Jacobson, Mitchel J. Doktycz, Stephen J. Kennel, Robert J. Warmack
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Patent number: 6289718Abstract: The invention is directed to an arrangement for detecting a gaseous component in a gas flow which reaches a measuring chamber (4) via a sample intake line (3). The arrangement includes a flow throttle (8) in the sample intake line (3) and has a pressure sensor (9) for detecting the pressure at the inflow end of the flow throttle (8). The pressure sensor (9) can also be used to measure the ambient pressure. A flow detector (10) for generating a zero-flow signal is provided at a position along the sample intake line (3).Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 1999Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: Dräger Sicherheitstechnik GmbHInventor: Burkhard Stock
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Patent number: 6289719Abstract: A method of operating a gas sensor having two sensor electrodes whose output signal is evaluated in an evaluation circuit connected downstream of the sensor electrodes, the sensor electrodes being arranged in an ion-conducting ceramic and being therefor heated by an electrical heater, characterized in that a pulsewidth modulated heater voltage signal is applied to the heater; and that a compensation signal is superposed on the output signal of the sensor electrodes, the compensation signal being essentially formed so as to be counterclocked and inverted to the pulsewidth modulated heater voltage signal.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 1999Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbhInventors: Bernhard Bloemer, Bernd Schumann
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Patent number: 6289720Abstract: A method for controlling knocking of an internal combustion engine in which a knocking signal and a combustion signal are formed by directing vibrations detected by a vibration sensor through a primary filter circuit including a combustion filter circuit and a knocking filter circuit. The combustion filter circuit and knocking filter circuit each include a time gate and a filter. A ratio of a representative value of the knocking signal to a representative value of the combustion signal is obtained and used to decide whether knocking is occurring. The output voltage of control signals generated based on the decision that knocking is occurring may be varied as a function of the strength of the knocking and/or the frequency of the knocking.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 1999Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: Yanmar Diesel Engine Co., Ltd.Inventors: Minoru Ohkubo, Tohru Nakazono
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Patent number: 6289721Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for detecting a filling or tanking operation on a receptacle. The pressure is measured to obtain a trace of pressure as a function of time which is characteristic for a tanking operation. A conclusion that a tanking operation is present is made from the trace.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1996Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Andreas Blumenstock
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Patent number: 6289722Abstract: A method of leak testing a walled tank (16) that has multiple joints containing closures or closure devices (18, 20, 22, 24) closing openings in the wall. Rims (38) of multiple cups (26, 28, 30, 32) are disposed against the tank wall to place the cup interiors in substantial sealed covering relation to underlying zones of the tank wall containing joints to be checked. A tank seal (52) is disposed fluid-tight against a fill spud (18) in the tank wall, and a test gas, helium, is introduced into the interior of the tank. Gas from within the interior of each cup is sampled via a respective sampling conduit (48), and a purge gas is introduced into the interior of each cup via a respective purge conduit (46) while the gas from the interior of each cup is being sampled via the respective sampling conduit.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 1999Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: Visteon Global Tehnologies, Inc.Inventors: Paul Dale Lycan, Aaron Thomas Schellenberg
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Patent number: 6289723Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for detecting a leak in a valve and the magnitude of the leak. The valve has an upstream seal, a downstream seal and an inner cavity isolated by the seals. The apparatus comprises a mechanism for generating random pressure pulses in the inner cavity, a first sensor for detecting the onset of each pressure pulse and generating a trigger signal, a second sensor for sensing pressure pulses within the inner cavity and generating a representative second signal for each sensed pressure pulse and a third sensor located either upstream of the upstream seal or downstream of the downstream seal. The third sensor senses pressure pulses and generates a representative third signal for each sensed pressure pulse. Analysis circuitry samples and synchronously averages the second and third signals to determine the existence and magnitude of a seal leak.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2000Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Inventor: Robert L. Leon
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Patent number: 6289724Abstract: A method and apparatus for examining internal components of a sealed container is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of attaching an acoustic sensor to an outer surface of the sealed container and moving the sealed container about at least one axis of the sealed container. An audio signal is received from the acoustic sensor, where the audio signal is generated by a component within the sealed container that is put into motion as a result of the step of moving the sealed container about the at least one axis. The audio signal is analyzed to determine the frequency of the signal. In an embodiment for an apparatus of the present invention, an acoustic sensor is attached to the sealed container. An amplifier is coupled to the acoustic sensor and receives an audio signal from the acoustic sensor. The audio signal is generated by a component within the sealed container that is put into motion as a result of movement of the sealed container.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 1999Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: TyCom (US) Inc.Inventors: Ramesh Varma, J. Bradley Hunter, Marty Alexander
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Patent number: 6289725Abstract: A method of determining matric potential of a sample, the method comprising placing the sample in a container, the container having an opening; and contacting the sample with a tensiometer via the opening. An apparatus for determining matric potential of a sample, the apparatus comprising a housing configured to receive a sample; a portable matric potential sensing device extending into the housing and having a porous member; and a wall closing the housing to insulate the sample and at least a portion of the matric potential sensing device including the porous member.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 1998Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: Bechtel BWXT Idaho, LLCInventors: Joel M. Hubbell, James B. Sisson
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Patent number: 6289726Abstract: A fuel filter restriction indicating device communicating with the supply of fuel passing from a fuel tank to an internal combustion engine. The indicating device senses a decrease in the supply of fuel drawn through the fuel filter by the engine based upon changes in the amount of vacuum in the negative side of the fuel supply, the amount of restriction being indicated by the movement of an indicating device. A mechanism included in the indicating device senses the movement of the indicating device and progressively locks the indicating device into various indicating positions as the vacuum increases due to an increased restriction of the filter, so that the maximum reading of restriction achieved during engine operation remains visible to the operator or maintenance personnel even after the engine is turned off.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1999Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: Engineered Products Co.Inventors: Gregory Matthew Ferris, Jerry Lee Manross, Charels Henry Berry, III, Michael Dean Metcalf, Laverne Lee Sidler
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Patent number: 6289727Abstract: A torque-measuring device for an elevator brake measures the elastic deformation of active parts of a brake, for example, a shoe brake. In that case, regions with a reduced bending moment resistance are formed at the brake levers and elastically deform under the action of braking torque. The elastic deformation is detected by strain gauge strips arranged in these regions and connected as a measuring bridge and the generated voltage signals are provided to an elevator control as reference signals by an analog-to-digital converter and a microprocessor. The elevator control uses these reference signals to generate in a drive motor a motor torque compensating for the measured torque before the release of the brake. Thus, the resulting torque at the brake shaft is zero and a jerk-free start of the elevator car, without a torque jump, results therefrom after release of the brake.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 1999Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: Inventio AGInventor: Urs Ammon
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Patent number: 6289728Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the amount of liquid contained in a railroad tank car, or any other liquid storage tank having an interior region defining a predetermined relationship between liquid level and volumetric content. A tube having a closed bottom end is disposed within the tank in a substantially vertical orientation with the closed end of the tube emersed in the liquid and the open end of the tube protruding from the top of tank. An elongate member having a longitudinal edge defining a varying profile corresponding to the predetermined relationship between liquid level and volumetric content is slidably received within the tube. A float is slidable vertically along the exterior of the tube and is magnetically coupled to the elongate member such that as the float rises or falls in response to a change in liquid level, the elongate member will be vertically displaced within the tube.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 1999Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: Electromechanical Research Laboratories, Inc.Inventor: Larry C. Wilkins
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Patent number: 6289729Abstract: A sensor system for determining the position of at least one edge of a web of material is provided. The sensor system includes a transmitter and a receiver disposed on opposite sides of the web. The transmitter is capable of selectively transmitting ultrasonic signals, and the receiver is capable of receiving such ultrasonic signals and generating output signals indicative of the position of the web. The sensor system further includes a sensor drive circuit adapted to periodically transmit to the transmitter a transmitter drive signal representative of substantially one cycle of a signal, and to receive signals from the receiver with each signal being indicative of the position of the web.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 1998Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: Fife CorporationInventors: Md M. Haque, Darcy Winter, Dale Hueppelsheuser, John P. Newton, Greg A. Storie
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Patent number: 6289730Abstract: A detection system for detecting the size of a print medium. A hollow tube is positioned adjacent the paper or print medium. An ultrasonic transducer apparatus launches pulses of ultrasonic energy into the tube, and is responsive to ultrasonic echoes of the pulses to convert echo pulse energy into electrical detected signals. A flag positioning apparatus selectively positions a blocking flag within the tube at a location spaced from the transducer apparatus which is indicative of a print medium size. A controller responds to the electrical detected signals to determine a print medium size. The flag positioning apparatus can provide a single flag movable along a longitudinal extent of the tube, or a set of flags spaced along the longitudinal extent, one or more of which are selectably deflected by the print medium.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2000Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: Hewlett-Packard CompanyInventor: Steven B. Elgee
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Patent number: 6289731Abstract: A liquid level detector that includes an internal tube, a coil wound on an external surface of the internal tube, an external tube, a float ball, a base, and an upper fixing socket. The float ball is disposed in the internal tube, which is wound by a coil on its external surface. The internal tube is enclosed by the external tube, wherein an upper end of the internal tube is connected to the upper fixing socket, while the bottom end is coupled with the base. The two ends of the external tube are sealed for protection of the coil wound on the external wall of the internal tube. When the liquid level detector is employed to detect a liquid level, the float ball in the internal tube will move up or down according to the liquid level, and the induced change in inductance will be converted into a usable signal by a conversion circuit to drive a display apparatus to show the liquid quantity.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 1999Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Inventor: Jui-Yang Lo
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Patent number: 6289732Abstract: An inertial sensor has a sensing element formed on one surface of a chip of semiconductor material and which is movable with respect to the chip. The sensing element is enclosed in a sealed hollow structure, in which the hollow structure includes a metal wall disposed on the surface around the sensing element, and a closure plate fixed to the wall.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 1997Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: SCS Thomson Microelectronics S.r.l.Inventors: Bruno Murari, Paolo Ferrari, Benedetto Vigna
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Patent number: 6289733Abstract: Planar vibratory gyroscope structures are provided which are inherently symmetric, which facilitate the use of simple monolithic fabrication processes and which enable the use of sensitive control and sense systems. A planar vibratory member of these structures has a hollow frame, a plate that has a plate perimeter and is positioned within the frame and a plurality of elongate beams which couple the plate to the frame wherein each of the beams is proximate to and substantially parallel to a respective portion of the plate perimeter. The exterior rim of the planar member can be supported by a substrate which provides room for easy access to the plate with mode control and sense systems.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 1999Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: Hughes Electronics CorporationInventors: Anthony D. Challoner, Wallace H. Sunada, Donald R. Cargille
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Patent number: 6289734Abstract: The present invention provides a portable test system for in-situ, non-destructive identification of visco-elastic material. The system includes a probe-like member coupled to a controller, wherein the controller is responsive to an output signal from the probe-like member for determining properties of the visco-elastic material. The probe-like member includes a longitudinally extending housing. A transducer mechanism is operably positioned within the housing. The transducer mechanism includes an indentation tip member, wherein the indentation tip member is extendable through the housing. A load mechanism is provided for loading the transducer mechanism with a desired constant load, causing the indentation tip member to extend through the housing to perform an indentation. A force calibration mechanism is provided for calibrating the application of a fixed force between the indentation tip member and the visco-elastic material.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 1999Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: Hysitron, IncorporatedInventor: Antanas Daugela
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Patent number: 6289735Abstract: A diagnostic system includes a vibration sensor mounted on a machine to measure vibrations. Vibration signals from the sensor are processed and analyzed by the system. From a known critical frequency of a vibration-generating component, the system measures the amplitude of the vibration signal at more than one harmonic frequency of the known critical frequency and compares the amplitudes to amplitudes at adjacent harmonic frequencies. When a relatively large amplitude is found at a harmonic frequency, that is a harmonic frequency near a resonant frequency of the physical path between the vibration sensor and the vibration-generating component, the system analyzes the shape and magnitude of the vibration signal around that harmonic frequency to evaluate the condition of the machine.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1998Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: Reliance Electric Technologies, LLCInventors: Carl J. Dister, Frederick M. Discenzo, Kenneth A. Loparo
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Patent number: 6289736Abstract: The invention relates to ultrasonic welding methods and apparatus for correcting the difference of frequency and phase of transducer mechanical oscillations and oscillator driving impulses to the transducer under conditions of discontinuous loading, thereby to increase the efficiency of the transducer excitation. The transducer excitation impulses are periodically supplied to the transducer at a length not more than a half-period of the transducer mechanical oscillations, and after termination are resumed again with adjustment phase and frequency determined by transducer striction feedback signals. A zero-crossing detector applies the resumed and adjusted phase and frequency driving impulses, thereby corresponding to the highest transducer sensitivity. Feedback impulses established by the transducer mechanical resonance characteristics under varying load control the phase and frequency of the excitation pulses.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 1999Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: UIT, L.L.C. CompanyInventor: Efim Shmulevitch Statnikov
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Patent number: 6289737Abstract: In a vacuum pressure control system, the vacuum pressure in a reaction chamber 10 is measured by vacuum pressure sensors 14 and 15 (S22), the measured value is changed at a set vacuum pressure changing speed commanded from the exterior or determined and stored in advance in a controller of the system (S24). The changed value is sequentially generated as an internal command. In response to the sequentially generated internal commands, a desired value of the feedback control is changed in sequence (S26), so that the feedback control is executed as follow-up control (S27). Accordingly, the vacuum pressure in the reaction chamber 10 can be uniformly changed to a desired vacuum at a set vacuum pressure changing speed.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 1999Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: CKD CorporationInventors: Masayuki Kouketsu, Masayuki Watanabe, Hiroshi Kagohashi
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Patent number: 6289738Abstract: A sensor is proposed that has a measuring diaphragm (2), with at least one resistor measurement bridge (7, 8); a deflection of the measuring diaphragm (2) causes mistuning of the respective measurement bridge (7, 8), and the resultant change in the bridge diagonal voltage can be evaluated. The sensor (1) has one resistor measurement bridge (7, 8) on each half (3, 4) of the measuring diaphragm (2), and in each of the resistor measurement bridges (7, 8), two opposed bridge branches (R1, R4) are changed in their resistance values (&Dgr;R) by radial compressive offset, and the respectively other bridge branches (R2, R3) are altered in their resistances by radial or tangential elongation.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 1997Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Erich Zabler, Herbert Keller, Joerg Wolf
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Patent number: 6289739Abstract: A sacrificial specimen for use in monitoring a long-term stress intensity of a structure including a main body made of a metal and having an artificial crack formed at a central region thereof, and a pair of metal or synthetic resin thin plates each having a slit formed at a central region, said pair of thin plates being cemented together with interposing the main body therebetween such that said artificial crack is exposed outside through the slits. The sacrificial specimen is cemented onto a structure whose long-term stress intensity has to be monitored such that a central portion corresponding to the central regions of the main body and thin plates is not secured to the structure surface. When the sacrificial specimen is subjected to stress, the slits formed in the thin plates are deformed largely and a fatigue crack is produced in the main body such that the fatigue crack extends from the artificial crack.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 1999Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: Hiroshima UniversityInventors: Yukio Fujimoto, Eiji Shintaku, Kunihiro Hamada
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Patent number: 6289740Abstract: A system is disclosed for measuring strain using a technique of detecting the optical path difference in a sensing interferometer using an interrogating interferometer including a chirped fiber Bragg grating in which the optical path difference in the sensing interferometer is changed with the strain in the sensing arm, whereas the optical path difference of the interrogating interferometer is changed only by changing the center wavelength of addressing light, making use of the wavelength-dependency on the penetration depth inside the chirped fiber Bragg grating interferometer. Consequently, strain in the sensing interferometer can be assessed by determining the wavelength in which a coherence matched condition between the sensing and interrogation interferometers is attained.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 1998Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Ralph Posey, Jr., Alan D. Kersey, Michel J. LeBlanc, Michael A. Davis
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Patent number: 6289741Abstract: A novel device and method for the injection and molding of a body of elastomeric composition within a mold cavity, around a core member and against the prepared surface of a test substrate, such as a ceramic or metallic disk, at the base of the mold cavity. The molded elastomeric composition is molded as an axial-symmetrical frustro-conical body which tapers down to a uniformly thin layer between the test substrate surface and the flat undersurface of the core member, and the core member supporting the molded elastomeric body bonded to the test substrate are separable from the mold cavity for attachment to a conventional tension test machine for measuring the interfacial bond strength between the elastomer and the prepared surface of the test substrate.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 1999Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: Northrop Grumman CorporationInventors: Richard Ghetzler, Michael A. Mast, Neil E. Hodge, Nate Newman, Jeff Browning
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Patent number: 6289742Abstract: An apparatus and method for the detection of damage to a rope sheath of a sheathed synthetic fiber rope includes at least one breaking element covered by the sheath and extending along the rope. If the breaking element is damaged, a predetermined detectable characteristic thereof changes indicating likely damage to the rope sheath. The number and spacing of the breaking elements can be selected to determine the extent of localized damage to be detected. A control device monitors the breaking element to detect rope damage should it occur, and initiates suitable measures should they be necessary.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2000Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: Inventio AGInventor: Claudio De Angelis