Patents Issued in March 18, 2004
  • Publication number: 20040050125
    Abstract: A key-coupler for coupling a key with a key-holder includes a first closed ring to which the key-holder is connected and a second closed ring to which the key is connected. The key-coupler is integrally made of a single spring wire and includes a pair of circular portions and a portion connecting the pair of circular portions. Both closed rings are formed by overlapping the pair of circular portions with each other. The key-coupler is easily opened by simply separating one circular portion from the other, and is closed by its own spring action upon removing a force separating the circular portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Tokio Shimura, Mitsuru Nakagawa
  • Publication number: 20040050126
    Abstract: A liquid fertilizer is described. The fertilizer comprises a mixture of soluble and insoluble forms of nutrients. The fertilizer provides both quick release and slow release nutrients to plants, meaning that a single application of the fertilizer supplies nutrients to growing plants for an extended period of time, from 1-28 days.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Kerry Green
  • Publication number: 20040050127
    Abstract: The fertilizer based on elemental sulfur comprises elemental sulfur, at least one binder suitable to break down in the soil and selected from the group consisting of clays, bentonite, kaolins or the like or mixtures thereof, and at least one glassy-matrix preparation that contains at least one trace element selected from the group consisting of Fe, B, Zn, Cu, Co, Mn, Mo.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicants: Franco Ambri, Giuseppe Macchioni
    Inventor: Franco Ambri
  • Publication number: 20040050128
    Abstract: A blank positioning and guide construction which includes guide pin slotting that effects the accurate positioning of the sheet on the forming die and guide pin thereof and which provides for the enlargement of the guide pin slot by the predetermined deformation of portion of the sheet at a predetermined bend line adjacent to the guide pin slot to eliminate adherence of the part to the pin so that the part can be ejected from the die without detrimental part distortion of the part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Richard Murray Kleber, Donald L. Kenyon, Verril J. Gamet
  • Publication number: 20040050129
    Abstract: A device (1) for socket-deforming an end of a tube, for example a tube of a heat exchanger, and for cutting that tube to a desired length, said cutting taking place at the end to be deformed. The device (1) comprises a deformation and cutting member (5) to be inserted into the tube to be worked, said member (5) comprising deforming means (15) arranged to at least locally modify the inner diameter of the deformation and cutting member (5) by varying its perimetral dimensions, said deforming means (15) being arranged to cooperate, for effecting said dimensional variation, with actuator means (40) associated with a movable support (12), the deforming means carrying cutting means (31) for separating an end tube portion by acting from the inside of the tube without chip removal, in order to obtain a deformed tube of the required length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Ersilio Re
  • Publication number: 20040050130
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a method and forming machine for deforming a hollow workpiece having at least one open end, wherein the workpiece is clamped down in a clamping device, at least one forming tool is placed into contact with the surface of the workpiece, the workpiece and this forming tool are rotated relative to each other about an axis, and the workpiece is deformed by means of the forming tool. During at least part of the deforming, the forming tool is being moved back and forth at a frequency that is substantially equal to or a multiple of the frequency of the rotation of the deformed part or the part to be deformed of the workpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Johan Masse
  • Publication number: 20040050131
    Abstract: A straightening roller assembly for section reducing an encasing tube to achieve excess length of fibers within the tube. At least one, and preferably two, platforms are arranged at a selected angular offset. Each platform includes a first plurality of rollers mounted in stationary, linear and spaced apart fashion. A second plurality of rollers are mounted in an adjustable, linear spaced apart and opposing fashion relative the associated first plurality of rollers. Upon the tube passing between the stationary and adjustable rollers associated with each platform, the rollers associated with each platform simultaneously contacting first and second cross sectional locations of the tube and in order to apply lateral compressing forces to the tube which decrease its gauge length, corresponding to increasing its gauge thickness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Cristian I. Militaru, Mark A. Garner
  • Publication number: 20040050132
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for reducing vibration in a mill stand. The apparatus comprises a roll (4) positioned upstream or downstream of the mill stand (1) and over which the strip material (2) being rolled is passed. The vibration control apparatus comprises an inertia element in the form of a flywheel (7) connected to the roll (4) by a stiffness element in the form of a compliant shaft (6). The components (6) and (7) form a mechanical system which can be tuned in such a way as to introduce a speed fluctuation at the roll (4) which exactly matches the speed fluctuation of the strip material as it enters the roll bite. Both the inertia element (7) and stiffness element (6) can take other forms: for example, the stiffness element could be a flexible drive belt or belts; the inertia element could be a shaft about which the roll (4) rotates, via a stiffness element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas William Dashwood Farley
  • Publication number: 20040050133
    Abstract: A cold roll forming method for reducing the diameter of a metal pipe and a metal pipe product having the diameter reduced by such method are disclosed, wherein the method includes the steps of passing a raw metal pipe through a set of pre-forming rolls so that it can be pre-formed into an intermediate metal pipe having an elliptic, elongated circular or rectangular cross-sectional shape and then passing the intermediate metal pipe through a set of diameter-reducing rolls disposed on the downstream side of the set of pre-forming rolls so that it can have its outer circumferential length reduced to a smaller length than the outer peripheral length of the raw metal pipe while at the same time it can be re-formed into the circular cross-sectional shape or any other cross-sectional shape different from the cross-sectional shape of the intermediate metal pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Ishikawa, Yoshiya Tsukuda, Ryoichi Suzuki, Akihiro Ishikawa, Motoyoshi Ishikawa, Jun Ishikawa
  • Publication number: 20040050134
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of forming complex structures from aluminum alloys, particularly from naturally hard AlMg alloys, naturally hard AlMgSc alloys and/or age-hardenable AlMgLi alloys. It is an object of the invention to provide such a method by means of which, in a simple manner, that is, by means of as few process steps as possible, complex structures can be formed from the alloys according to the invention such that they almost assume their final shape without any significant spring-back. Simultaneously, the loss of material is to be kept as low as possible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Stephane Jambu, Knut Juhl, Blanka Lenczowski
  • Publication number: 20040050135
    Abstract: Wheels of model cars rotate upon axles. The axle straightening press has a female jaw and a male jaw each with a rectangular shape, a mating surface, and a transverse half channel. The dowels of the male jaw fit into holes in the female jaw upon a diagonal line on the mating surface. Alternately, the press has two identical jaws, inverted, and closed upon each other. An alternate jaw has a generally rectangular shape with a mating surface, a dowel, a transverse half channel, and a hole. In both embodiments, a child places an axle in the channel between the jaws and strikes the press with a hammer. Removing the axle from the press, the child places a wheel on the axle, and installs the axle upon a model car.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: William E. Launius
  • Publication number: 20040050136
    Abstract: The invention concerns a digitally controlled machine for bending, forming, folding or coiling a bar, said machine comprising in standard manner a frame, a rotary bending tool to produce bends in different planes, wherein a bar is moved along an unwinding axis and brought through a bending shank borne by the frame then through the bending tool (3) whereof the digital axial movement, perpendicular to the unwinding axis is transmitted from a motor (5) by means of a lathe (2). The invention is characterised in that: the bending tool (3) is borne by a standard conical tool support (1); and the lathe is combined with means automatically unclamping the jaws (6) of the pliers when the lathe reaches the end of its digital axial stroke away from the bending station, and automatically clamping said jaws when the lathe begins its digital axial movement in the opposite direction, bringing it closer to the bending station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Joel Etienne
  • Publication number: 20040050137
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a carbon monoxide detector tester and method for using the carbon monoxide detector tester to determine the operability of a carbon monoxide detector. The tester comprises a closable box adapted to receive and house a carbon monoxide detector and a carbon monoxide emitting material. In use, the closable box is opened and the carbon monoxide detector and carbon monoxide emitting material are inserted within. The carbon monoxide emitting material is ignited and the box is closed. A properly functioning carbon monoxide detector will then sound an alarm indicating a properly functioning detector whereas an improperly functioning detector will not sound an alarm, thus indicating a not properly functioning detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Rex Hoppenworth
  • Publication number: 20040050138
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for remotely and automatically calibrating a mass-flow sensor in a yield monitor of a combine. The invention uses a wireless communication device installed on a combine and a remote wireless communication device installed on a grain carrier or truck carrier. Once an actual weight is obtained, calibration information is sent to the combine to calibrate the mass-flow sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Andy D. Beck, Terrence D. Pickett
  • Publication number: 20040050139
    Abstract: A present invention is for a device and method for measuring and calibrating the rotary motion of a rotatable machine member, such as a pivotable swivel member (2b) of a spindle (2) of a five-axis machine tool (1). The device includes an arm (110) mounted to the spindle, a housing (120) mounted to the arm, an optical encoder mounted internal to the arm and positioned therein to measure rotation about an axis extending lengthwise along the housing, which such axis is parallel to the axis about which the swivel member rotates. The device also includes a rotary table (170) mounted to the housing opposite the arm, the rotary table comprising a stator (171) fixedly mounted to the housing and a rotor (172) clampedly affixed to a shaft passing through the housing. The shaft is coupled to an input shaft of the encoder such that rotary movement of the rotor can be measured by the encoder. An electronic level (190) fixedly secured to the rotor, such as by a bracket (180).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Paul Comer, David Purtell, Satish Shivaswamy
  • Publication number: 20040050140
    Abstract: A loading probe includes an elongated solid first body portion (1) shaped from a first material and capable of simulating the normal acoustic impedance presented to a transducer to be tested by a medium in which the transducer is to operate and a second elongated solid body portion (2) made from an acoustically absorbent material having acoustic impedance characteristics substantially matched with those of the first material from which the first body portion (1) is made. The material from which the second body portion (2) is made is chosen so as to be mouldable to the first body portion (1) to form the second body portion (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Kenneth Frank Palmer, Richard Arthur Pethrick, Ian Rhoney
  • Publication number: 20040050141
    Abstract: The invention is directed toward a subsurface gravity measurement device and a method for calibrating the same that includes a tilt meter and a gravity sensor. The method includes associating tilt information produced by the gravity sensor as a function of a relationship between tilt information produced by the tilt meter and a correction parameter. The tilt meter produces tilt data, and the gravity meter produces gravity data, corresponding to the tilt data The tilt data and gravity data is fitted to a polynomial equation that has a plurality of initial coefficients associated therewith. The initial coefficients include information concerning the correction parameter. The correction parameter is derived as a function of the initial coefficients.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Nihal Wijeyesekera, Thomas Little
  • Publication number: 20040050142
    Abstract: A sensor for the measurement of carbon dioxide concentration within an air flow being input to a measuring cell (1) connected to at least one electroacoustic element (2, 3) for transmitting and receiving airborne acoustic waves within the measuring cell (1). The output signal of the sensor corresponds to the propagation velocity of these waves and an indirect measure of carbon dioxide concentration, with an automatic offset correction functionality for compensation of undesired offset variations of the signal, caused by temperature or humidity variations. Preferably, an accumulating function for minimizing the influence of the offset variations is included, which for humidity variations may consist of a material with high porosity and surface density of polar molecular groups. Temperature control of the inner sheath (4) is effected by a temperature sensor (11), a resistive heating element (12) in good thermal contact with the inner sheath (4), and a control circuit (13).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Bertil Hok
  • Publication number: 20040050143
    Abstract: A hydrogen gas indicator system that provides various substrate materials (4) that support hydrogen gas sensor (1) materials with discrete indicia (7) that provide information separate from any change in the physical properties of the hydrogen gas sensor itself.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: William Hoagland
  • Publication number: 20040050144
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for detecting, locating, and quantifying contamination in a fluid flow system like a pipe or duct. This characterization technique uses a conservative and one or more interactive tracers that are injected into the fluid flow system and then monitored at another location in the system. Detection, location, and quantification are accomplished by analysis of the characteristic features of measured curves of tracer concentration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Wesley L. Bratton, Joseph W. Maresca
  • Publication number: 20040050145
    Abstract: A method and a device for measuring the inner diameter dimension of a work capable of easily and accurately measuring the inner diameter dimension of the work with a simple structure; the method, comprising the steps of feeding compressed air to the inner peripheral part of a master with a known inner diameter dimension to detect a back pressure, calculating back pressure characteristics showing a relation between the inner diameter dimension and the back pressure from the measured result, feeding compressed air to the inner peripheral part of the work based to be measured to detect a back pressure, and measuring the inner diameter characteristics, whereby the inner diameter dimension of the work can be measured without rotating the work.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Hideki Matsutori
  • Publication number: 20040050146
    Abstract: A device and method for determining the presence or absence of refrigerant leak sealant within the refrigerant charge of air conditioning systems or stores are described. A sensing unit having a seal-forming surface is wetted and placed in fluid communication with a refrigerant access port of the air conditioning system. A depressor opens the refrigerant port and refrigerant begins to flow through the sensing unit. If any leak sealant is present in the refrigerant charge, a sealant plug begins to form on the seal-forming surface and reduces the flow rate of the refrigerant through the sensing unit, thereby indicating the presence of the sealant. Refrigerant charges that do not contain a leak sealant will flow through the sensing unit at a substantially constant rate, indicating the absence of sealant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: J. Douglas Anderson
  • Publication number: 20040050147
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and a device for machine diagnosis and, in particular, for transmission diagnosis in a machine or motor vehicle. The measurement system, according to the invention, comprises a coil (2) wound on a coil core (11), on the surface of which ferritic wear particles (3) to be detected accumulate. Opposite the coil (2) a rotating toothed wheel (6) is arranged which influences the inductance of the coil (2). The output signal of the coil (2) is pulsed with a constant amplitude, the pulse frequency depends on the rotation speed of the toothed wheel (6). Deviations of the amplitude are attributable to the accumulation of ferritic wear particles (3) on the coil (2) and therefore provide a measurement of the condition of the machine or transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Hubert Remmlinger, Robert Ingenbleek, Gabriele Schuwerk, Rolf Schmitz
  • Publication number: 20040050148
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for determining the surface activity properties of an amphiphilic substance, such as a drug, the method including a step wherein the surface tension of an aqueous solution of the said substance is measured at its air-water interface at a plurality of concentrations of said substance and determining the relationship between the surface tension and the concentration of the substance, and using the relationship so determined to predict the surface activity properties of the substance, according to which method, to the aqueous solution, a water soluble substance, which increases the surface tension of the aqueous solution is added in an amount to provide a concentration of 0.3 M up to the saturation concentration of the said substance in said solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Paavo Kinnunen, Tim Soderlund
  • Publication number: 20040050149
    Abstract: A hardness testing apparatus comprises a sample table mounting a sample thereon, a loading arm having an indentor at its free end, a loading arm operation controlling unit, an electromagnetic brake. When the sample is elevated and brought into contact with the indentor, the loading arm is moved upwardly. The loading arm operation controlling unit calculates a predetermined force to be applied to the sample in response to a displacement from a reference position of the loading arm when and after the sample is brought into contact with the indentor. The loading arm is moved upwardly such that a predetermined force calculated by the loading arm operating controlling unit is applied to the sample. The electromagnetic brake controls an elevating operation of the sample table. A direction of a current supplied to the electromagnetic brake is inverted at a predetermined timing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: Akashi Corporation
    Inventors: Masaru Kawazoe, Mituru Oda, Tomoharu Yamada
  • Publication number: 20040050150
    Abstract: A road test simulator having four rollers, each provided with an uneven surface coating, and four asynchronous motors, each of which drives one of the rollers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: SIEMENS AG
    Inventors: Lars Jahn, Otto Zinth
  • Publication number: 20040050151
    Abstract: A tire protecting apparatus mounted on a vehicle provided with a wheel having a tire on a wheel filled with pressurized air, which protects the tire from abnormally deforming while the vehicle is running, is provided with a tire temperature sensor that detects a temperature of the tire, and a determinator that determines whether it is necessary to cool the tire based on the tire temperature detected by the tire temperature sensor when there is a possibility that abnormal tire deformation will occur. Accordingly, the invention protects the tire from abnormally deforming by considering the temperature of the tire while the vehicle is running.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroyoshi Kojima
  • Publication number: 20040050152
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring adhesion of a gelled polymer to a surface comprises a support having a low friction contact surface spaced apart from a clamp used to hold a blade. The blade has a knife-edge aligned in a horizontal plane with which the blade makes an angle of less than 25°. A block, having a planar contact face in the horizontal plane, is adapted for sliding contact with the low friction contact surface of the support. An adhered layer of the gelled polymer has an adhesive bond to the planar contact face to form an interface therewith. The apparatus includes a connection, such as a wire or string, from the block to a motion generator to produce vertical motion of the connection. A force-measuring gauge is included with the motion generator. Use of a motion converter, such as a rotary pulley, alters the vertical movement of the connection to a horizontal movement to move the block along the support towards the clamp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Rex M. King
  • Publication number: 20040050153
    Abstract: Methods for estimating formation pressure from data taken during the drawdown cycle are presented. In one aspect, a method of determining a formation pressure during drawdown of a formation comprises sampling fluid from a formation using a downhole tool having a sample volume and a fluid sampling device. At least one time dependent parameter of interest related to the fluid is determined during the drawdown. The at least one time dependent parameter is analyzed using a plurality of calculation techniques to determine the formation pressure. The techniques include (i) a first pressure derivative technique; (ii) a second pressure derivative technique; (iii) a formation rate analysis technique; (iv) a dp/dt-ratio technique; and (v) a stepwise drawdown technique.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Sven Krueger, Eick Niemeyer, Matthias Meister, Jaedong Lee
  • Publication number: 20040050154
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for temperature modification of a patient, or selected regions thereof, including an induced state of hypothermia. The temperature modification is accomplished using an in-dwelling heat exchange catheter within which a fluid heat exchange medium circulates. A heat exchange cassette of any one of several disclosed variations is attached to the circulatory flow lines of the catheter, the heat exchange cassette being sized to engage a cavity within one of various described re-usable control units. The control units include a heater/cooler device, a user input device, and a processor connected to receive input from various sensors around the body and the system. The heater/cooler device may be thermoelectric to enable both heating and cooling based on polarity. A temperature control scheme for ramping the body temperature up or down without overshoot is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: RADIANT MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Timothy R. Machold, Wade A. Keller, Alex T. Roth, Nicole Denise Bloom
  • Publication number: 20040050155
    Abstract: A structure is disclosed in which a conductive material having corrosiveness equal to or higher than that of the materials constituting electronics circuitry is disposed on halfway of the diffusion path of corrosive gases between an entrance place thereof and the electronics circuitry, whereby the conductive material traps the corrosive gases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Isao Okazaki, Izumi Watanabe, Hiroyuki Abe, Takayuki Yogo, Shinya Igarashi
  • Publication number: 20040050156
    Abstract: Device for detecting electro-magnetically the level of a material which is conductive, or made conductive, particularly molten glass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Benoit Nicolazo De Barmon, Guillaume Mehlman, Patrice Roux, Michel Talvard
  • Publication number: 20040050157
    Abstract: A monitor for remote reading of liquid volumes in pressurized tanks utilizes a hollow buoyant displacement probe extending downwardly from a load cell carried adjacent a top port in the tank. The buoyant probe is optionally formed in detachable segments so that it can be assembled on site at the time of installation. The load cell is suspended from a flange cover acting as a closure for the tank port so that the load cell is freely pivotable on perpendicular horizontal axes, insuring that it is always oriented horizontally. A temperature-reading string is positioned in the open hollow center of the probe and has three spaced temperature sensing units along its length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Robert C. Scott, L. Scott Hazelwood, Kenneth Stephens
  • Publication number: 20040050158
    Abstract: A liquid level gauge assembly that has particular utility for petroleum products has a threaded cylindrical projection that allows quick installation onto a storage tank. The gauge assembly operates by measuring the displacement of a float member through a filament that extends through a restrictive opening in the outer housing of the gauge assembly. An adapter is connected to the free end of the filament outside the outer housing. The opening is sized so that the adapter is prevented from passing therethrough, thus preventing the filament from retracting completely into the housing. The gauge assembly also includes an electronic level or volume monitoring system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: R. Michael Webb
  • Publication number: 20040050159
    Abstract: The machine determines, by first measurement sensor means (30), the axial position of at least one transverse balancing plane (P1, P2) in which the operator chooses to apply a respective balancing mass, and the radial position of points on the application surface (11a) corresponding with said balancing plane (P1, P2), while the machine monitors the angular position of the body (10); the body (10) is rotated and by suitable means the machine determines the imbalance means together with the data originating from the first and second sensor means, the value of each balancing mass and the position of its point of application on the application surface (11a) being determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: CORGHI S.P.A.
    Inventor: Remo Corghi
  • Publication number: 20040050160
    Abstract: A split-resonator integrated-post vibratory microgyroscope may be fabricated using micro electrical mechanical systems (MEMS) fabrication techniques. The microgyroscope may include two gyroscope sections bonded together, each gyroscope section including resonator petals, electrodes, and an integrated half post. The half posts are aligned and bonded to act as a single post.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Youngsam Bae, Ken J. Hayworth, Kirill V. Shcheglov
  • Publication number: 20040050161
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a micromechanical component has a substrate (1), a movable sensor structure (6) in a micromechanical functional layer (5) located over the substrate; a first sealing layer (8) on the first micromechanical functional layer (5) which is at least partly structured; a second micromechanical functional layer (10) on the first sealing layer (8), which has at least one sealing function and is anchored at least partly in the first micromechanical functional layer (5); and a second sealing layer (8) on the second micromechanical functional layer (10). The sensor structure (6) is provided with trenches (7) whose width is not larger than a maximum trench width (66), which is sealable by the first sealing layer (8) in the form of plugs (9) which do not extend to the trench bottoms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Markus Lutz
  • Publication number: 20040050162
    Abstract: A semiconductor mechanical sensor having a new structure in which a S/N ratio is improved. In the central portion of a silicon substrate 1, a recess portion 2 is formed which includes a beam structure. A weight is formed at the tip of the beam, and in the bottom surface of the weight in the bottom surface of the recess portion 2 facing the same, an electrode 5 is formed. An alternating current electric power is applied between the weight portion 4 and the electrode 5 so that static electricity is created and the weight is excited by the static electricity. In an axial direction which is perpendicular to the direction of the excitation of the weight, an electrode 6 is disposed to face one surface of the weight and a wall surface of the substrate which faces the same. A change in a capacitance between the facing electrodes is electrically detected, and therefore, a change in a physical force acting in the same direction is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Tetsuo Fujii, Masahito Imai
  • Publication number: 20040050163
    Abstract: A device and system are provided for monitoring acoustic emissions from machinery to indicate levels of detected sound waves. Each incorporates an acoustic sensing device which broadly comprises a housing assembly constructed for removable attachment between a surface mounting region of the machinery and a measuring instrument to define a coupled state. An acoustic emissions sensor is disposed in the housing assembly's interior to detect sound waves propagating through the surface mounting region and to produce detection signals for processing by the measuring instrument. A methodology for monitoring acoustic emissions is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Nikolaos I. Komninos
  • Publication number: 20040050164
    Abstract: Apparatus for non-destructively testing material to enable detection of any damage sites, comprising means for generating localised heating at any damage site in the material, and means for imaging the material to enable detection of any localised heating at the damage site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Daniel Bates
  • Publication number: 20040050165
    Abstract: A method for the determining ultrasonic sound propagation speed and wall thickness of a tubular object. Time-domain and frequency-domain analyses are used, where the latter can determine acoustic dispersion if the specimen is made up of a dispersive material. Data is sensed from a series of transmitted ultrasonic waves, some of which are reflected. The data can be used to calculate speed of sound in the tube, as well as wall thickness. Inherent in the data is the speed of the ultrasonic wave; accordingly, correction for temperature variations in the tube is not required. The calculations based on measured speed of sound quantities produces more accurate results than in calculations where the speed of sound in the specimen is assumed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Ping He
  • Publication number: 20040050166
    Abstract: A method for inspecting a component includes exciting a number of transducers forming an array to produce an ultrasonic transmission beam (beam) focused into the component. The array and the component are separated by a standoff. A number of echo signals are generated using the transducers, and the echo signals are processed in a number of channels. The processing includes both dynamical focus and providing a dynamic aperture on receive, both of which compensate for refraction of the beam at the component/standoff interface. A single-turn inspection method includes: (a) positioning the array facing the component, (b) exciting the transducers, (c) generating a number of echo signals, (d) changing the relative angular orientation of the array and the component around an axis and repeating steps (b) and (c), and (e) processing the echo signals to form at least one processed echo signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas James Batzinger, Wei Li, Robert Snee Gilmore, Edward James Nieters, William Thomas Hatfield, Richard Eugene Klaassen, James Norman Barshinger, Bruno Hans Haider, Carl Lawrence Chalek, Robert John McElligott, David Charles Franklin
  • Publication number: 20040050167
    Abstract: Systems and methods for ultrasonically inspecting pipe, the pipe having a longitudinal axis, the methods in certain aspects including compressing with a compressing force an elastomeric element between an ultrasonic probe of an ultrasonic pipe inspection system and a pipe to be inspected thereby forcing the elastomeric element generally radially against the pipe, and the compressing force in the general direction of the longitudinal axis of the pipe or at an angle thereto; and, in certain aspects, the systems and methods including placing a coupling between the elastomeric element and the pipe, wherein the elastomeric element surrounds the pipe, wherein the elastomeric element is a packing element, and/or wherein the packing element is a packing element of a stripper packer system and the compressive force is applied by ram(s) or piston(s); and, in certain aspects, a system for ultrasonically inspecting pipe, the system with a housing, a packer element in the housing, the packer element having an opening thro
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Lionel S. Linares, Kenneth R. Newman
  • Publication number: 20040050168
    Abstract: The aim of the invention in particular is to reduce the risk of haemolysis in extracorporeal blood circulation. To this end, a system element for releasably sealingly connecting a transducer to a fluid system comprises a measuring chamber (7) which can be connected to the fluid system in such a way as to allow throughflow. Said measuring chamber (7) is formed in a housing (10). Part of the wall of the measuring chamber (7) is formed by a membrane (11) which is considerably more flexible than the rest of the wall (15) of said measuring chamber (7). The membrane (11) has a peripheral built-up section (20) which is located on the side of the membrane (11) that faces towards the measuring chamber (7). Said built-up section (20) engages in a channel (19) which is formed in the housing (10) and which extends around the measuring chamber (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Andreas Uberreiter
  • Publication number: 20040050169
    Abstract: A pressure measurement device, a receiving tube 1, in which a pressure sensor element 3 is axially clamped by means of a screw element 7. Between the screw element 7 and the pressure sensor element 3, a transmission element 4 is arranged to transmit the axial clamping forces. The pressure measurement device exhibits at least one first stop 21, which is not rotatable relative to the receiving tube 1, wherein the transmission element exhibits at least one second stop 41, which is engaged with the at least one first stop, in order to prevent a rotation of the transmission element. In this way, a transmission of torque to the pressure sensor element 3 during assembly is prevented. Preferably the first stop 21 is arranged on a bushing 2 which centers the pressure sensor element 3 in the receiving tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Miroslaw Alznauer, Thomas Uehlin, Frank Gutmann
  • Publication number: 20040050170
    Abstract: A method for encapsulating a monitoring device for a pneumatic tire, wherein the monitoring device includes a threaded rod and a pressure sensor, includes the steps of positioning the monitoring device in an encapsulation chamber of an encapsulation device with a portion of the threaded rod extending from the encapsulation chamber; engaging the threaded rod against the encapsulation device to suspend the electronic monitoring device within the encapsulation chamber; and filling the encapsulation chamber with encapsulation material to encapsulate the monitoring device to form an encapsulated monitoring device. The encapsulated monitoring device may be mounted to a pneumatic tire with an attachment patch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Russell W. Koch, Walter Tomaszewski, David A. Weitzenhof, Paul B. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20040050171
    Abstract: A composite material has a laminated structure of fiber-reinforced resin layers and films of a shape-memory alloy. A predetermined strain has been applied to each film. A damage sensor has a film of an alloy of nickel and titanium. An electric circuit is bonded to the film, and strain gages are connected to the electric circuit. The damage sensor can be laminated to the resin layers in place of the film of the shape-memory alloy. Damage to the composite material is suppressed as follows: A current is applied to the films of the shape-memory alloy, to monitor change in electric resistance of the films. The damage is located in response to the change in electric resistance. Another current is applied to a film of the shape-memory alloy for which the change is larger than the other films to generate heat for deforming the film to generate shrinking stress or shear stress to the damage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshimichi Ogisu, Masato Nomura, Norio Ando
  • Publication number: 20040050172
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a sensor measuring mechanical changes in length, in particular to a compressive and/or tensile stress sensor, comprising a sandwich system with two flat and superposed electrodes separated from each other by a tunnel element (tunnel barrier), in particular an oxide barrier, a current being set up between said electrodes and through the tunnel barrier, one electrode consisting of a magnetostrictive layer 3 which responds to elongation, and wherein the contributions of the anisotropies caused by mechanical tension are larger than those from the intrinsic anisotropies, relative changes in system resistance &Dgr;R/R larger than 10% at room temperature being attained during elongation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Eckhard Quandt, Markus Lohndorf, Alfred Ludwig, Manfred Ruhrig, Joachim Wecker
  • Publication number: 20040050173
    Abstract: A film is placed between contacting surfaces in an assembly. The film has an optical property responsive to pressure. A compressive force is applied to the contacting surfaces to generate an initial pressure pattern. The film is removed from between the contacting surfaces. The optical property is sensed to derive a sensed initial pressure pattern. A stored setting controls the compressive force. The sensed initial pressure pattern is compared to a reference pressure pattern. The stored setting is updated to adjust the compressive force as a function of the comparing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Hwa Liang Ng, Kian Seng Neo, Kok Leong Quah, Terence Chee Kwong Cheng
  • Publication number: 20040050174
    Abstract: A transducer for measuring the relative velocity of movement of a body in a liquid or gaseous medium employs no reciprocating parts and functions by sensing the force applied to a diaphragm (6) die to its movement through the medium or the movement of the medium towards the diaphragm. The speed transducer makes use of a Hall effect solid state device (7) that produces an output voltage when a magnetic field is applied to either of its surfaces. The level of the output voltage is proportional to the velocity of movement in the positive direction, i.e. when the force acts on diaphragm (6) in (FIG. 1). Since the transducer takes into account differential forces, an unwanted common force acting on both diaphragms simultaneously will have no effect on the measured speed. The tubular body (1) in which the Hall effect device is located may be made from any non-magnetic material suitable for the environment in which the transducer will be used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Wilfred Ignatius Bishop