Patents Issued in November 28, 2002
  • Publication number: 20020174675
    Abstract: A detection device for detecting rotational abnormalities of an auger is formed within an ice making cylinder. The rotational abnormality detection device has a detecting portion made from a substrate mounted with two hall ICs, and a detection object portion made from a magnet. The detection object portion is embedded in a main body portion of the auger. Further, the detecting portion is formed so as to protrude from an inner surface of the ice making cylinder, and is placed such that the magnetic force from the detection object portion can be detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventors: Makoto Sasaki, Yoshio Furukawa, Yuji Hirano, Shigeaki Tamaki
  • Publication number: 20020174676
    Abstract: A self-retaining adsorbent unit for use in combination with an elongated refrigerant-containing housing includes an elongated adsorbent-carrying porous fabric casing with adsorbent disposed therein. A retaining tab is formed at one end of the casing for securing the adsorbent unit to an external structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventors: Samuel A. Incorvia, Peter R. Millen
  • Publication number: 20020174677
    Abstract: A pressure accumulator device for vapor compressed air conditioning or refrigeration equipment, comprises: an accumulator with its one end connected to refrigerant pipe at high pressure side as compressor, and with the other end connected to an inlet pipe of a condenser; a flow-rate control unit provided at the outlet of said accumulator, or in the condenser tube of said condenser characterized in that high pressure is maintained for refrigerant at high pressure side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventors: Wei Fang, Way-Jone Hsiao
  • Publication number: 20020174678
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing liquefied natural gas. A liquefaction plant may be coupled to a source of unpurified natural gas, such as a natural gas pipeline at a pressure letdown station. A portion of the gas is drawn off and split into a process stream and a cooling stream. The cooling stream passes through a turbo expander creating work output. A compressor is driven by the work output and compresses the process stream. The compressed process stream is cooled, such as by the expanded cooling stream. The cooled, compressed process stream is divided into first and second portions with the first portion being expanded to liquefy the natural gas. A gas-liquid separator separates the vapor from the liquid natural gas. The second portion of the cooled, compressed process stream is also expanded and used to cool the compressed process stream. Additional features and techniques may be integrated with the liquefaction process including a water clean-up cycle and a carbon dioxide (CO2) clean-up cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventors: Bruce M. Wilding, Dennis N. Bingham, Michael G. McKellar, Terry D. Turner, Kevin T. Raterman, Gary L. Palmer, Kerry M. Klingler, John J. Vranicar
  • Publication number: 20020174679
    Abstract: The refrigeration system for an ethylene plant comprises a tertiary refrigerant containing methane, ethylene and propylene. In the closed loop system, a portion of the constant composition refrigerant from the compressor is separated into a methane-rich vapor portion and a propylene-rich liquid portion. The various refrigerant streams are then used to cool the charge gas to separate the C2 and heavier hydrocarbons from the hydrogen and methane. The separated refrigerant streams are then recombined to form the constant composition before recycle to the compressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventor: Vitus Tuan Wei
  • Publication number: 20020174680
    Abstract: A system for purifying and reclaiming argon from an industrial process wherein oxygen is removed by hydrogenation and dehydration, and nitrogen and hydrogen are removed by cryogenic separation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventors: Kenneth Kai Wong, Dante Patrick Bonaquist
  • Publication number: 20020174681
    Abstract: A body jewelry clasp apparatus having a securely interlocking closure capable of securely and comfortably locking an article of jewelry to a pierced body position, thereby enabling the body worn display of fine jewelry, such as, for exemplary purposes only, gold or platinum hoops or wires having diamonds or gemstones set thereon, without risk of accidental loss thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventor: Anna Godsey
  • Publication number: 20020174682
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided methods for enhancing the color of minerals useful as gemstones. Invention methods are relatively inexpensive to carry out, avoid the use of hazardous materials, and require no specialized equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Applicant: United Radiant Applications
    Inventor: Richard Pollak
  • Publication number: 20020174683
    Abstract: Methods of forming plasma addressed liquid crystal display ribs are disclosed. An exemplary method includes introducing a glass paste which includes a curable medium into cavities formed in an intaglio collector to define rib structures, which are from the collector to a surface of the substrate, and removing the curable medium from the rib structures on the substrate surface to generate pores in the rib structures. The substrate having rib structures is then dipped into a solution containing an opaque pigment which is absorbed into the rib structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Applicant: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Pascale Laborde, Jean-Pierre Themont
  • Publication number: 20020174684
    Abstract: A furnace for the deposition and collection of molten silica particles to form a solid body, the furnace comprising a collection vessel, the base of which is lined with a purified refractory material, and a method of forming the solid body which comprises lining the base of the collection cup with crushed particles of purified refractory material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventors: Paul S. Danielson, John E. Maxon, Robert S. Pavlik, Daniel R. Sempolinski
  • Publication number: 20020174685
    Abstract: A dielectric lens is formed by laminating a plurality of dielectric sheets having different diameters along a focal axis of the lens. The first dielectric sheet is formed by injecting a dielectric material in a molten state at a predetermined pressure and cooling and solidifying the dielectric material. Each successive dielectric sheet is formed by injecting the dielectric material in a molten state on the preceding dielectric sheet and cooling and solidifying the dielectric material, so that each successive dielectric sheet and each immediately preceding dielectric sheet are fusion-bonded to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventor: Hiroshi Nonogaki
  • Publication number: 20020174686
    Abstract: A process for micromachining capillaries was having circular cross-sections in glass substrates. Microchannels are isotropically etched into a flat glass substrate, resulting in a semi-circular half-channel (or a rectangle with rounded corners). A second flat glass substrate is then fusion bonded to the first substrate, producing sealed microchannels with rounded bottom corners and a flat top surface having sharp corners. The process is completed by annealing at a sufficiently high temperature (approximately 750 C.) to allow surface tension forces and diffusional effects to lower the over-all energy of the microchannels by transforming the cross-section to a circular shape. The process can be used to form microchannels with circular cross-sections by etching channels into a glass substrate, then anodically bonding to a silicon wafer and annealing. The process will work with other materials such as polymers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Applicant: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Peter Krulevitch, Julie K. Hamilton, Harold D. Ackler
  • Publication number: 20020174687
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of apply controllable pneumatic force in a multibarrel pipette puller to pull single and multibarrel pipettes. A multibarrel pipette puller has a top mechanical portion and a bottom control box. In the top mechanical portion, a metal base is mounted with a pneumatic cylinder, a linear motion guide rail with its movable block connected a clamp body, a pneumatic rotator connected a drill chuck and a pair of heater fixture located between the clamp body and the drill chuck. An optical grid plate is attached on side of the clamp body. An optical sensor is mounted on the metal base along side of the optical grid plate moving path. The piston rod of pneumatic cylinder is connected to the clamp body to deliver pulling and pushing force. The rotator can turn the drill chuck up to 180 degree clockwise or turn counter clockwise back to original position. Both the cylinder and rotator are actuated by pressured air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventor: Zong Yuen Cai
  • Publication number: 20020174688
    Abstract: A lining material for glass melting furnaces comprises platinum or platinum alloy as a base material containing osmium as an impurity in an amount no more than 20 ppm. The lining material is used for that part of the melting furnace which comes into contact with molten glass. The low osmium content prevents the formation of bubbles in molten glass, thereby providing high-quality glass products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Applicant: NH Technoglass Co.
    Inventors: Tsugunobu Murakami, Tadakazu Hidai
  • Publication number: 20020174689
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing an optical fiber preform that can produce an optical fiber having desired characteristics over the longer length thereof. A crude preform provided with a core region and a cladding region is prepared (Step S1), and at a plurality of positions in the longitudinal direction of the crude preform, a refractive index profile in the cross-section of the crude preform is measured (Step S2). Then, the shape of the cladding region is demarcated based on the shape of the profile (Step S3). Subsequently, the crude preform is ground based on the results of the demarcation (Step S4). Thus, an optical fiber preform that enables the manufacture of an optical fiber having target characteristics is manufactured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Applicant: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masashi Onishi, Eiji Yanada, Masaaki Hirano, Hideyuki Ijiri
  • Publication number: 20020174690
    Abstract: A plurality of glass deposition targets are rotated simultaneously and a first plasma torch, having a coil diameter larger than the sum of the target diameters, deposits glass simultaneously on the plurality. After the diameter of the targets reaches a threshold a second plasma torch is used. The diameter of the second plasma torch can provide for simultaneous deposition. In a further embodiment, after the target diameter reaches a second threshold a third plasma torch is used. In a further embodiment the spacing between the axes of rotation of the targets is widened as the target diameter increases. In a still further embodiment a single plasma torch includes movable concentric tubes within its coil to selectively operate as any of a plurality of different diameter plasma torches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventors: Mikhail I. Gouskov, Evguenie B. Danilov, Mohd A. Aslami, Dau Wu
  • Publication number: 20020174691
    Abstract: This invention provides an optical fiber wiring board having excellent optical property, high reliability and high mounting property. This invention relates to an optical fiber component for connection having a substrate on which a plurality of optical fibers being wired, wherein a foam polymer layer is provided on a surface of the substrate wiring the optical fibers, or both on a surface of the substrate wiring the optical fibers and on a surface opposite to the surface of the substrate wiring the optical fibers, or so that whole of substrate is covered. The optical fiber component of the present invention may be further provided with a protective layer and may be filled with a filler. This invention provides also a manufacturing method of the optical fiber component for connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventors: Koichi Arishima, Takashi Yoshida, Mamoru Hirayama, Shin Sumida
  • Publication number: 20020174692
    Abstract: The drawing method of the present invention uses a drawing furnace comprising a furnace muffle tube, a furnace body and a heater. According to the method, an optical fiber preform is inserted from the inlet of the furnace muffle tube, the optical fiber preform is melted by means of a heater, under a specified gas atmosphere, and is drawn toward the outlet of the furnace muffle tube by means of a specified drawing tension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventors: Kazuya Kuwahara, Katsuya Nagayama, Ichiro Tsuchiya, Masashi Onishi
  • Publication number: 20020174693
    Abstract: An apparatus for forming a loop in a filament comprising a first wall having a first guide slot formed therein and a second wall having a second guide slot formed therein coplanar and parallel to the first guide slot. The first wall is opposite the second wall and each of the guide slots has opposing ends. A first gripper holds a filament at a first location. The first gripper is mounted from the first wall to the second wall at an end of each of the first guide slot and the second guide slot. The apparatus also includes a movable gripper to hold the filament at a second location. The movable gripper has a separation from the first gripper and is mounted from the first wall to the second wall adjacent to the other end of each of the first guide slot and the second guide slot for movement towards the first gripper to reduce the separation between them. This produces a loop of filament between the first gripper and the moveable gripper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Anthony William Gatica, Peter Henry Bruhn
  • Publication number: 20020174694
    Abstract: An apparatus (AT) for wet treatment of rope fabric (T), in particular endless-rope fabric, of the type comprising at least one treatment tank (1) through which the fabric (T) is made to pass in the presence of a liquid, where at least one portion (TF) of the fabric (T) is gathered in laps (FT) inside the tank (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Applicant: FLAINOX SRL
    Inventor: Giovanni Bozzo
  • Publication number: 20020174695
    Abstract: A disposable theft deterrent tag includes first and second elements that lock together through a portion of an item of merchandise to secure the tag to the item of merchandise. The first portion of the tag includes a first locking member having opposed teeth that are adapted to lockingly engage a second locking member that is carried by the second element of the tag. The second locking member is in the form of a stepped post that snaps between the opposed teeth to lock the post to the teeth. The tag may be unlocked by moving the teeth with respect to the post. In one embodiment of the invention, a portion of the body of the first element may be destroyed while moving the teeth from the locked position to the unlocked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventor: David K. Huehner
  • Publication number: 20020174696
    Abstract: A lever lock apparatus having a sliding bolt, a detent mechanism for locking the bolt against sliding movement and a plurality of levers. When using the appropriate key, the detent moves to allow the bolt to be slid to a locked or unlocked position. When the lock is under attack, and an inward force is applied to the bolt, the detent moves so as to maintain a detent fence away from the levers. Keeping or moving the fence away from the levers impairs the ability to pick or otherwise attack the lock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventor: Daniel MacMillan
  • Publication number: 20020174697
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a dry composition of a plant and/or soil amendment and a suspending agent, a liquid composition created therefrom and a method of making and using the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventors: Bruce Reid, Michael Karr
  • Publication number: 20020174698
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process and apparatus and apparatus for manufacturing holes on the circumference of a hollow section situated in an internal high pressure forming tool, by the action of a punch integrated in the forming tool. A desired breaking point is formed on the hollow section, which follows the edge contour of the operating face of the punch; and after the withdrawal of the punch, the hollow section material surrounded by the desired breaking area, acted upon by internal high pressure, is extracted from the hollow section from the inside to the outside, forming a hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Applicant: DaimlerChrysler AG.
    Inventors: Ulrich Haag, Uwe Hardtke, Thomas Huelsberg
  • Publication number: 20020174699
    Abstract: Crossbow in metal strip in a strip processing line is eliminated immediately upstream of a strip processing device by measuring the crossbow and controlling response to the measured value penetration depth of a correcting roller into strip while the latter is supported by a pair of support rolls. The device is provided immediately upstream of the processing unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Applicant: BWG Bergwerk- und Walzwerk-Maschinenbau GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Noe, Rolf Noe
  • Publication number: 20020174700
    Abstract: A machine for bending sections (2) having a longitudinal axis (3) and a constant cross section along the longitudinal axis (3) feeds the sections (2) longitudinally in a first direction (D1), and has a first and a second annular die (11, 12); an assembly (15) connected to the second annular die (12) and movable in a plane perpendicular to the first direction (D1) to move the second annular die (12) into a number of operating positions with respect to the first annular die (11) to bend the sections (2); and a joint (22; 39) connecting the first and the second annular die (11, 12), and which forces the second annular die (12) to assume a given position with respect to the first annular die (11) for each position assumed by the assembly (15).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Applicant: TAURING S.P.A.
    Inventor: Mauro Meliga
  • Publication number: 20020174701
    Abstract: A stretch bending device that can conduct accurate bending without using heavy material. A tension application mechanism 62 comprises first and second drive sources for movably supporting both ends of a guide member 12 with respect to a pair of arm members 28, 30 and moving the guide member 12 along the arm members 28, 30. Between the arm members 28, 30, a work piece 6 is arranged. There are tension sensor 98 for detecting tension applied to the work piece 6 and position sensors for detecting positions of the guide member 12. Torque of the first drive source is controlled based on the tension detected by the tension sensor 98, and the second drive force is controlled based on the positions detected by the position sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventors: Takayuki Yamada, Teruaki Yogo
  • Publication number: 20020174702
    Abstract: In a pipe rack forming method, in a state of holding a pipe forming body by a holding portion in a holding metal mold, at a time of pressing a flat surface portion of the pipe forming body by tooth bottom forming surfaces of respective stages of tooth profile portions in a tooth profile metal mold, the structure is made such as to sequentially employ the tooth profile portions in which a tooth bottom height applied to the flat surface portion is reduced in sequence for the tooth profile portions in the tooth profile metal mold, repeatedly pressing and moving forward and backward mandrels having the same size to an inner periphery of the pipe forming body every time when the respective stages of tooth profile portions in the tooth profile metal mold press the flat surface portion, and forming a rack tooth having a final tooth profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventors: Tsutomu Yasuda, Masato Ishikawa, Yoshihisa Mikami
  • Publication number: 20020174703
    Abstract: The bending device comprises a hydraulic motor for moving a feeding table, and a hydraulic circuit including first and second switching valves which can be selectively switched between a speed control channel for supplying operating oil from a discharge-rate variable hydraulic pump to the hydraulic motor by way of a servo valve and a pressure control channel for supplying high pressure operating oil from the hydraulic pump to the hydraulic motor. When the feeding table provided with a chuck mechanism gripping a longitudinal material is moved to a bending mechanism to bend the material, control of the speed and application of axial compressive force can be conducted by switching of the first and second switching valves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventors: Takayuki Yamada, Teruaki Yogo
  • Publication number: 20020174704
    Abstract: A hand held dent pulling device for attachment to and use in combination with a MIG or similar welder. The device features a elongated body member with an axial cavity and a face plate mount at a front end. An elongated shaft slidably engages the body member through the axial cavity and is biased toward the face plate. The shaft has an electrode attachment at one end and an attachment for a welder at the opposite end. The elongated shaft is selectively laterally translatable in its mount to the body. The front tip of the electrode is selectively translateable through an aperture through the face plate allowing the user to weld the electrode to the metal body being repaired and to draw the metal toward the face plate by laterally translating the elongated shaft. A handle is provided to grip the device and to translate the shaft once the device is welded to the metal body. Removal from attachment to the body done with a twist of the device snapping off the electrode tip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventor: Goran K. Olsson
  • Publication number: 20020174705
    Abstract: A method for resetting vehicle engine oil sensors includes determining whether a vehicle hood is opened. If the hood is opened, an oil sensor disposed in an oil pan is awakened and instructed to monitor the oil level. If, while the hood is opened, an oil parameter is altered a predetermined amount, the sensor and a corresponding output device are reset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventor: Axel H Berndorfer
  • Publication number: 20020174706
    Abstract: A high sensitivity pressure sensor with long term stability including a housing with first and second chambers, a membrane separating the first and second chambers, a first electrode located in the first chamber and spaced from one side of the membrane forming a first capacitor therewith, and a second electrode located in the second chamber and spaced from an opposite side of the membrane forming a second capacitor therewith. A measuring circuit is connected across the first and second capacitors for measuring membrane displacement by detecting differences in capacitance between the first and second capacitors and a compensation circuit is configured to apply an electric field to the membrane as a compensating force by reducing the voltage difference between the first electrode and the membrane and simultaneously increasing the voltage difference between the second electrode and the membrane or vice versa to provide long term stability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventor: Yuzef Gokhfeld
  • Publication number: 20020174707
    Abstract: A cylindrically formed master work is inserted into a work socket hole, and the master work is held at the center of the work socket hole by injecting compressed air from the inner circumferential face of the work socket hole toward the center of the work socket hole. In this state, the master work is rotated, and the end face of the master work is imaged three times with a CCD camera at different rotational angles. By computing the positions of bore centers from the three sets of obtained image data and the center of a circle passing those bore centers, the external shape center of the master work projected on the CCD is determined. Thus, the position of the external shape center of the work is easily and accurately determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventors: Susumu Sawafuji, Shozo Katamachi, Kazuo Nakajima
  • Publication number: 20020174708
    Abstract: A sensor device for detecting mechanical deformation of a component, in particular in the automotive field, has a deformation device, which has a deformable polysilicon part that undergoes a change in electric resistance in deformation; and an electric line arrangement for analog transmission of the change in resistance data of the polysilicon part from the deformation device to a central unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventor: Bernhard Mattes
  • Publication number: 20020174709
    Abstract: An air-sampling carrier for sampling air from a clean room of a semiconductor processing facility, an apparatus and a method for analyzing the air, wherein the air-sampling carrier includes a container having an inner space, a door mounted at a front wall of the container, a discharging pipe for discharging the air sample out of the container, and at least one inlet tube for introducing purge gas into the inner space of the container from outside the container. The discharging pipe and inlet tube are respectively formed on an outer surface of the container and connected to an inner space of the container. The air in the unit process tools is effectively sampled using an unmanned carrying apparatus and the pollution level of the air sample is simply and easily measured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventors: Tae-Ho Kim, Dong-Seok Ham
  • Publication number: 20020174710
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the viscosity of an operating liquid of an internal combustion engine of a vehicle by establishing the level of the operating liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Applicant: Conti Temic microelectronic GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Hubrich, Michael Pulvermueller
  • Publication number: 20020174711
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for evaluating the integrity of a seal on liquid-filled container. According to one aspect of the invention, the apparatus comprises a tank for containing a liquid solution and a clamp with a first and second member between which the container is engaged. The clamp is positioned with respect to the tank such that a portion of the container properly situated in the clamp will extend into the tank and contact the liquid solution. A ram and cylinder are operatively connected to the clamp to engage the container. A seat is provided to support a portion of the container such that at least a portion of the container supported by the seat will extend into the tank. A drill is provided to pierce a surface of the container to make an opening. The drill is positioned such that the opening can be made while the container is in the clamp and/or the seat such that at least a portion of the container extends into the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventors: John J. Leonard, Steven Robert Ehardt, Newell Esmond, Kurt Aaron Kreutzmann, Timothy J. Hamilton, John Konieczka
  • Publication number: 20020174712
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the viscosity of an operating liquid of an internal combustion engine of a vehicle by establishing the level of the operating liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Applicant: Conti Temic microelectronic GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Hubrich, Michael Pulvermueller
  • Publication number: 20020174713
    Abstract: Rapid characterization and screening of polymer samples to determine average molecular weight, molecular weight distribution and other properties is disclosed. Rapid flow characterization systems and methods, including liquid chromatography and flow-injection analysis systems and methods are preferably employed. High throughput, automated sampling systems and methods, high-temperature characterization systems and methods, and rapid, indirect calibration compositions and methods are also disclosed. The described methods, systems, and devices have primary applications in combinatorial polymer research and in industrial process control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventors: Miroslav Petro, Adam Safir, Ralph B. Nielsen, G. Cameron Dales, Eric D. Carlson, Thomas S. Lee
  • Publication number: 20020174714
    Abstract: A profiler or scanning probe microscope may be scanned across a sample surface with a distance between them controlled to allow the sensing tip to contact the surface intermittently in order to find and measure features of interest. The distance is controlled so that when the sensing tip is raised or lowered to touch the sample surface, there is no lateral relative motion between the tip and the sample. This prevents tip damage. Prior knowledge of the height distribution of the sample surface may be provided or measured and used for positioning the sensing tip initially or in controlling the separation to avoid lateral contact between the tip and the sample. The process may also be performed in two parts: a fast find mode to find the features and a subsequent measurement mode to measure the features. A quick step mode may also be performed by choosing steps of lateral relative motion to be smaller than 100 nanometers to reduce probability of tip damage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 1999
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventors: THOMAS MCWAID, PETER PANAGAS, STEVEN G. EATON, AMIN SAMSAVAR, WILLIAM R. WHEELER
  • Publication number: 20020174715
    Abstract: Cantilever for a scanning probe microscope (SPM) including a substrate having a tip, a piezoactuator on the substrate movable in response to an external electric signal, and a sensor formed around the piezoactuator so as not to overlap with the piezoactuator, thereby minimizing inner couplings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Young Sik Kim, Hyo Jin Nam
  • Publication number: 20020174716
    Abstract: A scanning force microscope system that employs a laser (76) and a probe assembly (24) mounted in a removable probe illuminator assembly (22), that is mounted to the moving portion of a scanning mechanism. The probe illuminator assembly may be removed from the microscope to permit alignment of said laser beam onto a cantilever (30) after removal. This prevents damage to, and shortens alignment time of, the microscope during replacement and alignment of the probe assembly. The scanning probe microscope assembly (240) supports a scanning probe microscope (244). Scanning probe microscope (244) holds a removable probe sensor assembly (242). Removable probe sensor assembly (242) may be transported and conveniently attached to the adjustment station (250) where the probe sensor assembly parameters may be observed and adjusted if necessary. The probe sensor assembly (242) may then be attached to the scanning probe microscope (244).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventor: David James Ray
  • Publication number: 20020174717
    Abstract: An injection-amount measuring unit, for measuring an injection amount of a fuel injector, employs a flow meter to measure a flow amount of a test fluid supplied from a pump and pumped through a fluid supply passage. A volume enlargement chamber of a volume member, is disposed around an upstream side of a fuel inlet of the fuel injector. A test fluid flows from a side of the pump into the volume enlargement chamber through the fluid inflow passage. The test fluid then flows from the volume enlargement chamber to a side of the fuel injector through the fluid outflow passage. When a needle opens an injection hole, transmitted waves and reflected waves, and resultantly, pressure pulsation, may be generated in the test fluid within the fuel injector. These waves and pulsation are eliminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventors: Seigi Toiyama, Koji Mizukusa
  • Publication number: 20020174718
    Abstract: A thermosensitive flow rate sensor includes a detecting element, in which a heating element and a fluid temperature detector are formed so as to be separated from each other on a surface of a flat substrate and a flow rate detection diaphragm is formed under a region where the heating element is formed, and a support having a recess portion, the detecting element being housed inside the recess portion such that a surface of the detecting element is positioned generally in a common plane with a surface of the support and such that a direction of alignment of the heating element and the fluid temperature detector is perpendicular to a direction of flow of a fluid being measured, and a groove being formed in the support so as to pass under a region where the fluid temperature detector is formed in the direction of flow of the fluid being measured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI DENKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tomoya Yamakawa
  • Publication number: 20020174719
    Abstract: In a level sensor (1) having a pair of measuring electrodes (4) and a pair of reference electrodes (5), reference electrodes (5a, 5b) have a horizontal section (12). The horizontal section (12) extends over the entire width of a container (2). In this way, physically limited inhomogeneities in the liquid in the container (2) are compensated for in the measurement of a reference variable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventor: Sven Petzold
  • Publication number: 20020174720
    Abstract: This invention describes the addition of mechanical reference members (MRM) to MEMS gyroscopes and accelerometers in order to enable the measurement of their scale factor and bias characteristics. The measurements can be made prior to or during operation of the instruments. This approach is attractive since MEMS devices are subject to drift of these characteristics with time, with the environment and with application conditions. The mechanical reference members are used to provide a rotation rate reference for the gyroscopes and an acceleration reference for the accelerometers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventor: Donato Cardarelli
  • Publication number: 20020174721
    Abstract: A method and device for detecting stenoses in a tubular line system during an extracorporeal hemotherapy. The tubular line system has an arterial branch going out from the patient and leading to a hemotherapeutic unit, and a venous branch going out from the hemotherapeutic unit and leading to the patient, where an oscillating pressure signal is generated in the tubular line system, and the oscillating pressure signal is measured. To detect stenoses, the frequency spectrum of the oscillating pressure signal is analyzed, in response to a change in the frequency spectrum. This method is based on the principle that, in response to the existence of a stenosis, the dynamic performance of the tubular line system changes, the higher frequency components of the pressure signal generated by the rollers of the blood pump, which propagates across the tubular line system, being attenuated due to the compliance of the line system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventor: Malte Gross
  • Publication number: 20020174722
    Abstract: The claimed method of in-tube ultrasonic flaw detection of pipelines is effected, in accordance with one embodiment, by placing inside a pipeline an inspection pig or flaw detector having ultrasonic transducers, devices for measurements, processing and storage of the measured data. During the pig travel, the transducers emit probing ultrasonic pulses and receive the reflected pulses corresponding to said probing pulse thus deriving data on the time intervals corresponding to the transit time of said pulses, the measured data being converted and stored.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventors: Alexandr Jurievich Bazarov, Alexandr Petrovich Desyatchikov, Nikolai Alekseevich Karasev, Sergei Pavlovich Kirichenko, Andrei Mikhailovich Slepov, Anatoly Valentinovich Smirnov
  • Publication number: 20020174723
    Abstract: A hand pump comprises a cylinder head and a pressure gauge. The cylinder head comprises an air passage for inflating an object to be inflated. The cylinder head further comprises a receptacle communicated with the air passage. The pressure gauge is detachably engaged with the receptacle of the cylinder head. Alternatively, the pressure gauge is pivotally engaged with the receptacle of the cylinder head. A coupler may be engaged with the pressure gauge for engaging with a tire valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventor: Louis Chuang
  • Publication number: 20020174724
    Abstract: A micromechanical component, in particular a mass flow sensor, includes a tongue made of a micromechanical material that is elastically bendable under the influence of an external pressure acting on a surface region of the tongue, in which a piezoresistive resistance device is provided on the elastic tongue, in which a holding device holds a region of the elastic tongue, and in which the holding device is arranged so that the external pressure causes a change in the mechanical stress at the location of the tongue in the region of the piezoresistive resistance device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventors: Hubert Benzel, Heribert Weber, Frank Schaefer