Patents Issued in April 29, 2004
-
Publication number: 20040079109Abstract: A jewelry chain comprising links (4, 5) which are articulated in twos. Said chain consists of first links (4) each comprising two semi-links (4a, 4b) which are interassembled by means of welding and/or soldering, said first links (4) each extending essentially according to a plane (X, Y) and being pivotably linked to adjacent links (5) by means of pivots (7) all of which are parallel to the respective planes (X, Y) of the first links. The chain also comprises second links (5) which are alternatingly disposed with the first links, each of said second links forming a continuous ring extending essentially according to a plane which is perpendicular to the adjacent first links.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventor: Francesca Crova
-
Publication number: 20040079110Abstract: A locking and holding system for jewelry insertable into a pierced body part is disclosed. The locking and holding system includes a shaft having at least one throat or opening, a pivot pin, and a locking bar in rotational engagement with the pivot pin. The locking bar may be rotated into a insertion orientation such that the locking bar is engaged in an interfering fit with the throat to retain the locking bar. After insertion of the shaft through the pierced opening, the locking bar may be rotated into a locking orientation to retain the item of jewelry to the person's body.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2002Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventor: Frank Joseph Cappiello
-
Publication number: 20040079111Abstract: Jewelry articles having magnetic elements and interchangeable settings are disclosed. In one aspect, the jewelry articles include magnetically coupling body portions and interchangeable settings. The body portions magnetically couple together to hold the interchangeable settings. For example, the body portions can magnetically couple together using rare earth magnets to form a composite ring. Preferably, at least one of the body portions is rotatable to tangentially break the magnetic coupling between the body portions to interchange the setting. In another aspect of the present invention, magnetic elements are used to magnetically suspend a movable setting on a jewelry article. An longitudinal member has at least one end connected to the jewelry article. The setting is movably disposed on the longitudinal member. A first magnetic element adjacent an end of the longitudinal member magnetically repels a second magnetic element on the setting.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Applicant: Heart & CompanyInventor: Ronald W. Hartgrove
-
Publication number: 20040079112Abstract: A glass sheet, which has been heated to have a viscosity of not lower than 105 Pa·s and not higher than 108 Pa·s, is pressed against a mold having a certain bending surface to be bent.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Applicant: ASAHI GLASS COMPANY LIMITEDInventors: Nobuhiro Inoue, Ken Nomura
-
Publication number: 20040079113Abstract: The invention relates to a method for measurement and simple and fixedly structured regulation of quality-determining parameters of the glass bath. According to the invention batch coverage, batch compression, the position of the thermal key points of heat sinks and sources, in particular the glass bath surface and the flames, are optically measured, compared as set values or in subsequent regulation as control parameters and adjusted by fuel actuation, fuel distribution, burner inlet pressure, implementation of additional heating or bubbling throughput.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventors: Frank Hegewald, Peter Hemmann, Helmut Heelemann
-
Publication number: 20040079114Abstract: In one aspect, a method is provided for molding from glass complex optical components such as lenses, microlens, arrays of microlenses, and gratings or surface-relief diffusers having fine or hyperfine microstructures suitable for optical or electro-optical applications. In another aspect, mold masters or patterns, which define the profile of the optical components, made on metal alloys, particularly titanium or nickel alloys, or refractory compositions, with or without a non-reactive coating are provided. Given that molding optical components from oxide glasses has numerous drawbacks, it has been discovered in accordance with the invention that non-oxide glasses substantially eliminates these drawbacks. The non-oxide glasses, such as chalcogenide, chalcohalide, and halide glasses, may be used in the mold either in bulk, planar, or power forms. In the mold, the glass is heated to about 10-110° C., preferably about 50° C.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2002Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventors: Bruce G. Aitken, Dilip K. Chatterjee, Daniel H. Raguin
-
Publication number: 20040079115Abstract: A multiple orifice glass feed system for use with a glass forehearth including a plurality of closely spaced plungers, each of which is individually supported independently of each other. Each plunger includes a servo controlled linear actuator and an arm extending between each plunger and its respective servo-motor. Each servo-motor has an axis parallel to the axis of the plungers. An air spring is associated with each plunger for balancing the weight of each plunger and its respective arm. The center lines of the plungers lie generally in a plane. The arms have the major portions thereof generally parallel and closely spaced. A feedback system is provided to monitor the position of each individual needle independently of the other at all times and make corrections to the actual position of the needle if desired.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventors: D. Wayne Leidy, Frank J. DiFrank
-
Publication number: 20040079116Abstract: A cartridge assembly for a blow-and-blow parison-forming machine comprises a cylindrical barrel, an annular lower stop having a central opening for accepting a piston rod and having an upwardly opening tapered recess adjacent the central opening, an annular cylinder cap having a central opening for accepting a thimble and plunger and having a downwardly opening tapered recess adjacent the central opening. The lower stop, cylinder cap, and barrel form a unit. An annular floating piston is arranged to reciprocate within the cylindrical barrel. The floating piston has a lower tapered end for at the lowermost position of the floating piston resting in the upwardly opening tapered recess in the lower stop and an upper tapered end for at the uppermost position of the floating piston resting in the downwardly opening tapered recess in the cylinder cap.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2002Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventor: Joseph W. Kozora
-
Publication number: 20040079117Abstract: A plunger for use in forming parisons during the manufacture of glass containers having a biased open valve therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2002Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventor: Joseph W. Kozora
-
Publication number: 20040079118Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a highly uniform low cost production worthy solution for manufacturing low propagation loss optical waveguides on a substrate. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of forming a PSG optical waveguide on an undercladding layer of a substrate that includes forming at least one silicate glass optical core on said undercladding layer using a plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition process including a silicon source gas, an oxygen source gas, and a phosphorus source gas, wherein the oxygen source gas and silicon source gas have a ratio of oxygen atoms to silicon atoms greater than 20:1.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2002Publication date: April 29, 2004Applicants: Applied Materials Inc, A Delaware CorporationInventors: Hichem M'Saad, Anchuan Wang, Sang Ahn
-
Publication number: 20040079119Abstract: A reaction chamber including a reaction chamber in which preform is formed is provided. A cladding burner for forming a cladding of the preform is arranged in the reaction chamber, and a blocking member for suppressing ascending of the air in the reaction chamber is provided above the cladding burner. With this arrangement, abrupt flame-up of a flame containing glass particles produced through the burner is suppressed, the productivity of a preform is improved by accelerated formation of a preform, and the amount of glass particles which may adhere to a wall of the reaction chamber is reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho.Inventors: Kazuhisa Fukutani, Masahiko Mitsuda, Takehiko Yamamoto, Jiro Morinaga
-
Publication number: 20040079120Abstract: A washing machine and a method of changing system data therein that can grasp causes such as trouble of the product itself, problems on installation, problems on the regional characteristics, living pattern change of a user, etc., and change/replace a pre-stored program to/by a wash-related program that can solve the problems. The washing machine includes an outer tank, an inner tank, a load section, a microcomputer for controlling drive of the load section and reading an operation state of the load section, a key input section, a display section, an interface section for sending/receiving wash-related data to/from an external device, and a memory for enabling data read/write and storing the program or data received from the external device.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: In Haeng Cho
-
Publication number: 20040079121Abstract: A washing and drying machine of the present invention includes a water tub elastically supported in a housing; a rotary drum being rotatably mounted in the water tub; a heat pump having a compressor, a heat radiator, a throttle valve, a heat absorber, a pipework, and an air guide duct for guiding air to the heat absorber and the heat radiator; an air passageway provided to the water tub for allowing the air to flow into the rotary drum; a blower for forcing the air heated by the heat radiator to flow through the air passageway into the rotary drum; and a flexible connection member. The flexible connection member connects the air passageway to the air guide duct.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Applicant: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hidetaka Yabuuchi, Shigeharu Nakamoto, Mikio Tahara
-
Publication number: 20040079122Abstract: An inverted U-shaped combination lock is disclosed. The lock comprises a male locking mechanism a push ring, a hollow spindle, a sealing ring, an abutment ring, number rings, and a spring. The lock still can be opened without password by inserting a key into a keyhole prior to turning an angle of 90 degrees of the key, a ridged section of the mechanism is changed from a higher position to a lower one for disengaging the mechanism from the lock for subsequent removal of the mechanism. The invention also provides means for helping user know the forgot password and means for resetting the password.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventor: Cheng-Che Tsai
-
Publication number: 20040079123Abstract: A lock 10 to be mounted in a sliding door or window. The lock 10 includes a lever 17 that is used to retract and extend the locked tongue member 15. On the inside of the door there is provided a first cylinder lock 24 that is operable to release the tongue member 15 for movement from the extended position to the retracted position thereof while provided on the outside of the door is a lock cylinder 27 that is operable to lock or to release the tongue member 15 for movement from the extended position to the retracted position and operable to move the tongue member 15 between the extended and retracted positions thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2002Publication date: April 29, 2004Applicant: Doric Products Pty LimitedInventors: Michael B. Alchin, Perry R. Long
-
Publication number: 20040079124Abstract: A handle and lock which generally includes a base having an index pin, a stop positioned in a circular channel, and an aperture traversing the base. A shaft is rotatably engaged to the base. The shaft includes a nut-shaped platform and an arcuate positioning limiter disposed in the circular working channel. The nut shaped platform preferably includes a threaded bore to receive a fastener used to releasably attach a handle to the shaft. The handle generally includes a head portion having a nut shaped receiving area and an arcuate protruding positioning member for placement within the circular working channel. The nut shaped receiving area preferably covers the platform during rotation of the handle relative to the base. The head portion may also include a lock having a locking barrier connected to a locking cylinder.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventor: Klaus Molzer
-
Publication number: 20040079125Abstract: A key blank is provided with an enlarged head end encased in plastics material and enclosing a permanent magnet received in an opening through the key head and retained in an intermediate grommet holder, the magnet having a sufficient strength to attach the key removably to ferrous surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2002Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventors: Gary E. Morehart, Samuel Todd Adams
-
Publication number: 20040079126Abstract: A spinner key ring with locking interchangeable parts is provided. The locking system consists of a set pin and a locking screw or pin that locks the center piece to the outer ring. The spinner key ring has an outer metal ring with a loop called the earpiece at the top, which connects to a chain and then to a split ring to hold keys. The earpiece itself is drilled through the middle to allow the screw to go through the outer ring and into the centerpiece. The length of the screw is 5 millimeters. On the opposite side of the outer ring from the earpiece is a 3-millimeter fixed pin, which the center piece seats onto. Once the centerpiece is seated, the screw is inserted through the earpiece. Using this system the centerpiece is locked into place and is also interchangeable. The system can be used with any shaped outer ring.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventor: Howard Ullman
-
Publication number: 20040079127Abstract: The invention relates to a mill train (1) for milling a strip-type product to be milled (10). Said mill train comprises a number of roll stands (2) which are successively arranged in a milling direction (x) and which can be respectively pivoted about a rotational axis (18) which is essentially perpendicular to the milling direction (x). The aim of the invention is to maintain a belt run which favours a pre-determined milling result, in an especially simple and reliable manner. According to the invention, a control value (S) is pre-determined for the pivoting angle of a roll stand, or of each roll stand (2), according to the determined contour of the strip end (30) of a product (10) which has already been milled. According to the invention, additional control elements can also be used.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventor: Jurgen Seidel
-
Publication number: 20040079128Abstract: By using a hydraulic forming device 20, a metal plate body 11 is placed on a support section 21b with a hollow section 21a formed on a lower die 21 filled with hydraulic fluid A. Subsequently, a blank holder 23 is lowered to clamp the peripheral edge section of the placed metal plate body 11 with the support section 21b. Then, the upper die 22 is lowered relative to the lower die 21 to pressedly deform the central section of the metal plate body 11 and to compress the hydraulic fluid A to increase the fluid pressure. A rib-like convex section 12 is transferred onto the metal plate body 11 by the increased fluid pressure of the hydraulic fluid A and a formed section 22a. Further, the fluid pressure of the hydraulic fluid A is kept for a predetermined time. Then, the increased fluid pressure of the hydraulic fluid A is released.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventors: Kenichi Kusunoki, Masanao Shiomi, Naoki Yoshioka
-
Publication number: 20040079129Abstract: The present invention provides a method of embossing or imprinting patterns in the surface of a sheet metal article using superplastic forming at suitable SPF temperatures. A template having a pattern is interposed between a forming tool and a sheet metal blank. Gas pressure is applied to the sheet metal blank. This pressure forces the sheet metal against the surface of the lower forming tool having the template there between. The sheet metal blank is stretch formed according to the contours of the surface of the lower forming press and the template. The embossed and shaped sheet metal part is then removed from the forming tool.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2002Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventors: Paul Edward Krajewski, Georg M. Barton, Gary A. Kruger
-
Publication number: 20040079130Abstract: Concave portions and convex portions are formed on a peripheral surface of a thin metal sheet by applying a pressing force thereto while the metal sheet is being embossed; pores are each formed on an apex of each of the concave portions and convex portions and burrs each projecting outward from a peripheral edge of each of the pores are generated by the pressing force; the metal sheets having the concave portions and convex portions formed thereon are layered on each other; the burr at the apex of each convex portion of a lower-layer metal sheet is interlocked with the burr at the apex of each concave portion of an upper-layer metal sheet adjacent to the lower-layer metal sheet to integrate the metal sheets with each other; and an active substance is charged into spaces between the upper-layer metal sheet and the lower-layer metal sheet through an aperture at the apex of each of the concave portions and convex portions.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2002Publication date: April 29, 2004Applicant: KATAYAMA SPECIAL INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventor: Hirofumi Sugikawa
-
Publication number: 20040079131Abstract: A sheet metal bending tool for bending materials, such as flat metal sheets is disclosed. The tool has a restraining base for receiving and cooperatively holding a sheet metal workpiece and the tool has a bending component that is rotatably mounted to the restraining base, the workpiece is held, cooperating with the restraining base component, and the clamp bar for stabilizing the workpiece while the workpiece is held and bent by the rotating action of the bending component. In the preferred embodiment, the workpiece is restrained by a template comprising a pattern of holes drilled, a hole receiving a peg or means of stop, the stops (pegs) constraining the workpiece from movement while being bent act like a jig for measuring and predetermined incumbents. Holes are also drilled in restraining base and in the bending component at spaced intervals along lines that are run parallel to the line defined by the intersection of the bending component and the restraining base.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventor: Daniel Perruccio
-
Publication number: 20040079132Abstract: The invention relates to a pressing tool (8) provided with three or four press mandrels (12, 15) which move towards each other during the pressing process. The press mandrels (12-15) have a roof-shaped transversal profile. The lateral distance (36) between the press mandrels (12-15) is increasingly reduced during the pressing process. An extending element (37) is arranged between two press mandrels, extending from one press mandrel to another press mandrel and being inserted into the other press mandrel during the pressing process. The aim of the invention is to improve said pressing device and to improve pressing. In order to block the above-mentioned distance (36), the extending element (37) is disposed in such a way that both roof edges (38) of the corresponding press mandrels cut across said extending element (37) in an initial position.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventor: Egbert Frenken
-
Publication number: 20040079133Abstract: A threaded fastener includes a lead having bosses separated from one another by bases along the thread crest. Two such leads may be formed such that lead-in profiles for of one lead are disposed at locations corresponding to locations of lead-out profiles for the other lead. The lead-in and lead-out profiles of the bossed, and other features of the bosses and bases may differ from one another along the fastener shank. The boss profiles may be selected to reduce insertion torque and to provide excellent resistance to pullout. The fastener may be formed by roll threading via a tool made by a plunge EDM process.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventors: Kenneth LeVey, Stephen Dohm
-
Publication number: 20040079134Abstract: A punch assembly for punching or forming sheet metal has a circumferentially extending, horizontally disposed supporting flange that is slideably mounted upon the body of the punch assembly as a part thereof for supporting the punch assembly on a punch press. A resilient tool retractor, e.g., one or more springs is provided within the punch assembly for retracting or elevating the body of punch assembly relative to the supporting flange. Provision is also made for enabling a person to manually change the tool length and thus the feed gap from the exterior of the punch assembly by controlling the distance that the upper forming tool, i.e., the punch extends downwardly below the supporting flange and a lock is provided for securely retaining it in a selected position.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2002Publication date: April 29, 2004Applicant: Mate Precision Tooling, IncInventors: Dennis K. Lowry, Christopher D. Morgan
-
Publication number: 20040079135Abstract: A check chip of a sensor measuring device is provided with a structural characterizing portion of a convex shape, concave shape or a penetration hole at a location where a user is considered to pick the check chip up. The state of the structural characterizing portion is made to be different from that of a structural characterizing portion provided on a correction chip which is similar to the check chip, in size, the number of the structural characterizing portions, or placement location. Therefore, the difference from the correction chip can be easily identified even by a visually handicapped person or a weak-sighted person, according to the difference in the structural characterizing portion, from feel, thereby preventing the person from using the check chip and the correction chip with confusion.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventors: Yoshiharu Sato, Masufumi Koike, Yasuhito Kawamata, Yoshinobu Tokuno
-
Publication number: 20040079136Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the vapor or gas content of a vacuum chamber (1) by a vapor sensor (21) located in the fore-line of a vacuum system is provide. The gas or vapor content is determined by first providing a zero condition for the sensor using the vacuum pump (25) and them referencing the sensor response to the chamber gas during the evacuation cycle.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventor: John E Pillion
-
Publication number: 20040079137Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring air quality is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2002Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventor: Giuliano Radolovich
-
Publication number: 20040079138Abstract: A method of operating a knock detection system of a multi-cylinder piston engine in which the knock detection system comprises a sensor arranged in connection with each cylinder and a measurement circuit connected to the sensor includes running the engine at a load being less than full load and setting the output signal of each separate sensor between certain preset limits by adjusting one or more adjustment variables of the measurement circuit. The values of the adjustment variables for each separate cylinder are stored in the detection system. During normal use, the engine is run and the previously stored values of the adjustment values for each cylinder are used in the knock detection system.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventor: Ari Saikkonen
-
Publication number: 20040079139Abstract: An earth electrode is formed on the brim surface of the plug insulator and on the outer surface of the middle portion of the plug insulator along the axial direction. The earth electrode connected with one side of the combustion pressure sensor is provided on a whole surface opposite to a combustion pressure signal electrode. The earth electrode works also a shield member for shielding the high frequency noise generated inside the insulator. A part of the outer side of the earth electrode is covered by an insulating layer for insulating the earth electrode from the combustion pressure signal electrode. The combustion pressure sensor held between the insulator brim and electrode brim is given a prescribed compression load by a metal cylindrical bolt which presses down the electrode brim of the toward the combustion pressure sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Applicant: DENSO CORPORATIONInventor: Hiromi Hiramatsu
-
Publication number: 20040079140Abstract: A method and device for testing containers, the method calling for a difference in pressure to be generated between the pressure inside the container and the pressure immediately surrounding the container, the behavior of one of these pressures permitting the gas tightness of the container to be assessed. A pressure value is stored and subsequently compared with one of the pressures, the stored pressure value being stored electronically and compared with at least one value of the output signal from a pressure sensor. The container is housed in an enclosure which is connected to a pressure or suction line, and a pressure-value storage unit, a comparator unit and a pressure sensor are associated with the pressure or suction line.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventor: Martin Lehmann
-
Publication number: 20040079141Abstract: For assessing ground quality, such as the ‘going’ of a racetrack a handheld device has a shaft (10), a plate (16) mounted to its bottom end, and a sensor body (27) also mounted to the bottom of the shaft (10), independently of the plate (16). A tine tip (20) projects below the body. The body has compression sensors (36) and shear sensors (34). The user pushes down on the shaft (10). The tine (20) penetrates the ground until the plate (16) abuts the surface. Continued pushing leads to a compression reading. The user then pushes the top of the shaft so that it tilts, pivotting about an edge of the plate. Shear forces are sensed by the shear sensors (34). The compression and shear data pass to a data processor (26) which computes a single value indicative of ‘going’.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventors: James Laurent Brighton, Richard John Godwin
-
Publication number: 20040079142Abstract: An Improved metrology apparatus, such as a scanning probe microscope (SPM), has an actuator that controls motion in three orthogonal directions when it is selectively and electrically stimulated. The X-Y section of the actuator, preferably a piezoelectric actuator, controls motion in the X and Y directions and the Z section of the actuator controls motion in the Z direction. A flexure is attached to the actuator and is mounted on a reference structure to prevent unwanted X and Y motion by the Z section of the actuator from moving a probe attached to the flexure. Preferably, two mirrors are mounted on the flexure. In operation of the SPM, a light beam is directed towards these mirrors. When the flexure moves in the Z direction, one of the mirrors is deflected and causes the reflected light to move across a detector, generating a signal representative of a change in the Z position of the flexure and the probe.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventor: Roger Proksch
-
Publication number: 20040079143Abstract: A rotary position sensing assembly for an internal combustion engine includes a mounting socket rigidly attached to a structural support of a rotating component and a position sensor slidably engaged with the socket. A slidably engageable retainer maintains the sensor within the socket at a predetermined distance from the rotating component.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2002Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventors: Dale Mathew Mayol, John Paul Vivier
-
Publication number: 20040079144Abstract: A tire pressure sensor array includes a control module to which a receiver is connected. Four tire pressure sensors communicate with the control module via the receiver. Each tire pressure sensor includes a pressure switch that is electrically connected to a digital state machine. The digital state machine is connected to a transmitter and communicates pressure information to the transmitter. In turn, the transmitter communicates the pressure information to the receiver which communicates the pressure information to the control module.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2002Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventors: Robert A. Newman, Francisco J. Sanchez, Lorenzo Guadalupe Rodriguez
-
Publication number: 20040079145Abstract: A four-wheel vehicle is equipped with rotational speed sensors S1-S4 that detect a rotational speed V1 of a left front wheel T1, a rotational speed V2 of a right front wheel T2, a rotational speed V3 of a left rear wheel T3 and a rotational speed V4 of a right rear wheel T4, respectively, and a yaw rate sensor S&ggr; that detects a yaw rate of the vehicle. An underinflation detector 1 includes a controller 2 that calculates a front-wheel yaw rate &ggr;F derived from a difference in rotational speed between the front wheels T1, T2, a rear-wheel yaw rate &ggr;R derived from a difference in rotational speed between the rear wheels T3, T4, and deviations of the yaw rates &ggr;F, &ggr;R from an actually measured value output from the yaw rate sensor S&ggr;. A rate of change of the deviation with respect to change of vehicle speed is determined to thereby detect insufficiency of inflation pressure of tires with high reliability.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Keiyu Kin, Osamu Yano
-
Publication number: 20040079146Abstract: Determining the thickness of the liquid layer on a rough, poorly reflecting surface with a radiation source transmitting a beam to the surface with the liquid layer, a radiation detector that receives the beam reflected from the surface and liquid layer, and the thickness of the liquid layer on the surface being determined on the basis of a measurement of the degree of gloss and/or a diffused light measurement by the beam received.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventor: Wolfgang Eberhard Luxem
-
Publication number: 20040079147Abstract: In a measurement method in the manufacture of paper or paperboard, different forces prevailing in a nip between a roll and a counter roll of an apparatus conveying a paper or paperboard web are measured. In the method there are several measurement points implemented with one or more film sensors (3) placed in the roll (1) in the transverse direction of the paper or paperboard web. The measurement information obtained from the measurement points by means of the sensor or sensors (3) is utilized to determine the pressure distribution of the nip. The film sensor (3) is a piezo- and pyroluminescent sensor from which the measurement information can be received optically at least in the initial stage, or a sensor comprising an electromechanical film (EMFi). The sensors (3) placed in the calender roll (1) can be utilized to measure the pressure distribution of the calender nip (N).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventor: Tapio Menp
-
Publication number: 20040079148Abstract: A sensor component that may be used in conjunction with a filter module may include a plurality of sensor packages. The latter, in turn, may incorporate one or more micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) sensors to measure various characteristics of fluid flow and filtration. A single sensor component may be adapted to measure the pressure, temperature, flow rate, differential pressure, conductivity, viscosity, pH level, etc. of the fluid at an upstream and a downstream location. Sensor measurements may be obtained continuously in order to monitor and indicate fluid conditions, including the use of a warning mechanism to indicate an out-of-range condition when the measurements fall outside of pre-set limits. Depending on the application and the fluid being filtered, data, including measurement data, may be transmitted through electrical connections or wirelessly. In wireless configurations, a sleep-mode may be included to maximize the life of local power supplies.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2002Publication date: April 29, 2004Applicant: PTI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Michael Sandford, Fermin A. Sandoval Diaz
-
Publication number: 20040079149Abstract: A fuel level indication assembly for a fuel tank includes at least one ultrasonic sensor having a drum to emit and receive a sonic signal. The at least one ultrasonic sensor is adapted to be disposed in either one of a liquid fuel and a fuel vapor/air space within the fuel tank to measure a level of liquid fuel within the fuel tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventors: Ulf Sawert, Hugh Wesley Ireland, Michael D. Lutton, Mark K. Wolfenden, Daniel Alexander Crawford
-
Publication number: 20040079150Abstract: Apparatus and method for measuring the volume of a liquid in a fuel tank in a vehicle subject to varying external forces caused by movement or changes in the roll and pitch angles of the vehicle wherein the tank is mounted to the vehicle and subject to forces along the yaw axis of the vehicle. One or more tank load cells provides an output proportionally representing the load thereon. The load cells are placed between a portion of the tank and a portion of a reference surface of the vehicle and are sensitive along an axis that is substantially normal to the mounting surface and generally parallel to the yaw axis of the vehicle. A processor executes a derived relationship between the load cell output and the volume of fuel in the tank so as to convert the output signal from the load cell into output information representative of the volume of the fuel in the tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventors: David S. Breed, Wilbur E. DuVall, Wendell C. Johnson
-
Publication number: 20040079151Abstract: A float, including rubber material for sensing liquid levels having a chemically resistant protective covering said float having greater resistance to attach from chemicals, such as hydrocarbons, acids, and chlorinated solvents, said float may be made to include magnets, guiding devices or sensors. Also disclosed is the method for manufacturing the float of this invention including the steps of milling acrylonitrile rubber, phenolic resin, sulfur and various additives in a Banbury mill and mixing at an elevated temperature below 250°, compression molding at up to 900 psi pressure between 250° and 350° F., cooling and filling a pre made protective skin container with the mixture, closing the container and heating the sealed container to bond the mixture to the container skin.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2002Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventor: Ricardo Canales
-
Publication number: 20040079152Abstract: A remote two-module electronic fluid monitoring system. A tank module sits atop a field tank and monitors internal fluid level. Fluid level detection is achieved by tracking the position of an embedded permanent magnet associated with a given internal fluid level within an existing float gauge mechanism. An integrated circuit capable of precisely detecting the orientation of magnetic fields senses the angular position of an existing magnet and outputs an angular field reading to an interfaced microcontroller which then translates angular reading to fluid level. The tank module contains a radio frequency transmitter which then sends fluid level information to a display module. The display module receives the signal from the tank module and reports to the user the present fluid level remaining in the tank via a liquid crystal display.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Applicant: Fluent Systems, LLCInventors: Chad M. Sorenson, Scott Woods, Dave Franchino
-
Publication number: 20040079153Abstract: A vibrating gyroscope includes a vibrator having a pair of vibrating bodies, both end portions in the longitudinal direction of which are fixed together in the thickness direction by intermediate parts and the vibrator is supported such that a secondary bending vibration with both ends free in the thickness direction of the vibrating bodies can be performed. The vibrating gyroscope also includes a driver for causing the vibrating bodies to perform buckling vibrations in opposite directions, and a detector for detecting the magnitude of the secondary bending vibration of the vibrator. The resonance frequency of the secondary bending vibration is close to the frequency of the buckling vibrations.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Applicant: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Katsumi Fujimoto
-
Publication number: 20040079154Abstract: An acceleration sensor includes first and second fixed electrodes on a substrate, and a movable electrode located above the first and second fixed electrodes facing them. The movable electrode is elastically supported on the substrate by a first elastic supporting body and is movable. A mass, which is elastically supported on the substrate by a second elastically supporting body moves in response to an acceleration in a direction perpendicular to the substrate. A linking portion links the movable electrode and the mass at a position spaced from an axis of movement of the movable electrode by a distance. Acceleration is measured based on changes in a first capacitance between the first fixed electrode and the movable electrode and a second capacitance between the second fixed electrode and the movable electrode. Thus, a high impact resistant and highly reliable acceleration sensor is obtained.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Applicant: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Eiji Yoshikawa, Masahiro Tsugai, Nobuaki Konno, Yoshiaki Hirata
-
Publication number: 20040079155Abstract: The present invention facilitates measurement of characteristic values corresponding to hardness of a material to be measured inside a living body using the response of a vibration transmission characteristic without the need to remove other tissue materials of the living body by dissecting or opening the abdomen of the living body.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventor: Sadao Omata
-
Publication number: 20040079156Abstract: A sensor carrier is provided that has at least one oscillating element (32) that introduces ultrasonic waves into an area to be examined and/or receives ultrasonic waves coming from the area to be examined, whereby the oscillating element (32) is located in an oscillator carrier (33), and the oscillator carrier (33) has connecting means (36, 37, 38, 39) for connection with the electrode (31).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventors: Volker Arndt, Michael Lach, Michael Platte, Heinz-Ullrich Mueller
-
Publication number: 20040079157Abstract: A method and apparatus for nondestructive testing a railroad rail is provided. The method includes locating at least one magnetic exciter adjacent to the rail, the at least one magnetic exciter includes an emitting end and a longitudinal axis extending perpendicularly through the emitting end, discharging the energy storage circuit through the at least one magnetic exciter such that only a magnetic pulse enters the rail at a location of the exciter, and controlling a shape of the magnetic pulse. The apparatus includes at least one magnetic exciter adjacent to a rail, a energy storage circuit electrically coupled to the at least one magnetic exciter, the energy storage circuit is configured to supply a shaped current pulse to the at least one exciter, and a power source electrically coupled to the energy storage circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2002Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventors: Robert Snee Gilmore, John Erik Hershey, David Michael Davenport, Daniel White Sexton
-
Publication number: 20040079158Abstract: Technique for deterring and monitoring internal defect condition of a mud pump during the operation and/or in a laboratory conditions are illustrated. One or more acoustic transducers are attached in the proximity of one or more valves of the pump. Variation(s) in the output signal parameters are continuously monitored. Variation of the signal over the predetermined threshold level indicate a gradual degradation of the pump or if the variation of the signal occurs over a short interval it may indicate a sudden failure of the pump. Likewise, a system of detecting internal defect condition of the pump and apparatus for monitoring the pump condition is illustrated. The techniques are also applied to duplex and/or triplex high-pressure pumps used to push hydrocarbons through pipelines. Apparatus and system similar to that disclosed for the mud pump is equally applicable to the high-pressure pumps used to push hydrocarbons through pipelines.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2002Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventor: Jeffery Lyn Mercer