Patents Issued in January 6, 2004
  • Patent number: 6672142
    Abstract: A method for evaluating the period of beer foam stability of sample of equal foam layer thicknesses comprising the steps of obtaining a sample by pouring a fixed amount of prescribed beer into a standard glass from a pouring height calculated to approximate a standard preset thickness, measuring the foam layer thickness and the period of foam stability of the sample, comparing the measured values with the standard foam layer thickness value, adjusting the beer pouring height to approximate the standard foam thickness more closely, pouring the fixed amount of the prescribed beer into a standard glass to obtain another sample, and measuring and storing the foam thickness value and period of foam stability of the sample, and reading the period of foam stability value corresponding to the standard foam layer thickness from a graph obtained by plotting the foam layer thickness data against the period of foam stability data for a plurality of samples obtained by repeating the above steps a number of times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Sapporo Breweries Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhisa Yasui, Hiroshi Nakayama
  • Patent number: 6672143
    Abstract: A process is provided for determining the degree of damage to keratinous fibers. The process includes providing a container containing a liquid preparation, introducing keratinous fibers into the container, and applying at least one impulse to the container to determine the degree of damage. The liquid preparation contains at least two immiscible continuous liquid phases, where the phases differ in densities at 20° C. by at least 0.04 g/ml.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien (Henkel KGaA)
    Inventors: Erik Schulze zur Wiesche, Claudia Brockmann, Detlef Hollenberg
  • Patent number: 6672144
    Abstract: A scanning probe microscope method and apparatus that modifies imaging dynamics using an active drive technique to optimize the bandwidth of amplitude detection. The deflection is preferably measured by an optical detection system including a laser and a photodetector, which measures cantilever deflection by an optical beam bounce technique or another conventional technique. The detected deflection of the cantilever is subsequently demodulated to give a signal proportional to the amplitude of oscillation of the cantilever, which is thereafter used to drive the cantilever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Veeco Instruments Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis M. Adderton, Stephen C. Minne
  • Patent number: 6672145
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing the flow distribution through a turbine engine fuel manifold and one or more nozzles connected to the manifold. A plurality of individual fluid measurement vessels, at least one for each of the nozzles being tested, collects test fluid pumped through the manifold and the connected nozzles. The level in each of the measurement vessels is periodically sampled during the test. The test fluid flow rate through each of the nozzles is periodically determined based on the periodically sampled levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Mitchell, John R. Webber, Joseph M. Oloffo, Michael S. Englund
  • Patent number: 6672146
    Abstract: To correct properly the error of the thermal resistor type air flow measuring apparatus caused by the pulsation in the intake pipe in detecting the air flow of the internal combustion engine, a thermal resistor is placed in a passage inside the auxiliary air passage into which the reverse flow hardly flows directly and the error caused by the reverse flow is prevented. The existence of the reverse flow is judged by the ratio of the amplitude to the mean value using the maximum value, the minimum value and the mean value of the forward air flow waveform, and the error caused by the increase of the forward air flow is corrected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chihiro Kobayashi, Shinya Igarashi, Masayuki Kozawa, Atsushi Kanke
  • Patent number: 6672147
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for detecting clogging in a fuel filter, between a fuel pressure regulator imposing a pressure towards the internal combustion engine downstream of the filter and an electric motor pump compressing fuel coming from the tank towards the regulator through the filter which consists in: determining the fuel pressure at the pump output and by considering it as the fuel pressure at the filter intake; determining the fuel pressure at the filter outlet as being the pressure imposed by the regulator; determining the pressure drop of the filter from the difference between the filter input and output pressure levels, and by comparing at least a value based on the pressure drop with at least a reference value to deduce therefrom information concerning the clogging condition of the filter. The invention is applicable to preventive or predictive maintenance of fuel supply circuits in internal combustion engines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Magneti Marelli France
    Inventor: Henri Mazet
  • Patent number: 6672148
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods for improving vehicle steering performance and robustness of that performance through control of non-uniformities in the vehicle's tires, wheels and tire/wheel assemblies as a way to overcome the tendency of many vehicle types to undergo “steering performance loss.” While minimizing lateral force variations (e.g., couple imbalance), a controlled amount of radial and/or tangential force variation is induced in one or more tire/wheel assemblies by means of mass non-uniformity, dimensional non-uniformity, and/or stiffness non-uniformity. For mass non-uniformity, the preferred method includes imparting a controlled amount of excess mass to tires, especially in the tread region, by means, for example, of a heavy splice, an extra fabric piece, or a sector of a tire component having excess mass. The excess mass is meridionally symmetric so as to induce static but not couple imbalance, thereby imparting a “residual static imbalance” (RSI) to the tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: Romain Kunsch, Thierry Koeune, Edouard Michel, Bernard Croissant
  • Patent number: 6672149
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for assessing the range of a motor vehicle run-flat system comprising at least for each wheel a tire casing, a deflation alarm and means supporting the running tread of the tire casing when the casing is deflated, which method, from the instant the deflation alarm has detected a predetermined deflating threshold, includes the steps of: periodically measuring the distance covered and a parameter C(t) characteristic of the running conditions; determining on the basis of C(t) and the measured distance over &Dgr;t a quantity characteristic of potential elementary damage of the system during the elapsed time &Dgr;t; calculating an estimate of the global damage by combining the calculated elementary damage levels since the start of flat running; and transmitting to the vehicle driver a quantity related to that estimate of the flat running system global damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventors: Francois Hottebart, Russell Shepherd
  • Patent number: 6672150
    Abstract: The tire pressure sensor housing for a motor vehicle, provided to be mounted on a wheel rim comprises elastically deformable support wings of variable height and a device for positional fixing and locking having snap-on tongues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Automotive Electronics
    Inventors: Francis Delaporte, Didier Pozzi
  • Patent number: 6672151
    Abstract: A sensing and displaying system is provided including a sensor unit having a transducer disposed in intimate contact with a vessel. The transducer senses a characteristic within the vessel like pressure and outputs an electrical signal representative thereof. The sensor unit further includes a response signal generator which transmits a signal representative of the characteristic. A receiver unit receives the transmitted signal and converts it to visual indicia of the characteristic, for example, a number on a liquid crystal display. The system is capable of two-way communication between the sensor unit and the receiver unit. Both the sensor unit and receiver unit store transmitted data in internal memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Sentech, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Schultz, Alan J. Campbell
  • Patent number: 6672152
    Abstract: An air data sensor for an aircraft has a flush mounted plate at the outside surface of the aircraft and a housing for the sensor within the aircraft below the plate. A plurality of holes in the plate provide air flow to a pressure sensor in the housing. To prevent water from reaching the sensor, a trap chamber is provided below the holes. Various contorted air flow paths are disclosed. The tube to the pressure sensor may be heated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon F. Rouse, Paul B. DuPuis, Steven H. Thomas
  • Patent number: 6672153
    Abstract: To offer a mass airflow measuring apparatus in which the effect of the adhesion onto the heating resistor caused while the engine is off is reduced and the measuring accuracy is improved. The apparatus measures the mass airflow of the air sucked into the internal combustion engine, using the heating resistor 1. The power control circuit 4 maintains the heating resistor 1 temperature equal to or higher than the temperature during the operation of the internal combustion engine after the internal combustion engine has stopped and until the temperature of the internal combustion engine and its apparatuses installed in the suction system has lowered below the generation temperature of volatile gas such as oil vapor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinya Igarashi, Atsushi Kanke, Rintarou Minamitani, Keiichi Nakada, Izumi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 6672154
    Abstract: A flow rate detector (5) including a heater and a temperature sensor is connected to a thermal conductor (6), and a fluid temperature detector (9) including a temperature sensor is connected to a thermal conductor (10). A housing (2) encloses the flow rate detector (5), the fluid temperature detector (9) and parts of thermal conductors (6, 10). The housing (2) also encloses a memory (1) that stores individual information of a flow rate sensor unit used for determining flow rates by using signals from a detector circuit containing the heater, the temperature sensor of the flow rate detector and the temperature sensor of the fluid temperature detector. The flow rate detector (5), the fluid temperature detector (9) and the memory (1) are connected to a plurality of leads (4) in the housing (2). The housing (2) is connected to a fluid channel (13), into which the thermal conductors (6, 10) extended. The flow rate sensor unit reduces the difference in measurment between the different sensor units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Yamagishi, Kenji Tomonari, Shinichi Inoue, Takayuki Takahata
  • Patent number: 6672155
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for determining the filling level of a filling material in a container having a signal production unit which produces measurement signals, having at least one antenna which transmits the measurement signals in the direction of the surface of the filling material and which receives the measurement signals reflected on the surface of the filling material, and having a control/evaluation unit which uses the delay time of the measurement signals to determine the filling level of the filling material in the container. The apparatus allows a filling level measurement device, which operates on the delay-time principle, to be mounted on a container in a cost-effective and simple manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co.
    Inventors: Roland Müller, Winfried Maier, Wolfgang Lubcke, Thomas Malzahn
  • Patent number: 6672156
    Abstract: Refractive encoding of distance or level along a scale provides an advanced means for measuring liquid level or dissimilar-liquid interface level with a float. Distance or level information is encoded in the patterns of microfacets impressed in the scale. The microfacets divide incident visible or infrared beams and direct these multiply divided beams toward or away from detectors disposed in arrays. This approach provides significant reductions in the number of encoding tracks and of the size of the float, improved accuracy, fault detection, increased span, lower friction, and easier installation. A slender rod can replace the wide encoding tape of prior designs. The rod can also be used to guide optical or acoustic signals efficiently from floats to the rod support and thus on to level indicating and recording devices. In addition, the rod support provides means for quick installation, signal coupling, and setting reference levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: MLNO, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan Alexander Burns
  • Patent number: 6672157
    Abstract: There is provided a method of testing power in an individual by measuring the amount of time it takes to move an object from one location to a second location and calculating the power based on the time it took to move to object. Also provided is a power tester including a sensor device for sensing movement of a weight between at least two points, measuring device for measuring time for weight to move between at least two points, and a calculating device for automatically calculating power based upon the measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Northern Illinois University
    Inventors: Pamela MacFarlane, Mary Visser, Clifford Mirman, Ragu Athinarayanan
  • Patent number: 6672158
    Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for balancing a motor vehicle wheel comprising a pneumatic tire and a disk wheel, the wheel is clamped on a measuring spindle and geometrical data of the wheel are sensed and stored. Wheel unbalance is ascertained in at least one measuring run and at least one balancing vector for balancing mass and balancing position is calculated in accordance with a balancing program selected in dependence on the disk wheel type and material, in at least one balancing plane. At least one balancing weight is fixed to the wheel in dependence on the balancing vector. When sensing a rim region of the wheel a sensor detects whether a rim portion extending substantially perpendicularly to the measuring spindle is or is not present in the rim region being sensed and the balancing program is selected in dependence on the signal obtained in the sensing operation with the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Hofmann Werkstatt-Technik GmbH
    Inventors: Eickhart Goebel, Bernhard Hoffmann, Karl Rothamel, Walter Hollube
  • Patent number: 6672159
    Abstract: A method is described for balancing the phase-locked loop of an electronic analyzing device which analyzes the output signal of a sensor device, a yaw rate sensor in particular using the Coriolis effect having an oscillating mass which undergoes a deflection under the effect of an external yaw rate on the sensor device and the output signal representing a yaw rate signal, the electronic analyzing device having in addition to the phase-locked loop, a control loop, a quadrature control loop in particular, and the control loop is provided with a controller having an input and an output as well as with a modulator or mixer having an input which has a first electrical connection with the output of the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Schmid, Jens Mohaupt, Wolfram Bauer
  • Patent number: 6672160
    Abstract: An acceleration sensor includes a bimorph type acceleration detection element including a first resonator and a second resonator, each resonator formed of a piezoelectric body and having electrodes arranged on both main surfaces thereof, and an intermediate layer. The acceleration detection element is produced by bonding the first resonator and the second resonator with the intermediate layer interposed therebetween. The acceleration detection element is supported at one longitudinal end or opposed longitudinal ends thereof so that the first and second resonators are integrally deflected under acceleration. The intermediate layer is hard enough to transfer flexural stress in one of the first and second resonator to the other of the first and second resonators and the vibration of the one of the first and second resonators is attenuated when the vibration is transmitted from the one to the other of the first and second resonators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jun Tabota
  • Patent number: 6672161
    Abstract: In a dynamic quantity sensor for detecting a dynamic quantity, a movable portion having comb-shaped movable electrodes is connected to a base portion through a beam portion as a spring portion, and moves in direction Y upon receiving dynamic quantity. Comb-shaped fixed electrodes are arranged opposite to the movable electrodes through detection intervals. A Q value of vibration of the movable portion in the direction Y is smaller than {fraction (1/500)} of a resonance frequency of the movable portion in the direction Y. Therefore, free vibration of the movable portion is rapidly damped so as not to adversely affect sensor output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Minekazu Sakai, Yoshiyuki Kato
  • Patent number: 6672162
    Abstract: While a transmitting transducer (2a) for transmitting an ultrasonic wave and a receiving transducer (2b) for receiving an ultrasonic wave are moved within a predetermined circular region (7) on a surface of a material being measured, ultrasonic waves are transmitted and received 10,000 times. Then, arithmetic averaging is performed every time an ultrasonic wave is received, on the ultrasonic wave and ultrasonic waves that have been received until then. For example, the aforementioned predetermined frequency is given by ((n±(½))×(106×v/&Dgr;L))(Hz), where &Dgr;L is a variation in distance between the transmitting transducer and the receiving transducer, v is a transmission velocity of an ultrasonic wave transmitting in a material being detected, and n is a natural number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: H & B System Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Masayuki Hirose
  • Patent number: 6672163
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for in-situ characterization of downhole fluids in a wellbore using ultrasonic acoustic signals. Measurements of the speed of sound, attenuation of the signal, and acoustic back-scattering are used to provide qualitative and quantitative data as to the composition, nature of solid particulates, compressibility, bubble point, and the oil/water ratio of the fluid. The tool generally comprises three sets of acoustic transducers mounted perpendicular to the direction of the flow. These transducers are capable of operating at different frequencies so that the spectrum of the acoustic signal can be optimized. The apparatus is capable of operating downhole to provide real time information as to conditions in the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Wei Han, James R. Birchak, Bruce H. Storm, Jr., Thomas E. Ritter
  • Patent number: 6672164
    Abstract: A process for determining the polymer concentration in a spinning dope solution involves measuring the propagation velocity of ultrasonic sound in the solution. The process prevents fluctuations in the polymer concentration as much as possible, and is therefore highly suitable for application in the production of fibers with consistent properties. An ultrasonic device used in the process is easier to clean, install, and calibrate than other presently commercially available devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Teijin Twaron B.V.
    Inventors: Willem G. Haanstra, Hendrikus J. M. Busschers, Hans Lammers
  • Patent number: 6672165
    Abstract: An acoustoelectronic method and apparatus for generating real-time three-dimensional images of an object and characterizing such object are provided. The object is insonified with an incident acoustic signal derived from an electrical signal. Acoustic signals scattered from the object are collected by an acoustic receiver, which generates analog electrical signals that are subsequently converted to digital electronic signals. The digital electronic signals are used in both direct-imaging and holographic methods to produce a three-dimensional representation of the object from which images and characterizations can be generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Center
    Inventors: John D. G. Rather, H. John Caulfield, Richard D. Doolittle, Glenn W. Zeiders, Gregory W. Auner
  • Patent number: 6672166
    Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer system which has an ultrasound transducer and a filter supporting the transducer. To suppress the transmission of ultrasound signals through a housing of the ultrasound transducer arrangement, the filter is provided with a vibration plate for emitting ultrasound waves and is coupled to a deflecting segment which converts radial movements of a first section of the filter into torsional movements of a second section of the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Sick Engineering GmbH
    Inventor: Guenther Pfeifer
  • Patent number: 6672167
    Abstract: A method and system for processing laser vibrometry data are embodied in a processor configured to employ a statistical signal processing technique (e.g., a Bayesian processing technique) to process one or more mathematical models, laser vibrometry data for a system under observation, and prior information to generate estimates of parameters for the one or more mathematical models.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignees: The Aerospace Corporation, The Institute for Advanced Physics
    Inventors: Walter F. Buell, Bradley A. Shadwick
  • Patent number: 6672168
    Abstract: The small tester is hand held by the writing pen body (21) when testing vibration with a housing mounted vibration probe (15) mechanically driving a piezo element (12), acted on by weight (11). The piezo element (12) has electrical connection (13) through an electronic circuit to an electronic display (22) indicating predetermined levels of vibration amplitude. The multi-level LED display (22) consists of four different colored LED's where illumination of a specific colored LED indicates a specific predetermined level of vibration amplitude. The electronic display (22) changing illumination of specific LED's from the lowest indicated level of vibration to just reach the highest indicated level of vibration is a nominal 6 dB increase in vibration amplitude at predetermined frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: Ronald Alexander Higgins
  • Patent number: 6672169
    Abstract: A performance measuring system for a rotating shaft comprises a first annular support assembly to be coupled adjacent to a first end of a rotating shaft inwardly of associated shaft bearings. A second annular support assembly is to be coupled adjacent to a second end of a rotating shaft inwardly of associated shaft bearings. A third annular support assembly is to be coupled to the rotating shaft between the first and second support assemblies. A laser source is mounted on the first annular support assembly. A laser detector is mounted on the second annular support assembly. First and second magnetic sensors for detecting the Earth's magnetic field are mounted respectively on the first and second annular support assemblies. An accelerometer is mounted on the third annular support assembly for generating a fourth detection signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Clymer Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Clymer, Edward April
  • Patent number: 6672170
    Abstract: A port fitting is formed with a closed, pedestal end forming a diaphragm on which a strain gauge sensor is mounted. A support member is received on the pedestal end and is formed with a flat end wall having an aperture aligned with the sensor. A portion of a flexible circuit assembly is bonded to the flat end wall with a connector disposed over the support member. A tubular outer housing is fitted over the several components and its bottom portion is welded to the port fitting while its top portion places a selected load on an O-ring received about the connector as well as internal components of the transducer. In one embodiment, a loading washer (72a) is disposed over the O-ring on a first portion (70a) of a two portion connector (70) and retained by a second connector portion (70b). Protrusions (76a1) formed on the tubular housing (76) pass through cut-outs in the second connector portion to place a load on the loading washer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: David J. DiPaola
  • Patent number: 6672171
    Abstract: Transducer apparatus and method combining both an absolute pressure sensor for sensing absolute pressure in the load lock chamber and a differential pressure sensor for sensing a pressure difference between ambient atmospheric pressure and pressure in a load lock chamber and provides control signals for opening an interior door from the load lock chamber into a vacuum processing chamber and for opening an exterior door between ambient atmosphere and the load lock chamber. The transducer can also produce signals to control transition from slow to fast vacuum pump-down of load lock chamber pressure at a predetermined pressure set point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: MKS Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Youfan Gu, Garry Holcomb, Ole Wenzel
  • Patent number: 6672172
    Abstract: When a bolus dose of cold saline is injected into a catheter where a wire, carrying a sensor unit and electrical leads for signal transmission, is located, the lead resistance is affected by the cold saline thereby altering the resistivity. However, by countering this effect and measuring the change needed to affect this countermeasure, a resistance variation curve can be generated. An accurate starting point for the determination of a transit time can be derived from the curve. Using conventional flow measurement calculations with the accurate starting point yields a better understanding of the flow profile in an artery based on the transit time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Radi Medical Systems AB
    Inventors: Sauli Tulkki, Leif Smith
  • Patent number: 6672173
    Abstract: A flow meter for measuring the volume of fluid flowing through the meter includes an inner cylindrical tube through which the fluid flows and an outer cylindrical tube tending over the inner cylindrical tube. The outer cylindrical tube is radially spaced from the cylindrical inner tube to provide an annular cylindrical space between the inner cylindrical tube and the outer cylindrical tube. A seal between said inner cylindrical tube and the outer cylindrical tube closes the annular cylindrical space adjacent ends of the annular cylindrical space. The inner cylindrical tube further defines at least one opening in a wall of the inner cylindrical tube to balance the fluid pressure in the annular cylindrical space with the pressure in the inner cylindrical tube. A flow restriction member is mounted to an inner surface of said inner cylindrical tube for restricting the flow of fluid through the inner cylindrical tube and produces a pressure drop in the fluid as it flows past the flow restriction member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: Joel David Bell
  • Patent number: 6672174
    Abstract: A fingerprint-sensing device with a sensor array that does not use active switching elements is fabricated on a base. Sensor support integrated circuits, which contain processing and addressing circuitry, are separately fabricated and subsequently mounted on the base, establishing electrical connections with an interconnect structure within the base, and are thus not integrated with the sensor array. The sensor support integrated circuits can be covered by a bezel structure and the sensor array by a covering material. In addition, a connection cable can be provided to connect the sensor array and the sensor support integrated circuits with a power source and to other external devices and to convey signals generated by the sensor array to the external devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Fidelica Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith T. Deconde, Srinivasan K. Ganapathi, Randolph S. Gluck, Steve H. Hovey, Shiva Prakash, Robert Dobkin
  • Patent number: 6672175
    Abstract: A rotation sensor provided with a first rotor fixed to a shaft, a second rotor fixed to the same or other shaft and adjoining the first rotor, and a core having a resonance coil, arranged around the first rotor, and which coil forms a magnetic circuit working with the first rotor. The first rotor is formed of a magnetic material comprising an insulator; an irregular magnetic field is formed with the core; and the second rotor is provided with a conductor cutting across areas of different intensities of the irregular magnetic field in accordance with the difference of the angle of rotation when a difference in the angle of relative rotation occurs at a shaft position where the first rotor is fixed and at a shaft position where the second rotor is fixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dongzhi Jin, Fumihiko Abe, Kengo Tanaka
  • Patent number: 6672176
    Abstract: A torsional sensing load cell, particularly for mounting at support locations of an automotive seat in order to determine weight and sitting position of an occupant of a motor vehicle. The load cell has the shape of a tuning fork, with one arm fixed to a foot attached to a chassis and a second parallel arm, not contacting the first arm, arranged to support a quadrant of a seat by means of a flange on the side of the second arm, causing torsion in the arm. The two arms are connected at one end by means of a bridge section through which torsion is transmitted arising from twisting in the second arm. Torsion is measured by transducers on the bridge section with torsion signals converted to weight signals. The weight signals are used to control deployment of an air bag or other safety apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Gagetek Technologies Holdings Company
    Inventor: Robert W. Bruns
  • Patent number: 6672177
    Abstract: A system and method for testing an airbag proximity suppression system that includes a positioning system that controls movement of an occupant model and toward a suppression zone. A proximity sensor provides a first output signal indicative of when the occupant model actually enters the suppression zone by monitoring movement of a position marker. The airbag suppression system, the device under test, provides a second output signal indicative of when the airbag suppression system detects that the occupant model has entered the suppression zone. The timing difference between the first and second output signals is indicative of a performance factor of the airing suppression system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Alan J. Hutchenreuther, Philip A. Derosier, Kathleen M. Krause
  • Patent number: 6672178
    Abstract: An adjustable gauge mounting cup with interchangeable mounting pedestals that provide a maximum number of mounting locations within a vehicle. The gauge mounting cup allows the operator to easily adjust the viewing angle of the gauge after the cup is mounted in the vehicle. The cup can also have replaceable mounts that have various types of mounting footprints and sizes. The gauge mounting cup mounts on a ball and socket or other adjustable mounting means. This allows the cup to be swiveled on three axes after the base pedestal is mounted and also allows the cup to be moved forward and backward on the pedistal mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: Mike Durnen
  • Patent number: 6672179
    Abstract: A ball screw shaft, having a longitudinal cylindrical internal cavity, closed at its ends by inserted terminals or plugs, housing vibration controlling members in the form of a pair of plied cables fastened tensioned to the inserted terminals or plugs. One or more dissipater elements, having respective through holes for said pair of cables are provided positioned transversely free relative to an inner surface of said longitudinal cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Umbra Cuscinetti S.p.A.
    Inventors: Nicola Borgarelli, Luciano Pizzoni, Federico Perni
  • Patent number: 6672180
    Abstract: An automated multi-speed transmission includes an engine clutch operable to establish a releasable drive connection between the engine and an input shaft, an output shaft adapted to transfer power to the driveline, and a synchromesh geartrain having a plurality of constant-mesh gearsets that can be selectively engaged to establish a plurality of forward and reverse speed ratios. The transmission also includes power-operated dog clutches for selectively engaging the constant-mesh gearsets, and a controller for controlling coordinated actuation of the engine clutch and the power-operated dog clutches. The power-operated dog clutch associated with the low and the top gear are used during downshifts and upshifts, respectively, to actuate a clutch assembly for synchronizing the speed of the input shaft and the selected gear prior to engagement of its corresponding dog clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: New Venture Gear, Inc.
    Inventor: John R. Forsyth
  • Patent number: 6672181
    Abstract: According to a lubrication mechanism for a wave gear device 1, frictionally contacting parts 5 of toothed parts of gears 2 and 3 are lubricated using a lubricant with a high base oil viscosity and favorable shear stability. Frictionally contacting parts 7 of the external gear 3 and wave generator 4 and frictionally contacting parts 9 on the inside of wave bearing 42 are respectively lubricated using solid lubricants 8 and 10 that are produced by mixing a low base oil viscosity grease with a resin with low deformation resistance and hardening the mixture by heating. In this way, the lubrication life is extended without causing decreases in the efficiency of the wave gear device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Harmonic Drive Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Masaru Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 6672182
    Abstract: Process for manufacturing a circular saw blade and a saw blade obtainable by the process. At least two congruent metal blades of an iron-based alloy are glued together and the inner and outer lateral surfaces thereof are treated to provide roughness values within certain limits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Böhler Miller Messer und Sägen GmbH
    Inventor: Lambert Frey
  • Patent number: 6672183
    Abstract: A power tool in the nature of an impact tool in which a quick release mechanism for retention, and selective quick release of an accessory is provided. The quick release mechanism is actuated by a release pin disposed beneath the surface of the tool so as to be out of harms way, and actuation of the quick release mechanism is achieved by digital depression of the pin which in turn releases a latch engaging the accessory, permitting its removal from the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: Theodore L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6672184
    Abstract: A crankpin lath is improved in positioning a crankpin onto the axis of work spindles precisely and in a short period of time by the use of simple and low-cost mechanisms. Indexing a crankpin to be machined next onto the axis of the work spindles is initiated in the state that journals of a crankshaft are clamped on index members which are rotatably supported respectively on work spindles with the axes thereof being offset by an eccentricity of crankpins from the axis of the work spindles. First, a clutch device interposed between each of the work spindle and the index member carried thereon is brought into disengagement. Then, a pin pusher is advanced toward the axis of the work spindle as it pushes a machined crankpin of the crankshaft and is positioned to a position spaced by a predetermined distance from the axis of the work spindle while the work spindle is rotated by half an angle through which the crankshaft is to be indexed rotationally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Fuji Machine Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Gen Ogawa, Satoru Senda
  • Patent number: 6672185
    Abstract: A stabilizer is disclosed, for suppressing vibrations and whip during the machining long cylindrical work pieces. A mover causes arms to move away from the work piece when the mover is retracted and to move towards the work piece when the mover is extended. The positioning of links and pivots enables the arms to be moved a significant distance when the mover is moved a short distance and thereby permits the use of the stabilizer between a guard and the path of movement of the work piece. The mover is provided with adjustments for changing the force with which the mover acts and to adjust the force applied to the work piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: Jeffrey H. Behnke
  • Patent number: 6672186
    Abstract: A method of forming a single-cell column type of multi-cellular collapsible window covering from a starting product in the form of a double-cell column type of multi-cellular honeycomb structure. The individual cells of the starting product are defined by external pleated sides on the opposite faces of the structure and internal ligaments interconnecting the opposite faces at spaced intervals. Selected internal ligaments are severed, while leaving others of the internal ligaments intact, thereby eliminating one of the original columns of cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Comfortex Corporation
    Inventor: John A. Corey
  • Patent number: 6672187
    Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for cutting graphics areas from a sheet of material bearing a combination of graphics areas and a plurality of registration marks in predetermined positions with respect thereto, the combination being in a predetermined approximate position and orientation with respect to a set of reference features of the sheet. The method involves automatically determining whether the reference features are in an expected coordinate region on a sheet-receiving surface, and, if not, automatically determining the coordinate region of such features. Further steps then include sensing metrics of the reference features to determine the position and orientation of the sheet, inferring therefrom the approximate positions of the registration marks and then sensing the precise positions thereof with a main sensor, and cutting the graphics areas from the sheet in response to such precise positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Mikkelsen Graphic Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Alsten, Geo Andersen, David G. Jansson
  • Patent number: 6672188
    Abstract: A frame structure for a power saw machine that includes a main frame, supporting frame, and collecting tray. The main frame includes first and second main arms in a parallel manner, a main post vertically supported by the first main arm, and a supporting shaft horizontally extending from a top portion of the main post for rigidly supporting a power saw assembly. The supporting frame includes a supportive column downwardly extending from the main post, a pair of support pillars extending from a bottom end of the supportive column to the first main arm at a predetermined angle, and a support arm extending from the bottom end of the supportive column to the second main arm. The collecting tray includes a receiving cavity for supporting the supporting frame so as to substantially support the main frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: Wy Peron Lee
  • Patent number: 6672189
    Abstract: A construction toy device that can be used to create multiple construction elements and methods of using the same are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian L. Aiken, Jon Paul Castiglione, Kevin C. Dakan, David E. Grober, Jeffrey J. Miller, Charles W. Paddock
  • Patent number: 6672190
    Abstract: The present invention provides a precision miter gauge for orienting and positioning a workpiece relative to a cutting tool. The miter gauge reduces positioning errors and improves repeatability. The miter gauge includes a base and a body pivotably connected to the base. A positioning edge of the body contains a plurality of teeth between which a positioning member connected to the base is inserted and locked in place. In this manner, relative movement of the positioning body relative to the base is inhibited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Taylor Design Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher L. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6672191
    Abstract: A paper trimmer includes a base having a plurality of trimmer devices connected thereto and a top member is mounted on the base and has a center hole through which a tube extending from the base extends. The top member has multiple extensions which is fixed on the base and the trimmer devices are located between the extensions. A pushing handle is rotatably mounted to the tube and has a tongue extending therefrom which is located above one of the trimmer devices. The chosen trimmer device can be operated by pushing the pushing handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: Chien-Fu Lin