Patents Issued in June 24, 2004
  • Publication number: 20040118188
    Abstract: A rheometer has an upper measuring part and a lower measuring part, between which a measuring chamber is formed for receiving a sample of a substance to be examined, wherein the two measuring parts can be moved relative to each other and, in particular, can be rotated or pivoted. Moreover, a heating device is provided for heating at least the lower measuring part and therefore the sample. The lower measuring part comprises a support part carrying the sample which can be heated through application of an electrical voltage. The support part is preferably made from glass which is itself electrically conducting and/or which can be provided with an electrically conducting medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Applicant: Thermo Electron (Karlsruhe) Gmbh
    Inventors: Wolfgang Platzek, Pierre Reinheimer
  • Publication number: 20040118189
    Abstract: Microfluidic analytical devices and systems have at least one porous element disposed downstream of one or more optical detection regions in a pressure-based separation system. A porous element elevates the backpressure within an optical detection region, thus suppressing bubble formation and enhancing optical detection. Various types of porous elements include porous membranes, packed particulate material, and polymerized monoliths. Preferred devices may be fabricated with substantially planar device layers, including stencil layers, that are directly bonded without adhesives to form a substantially sealed microstructure suitable for performing pressure-based chromatographic separations at elevated operating pressures and with organic solvents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Applicant: Nanostream, Inc.
    Inventors: Christoph D. Karp, Paren P. Patel
  • Publication number: 20040118190
    Abstract: Two conductive solid materials with their respective different compositions are joined in parallel with a gravity direction thereof, and then, heated and melted under static magnetic field orthogonal to the gravity direction to form two conductive melts with their respective different compositions. Then, the conductive melts are maintained for a predetermined period of time under the static magnetic field, and cooled and solidified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Applicant: The Institute of Space and Astronautical Science
    Inventors: Yuko Inatomi, Kazuhiko Kuribayashi
  • Publication number: 20040118191
    Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a cantilever of a probe-based instrument is deflected by directing a beam of ultrasonic acoustic energy at the cantilever to apply acoustic radiation pressure to the cantilever. The energy is generated by an acoustic actuator. The transmitted beam preferably is focused using a cylindrical lens, providing a beam tightly focused in one dimension and unfocused in a second dimension. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a power source such as an RF signal generator is operated so as to spread the spectrum of acoustic radiation on a time scale that is short or comparable to the acoustic roundtrip time. Such a design diminishing the resonance effects and sensitivity to spacing between the cantilever and the acoustic source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Applicant: PALO ALTO RESEARCH CENTER INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Scott A. Elrod
  • Publication number: 20040118192
    Abstract: The following invention pertains to the introduction of a gas (or fluid) around a SPM probe or nanotool™ to control chemical activity e.g. oxygen to promote oxidation, argon to inhibit oxidation or clean dry air (CDA) to inhibit moisture to control static charging due to the action of the probe or nanotools and to provide vacuum at and around the tip and substrate area. The invention can also produce electrical current for use with active electronic devices on, in or near the body of the device. In addition by use of a fluid like water, certain oils, and other liquids in conjunction with specific tip structure either electric discharge machining can be used at the tip area on the tip itself (in conjunction with a form structure on the work piece) or on a work piece beneath the tip to shape, polish and remove material at very small scales (10 microns to 1 nm or less).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Applicant: General Nanotechnology LLC
    Inventor: Victor B. Kley
  • Publication number: 20040118193
    Abstract: A profiler or scanning probe microscope may be scanned across a sample surface with a distance between them controlled to allow the sensing tip to contact the surface intermittently in order to find and measure features of interest. The distance is controlled so that when the sensing tip is raised or lowered to touch the sample surface, there is no lateral relative motion between the tip and the sample. This prevents tip damage. Prior knowledge of the height distribution of the sample surface may be provided or measured and used for positioning the sensing tip initially or in controlling the separation to avoid lateral contact between the tip and the sample. The process may also be performed in two parts: a fast find mode to find the features and a subsequent measurement mode to measure the features. A quick step mode may also be performed by choosing steps of lateral relative motion to be smaller than 100 nanometers to reduce probability of tip damage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas McWaid, Peter Panagas, Steven G. Eaton, Amin Samsavar, William R. Wheeler
  • Publication number: 20040118194
    Abstract: An engine starter motor tester applies power to a motor under test at the level normally applied while that motor is installed in a vehicle and monitors the ripple in the driving current. The ripple rate, scaled by the number of windings used in the construction of the motor, provides a direct reading of the shaft speed of the unloaded motor. This number allows a valid inference concerning the state of health of the motor, and is more certain than an estimate for an unloaded motor based on operator experience and motor “sound”. A complete test apparatus includes a stored lookup table, allowing the user to key in a product brand and model number and read directly both the RPM and the test apparatus's rating of the motor under test, expressed in terms such as percentage of life remaining.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Applicant: SPX Corporation
    Inventor: Kurt Raichle
  • Publication number: 20040118195
    Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the condition of a tire mounted to a vehicle wheel includes a sensor configured for installation within the interior of the tire. The sensor is secured to a wheel rim whereby prolonged exposure to liquid tire fill material is avoided, even when the wheel is oriented with the sensor at a lower-most location of the wheel rim. In one embodiment, the sensor is secured to the wheel rim by straps which extend around a circumferential surface of the rim and engage a base coupled to the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Applicant: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: James J. Nespo, Darrin J. Landes, Edward J. Demor
  • Publication number: 20040118196
    Abstract: Apparatus for mounting an electronic tag within a tire includes a patch having a first side for mounted location against an inner liner of the tire, a second opposite side, and a socket member extending into the second side. A housing is provided having an internal tag receiving chamber defined by sidewalls and an elongate assembly bolt extends through the housing passageway and into the patch socket member to attach the housing to the patch. A remote end of the assembly bolt protrudes through the patch and carries a temperature sensor that engages the tire inner liner and transmits temperature data to electronic data transmission means within the housing. A lower portion of the housing sidewall is adapted to angle inward toward the lower housing end and a pressure measuring device is mounted within the angled sidewall portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Darrin James Landes, Edward John Demor, Mathias Robert Labbe
  • Publication number: 20040118197
    Abstract: A tire measuring device has a converter for converting the ambient energy to an alternating value, and a reflector that can be modulated by the alternating value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Wolf-Eckhart Bulst, Martin Vossiek
  • Publication number: 20040118198
    Abstract: In a method and apparatus for checking the uniformity of a pneumatic tire of a vehicle wheel, first and second unbalance measuring operations are performed to determine unbalance vectors of the vehicle wheel, which are ascertained at differing wheel speeds and/or with differing tire pressures and the difference is formed between the unbalance vectors for evaluation of the uniformity of the tire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Applicant: Snap-on Equipment GmbH
    Inventor: Karl Rothamel
  • Publication number: 20040118199
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods for determining in situ pore fluid and soil properties at a particular subsurface location are disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a penetrating tip member configured to penetrate soil. The apparatus further comprises an attachment module coupled to the penetrating tip member. The attachment module includes at least one mandrel that includes a piezo sensor. An in situ measurement of pore pressure is obtained by the piezo sensor at a depth that corresponds to the location of the at least one mandrel on the attachment module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: James David Frost, Jason Theodore DeJong, Gregory L. Hebeler
  • Publication number: 20040118200
    Abstract: A device for measuring the flow of a fluid has a primary duct and a bypass arranged in series to the primary duct. The bypass has a first section and a second section. A baffle plate with a hole for the passage of the fluid is arranged in the first section. The second section comprises two parallel secondary ducts. In the first section, a turbulent flow dominates, while the flow in the second section is primarily laminar. If the turbulent effects in the bypass are sufficiently strong, the ratio of the flows in the primary duct and the bypass can be substantially independent of the fluid properties and of the flow rate. By using two parallel secondary ducts in the second section, high flow rates and therefore strongly turbulent effects can be achieved without exceeding the measuring range of the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Applicant: Sensirion AG
    Inventors: Mark Hornung, Jens Kubasch, Moritz Lechner, Felix Mayer
  • Publication number: 20040118201
    Abstract: A method and system for measuring the flow rate of a liquid or gas within a flow channel utilizing a centrally located excitation source and a plurality of sensor means. Said excitation means is comprised of a heating element coupled with an alternating current generator. Of the plurality of sensor means, at least one of said sensors is located in a position upstream of the excitation source location, and additionally a second of said plurality of sensors is located in a position downstream of the excitation source. Instantaneous fluid flow rate is calculated utilizing a high gain differential amplifier electrically coupled to said sensors, wherein the convectively induced inductive gradient of the flowing fluid is compared to the symmetrical zero flow induction gradient. Following such a comparison, a voltage signal proportional to the flow of fluid within the channel is derived.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Applicant: Waters Investments Limited
    Inventors: Geoff C. Gerhardt, Keith Fadgen
  • Publication number: 20040118202
    Abstract: A flow sensor for detecting flow of fluid includes a thin film portion. The thin film portion has a heater and a detector for detecting temperature around the heater. The heater is made of semiconductor. This flow sensor has high sensor sensitivity with low energy consumption. Further, the sensor has high detection accuracy, and the thin film portion has high endurance. Furthermore, the flow sensor with a passivation film has appropriate thickness so as to improve strength of a thin film portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takao Iwaki, Hiroyuki Wado, Toshimasa Yamamoto, Kiyokazu Isomura, Tomoyuki Mizutani, Akihiko Teshigahara, Ryuuichirou Abe
  • Publication number: 20040118203
    Abstract: A wireless (e.g., radio) system and method for automatic water level maintenance of, e.g., a swimming pool utilizing capacitive liquid level sensing. A reference electrode allows water level sensing independent of the water chemistry or temperature. Capacitive electrodes having areas larger than the reference electrode sense various liquid levels when the liquid covers an area of any sensing electrode equal to the area of the reference electrode. Averaging is incorporated to filter out effects of wind or other disturbances. Upon sensing a given condition, the transmitter transmits a sensed condition to a remote receiver for control of valves and pumps for changing the water level in the pool. The receiver includes safety timers for filling and emptying to protect against equipment failure or communications faults. User selectable identification allows identical such radio systems to operate within proximity to each other. Power saving features are used to extend battery life.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventor: Charles E. Heger
  • Publication number: 20040118204
    Abstract: A single axis rate sensor (10) including a substantially planar vibratory resonator (16) having a substantially ring or hoop-like structure with inner (24) and outer peripheries extending around a common axis, drive means (18) for causing the resonator to vibrate in a Cos&thgr; vibration mode, carrier mode pick-off means (20) for sensing movement of the resonator in response to said drive means (18), pick-off means (36) for sensing resonator movement induced in response to rotation of the rate sensor about the sensitive axis, drive means (38) for mulling said motion, and support means (22) for flexibly supporting the resonator (16) and for allowing the resonator (16) to vibrate relative to the support means (22) in response to the drive means, and to applied rotation wherein the support means (16) comprises only L support beams, where L≠3×2K−1, L>2 and K=1, 2 or 3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Christian P Fell, Rebecka Eley, Colin H J Fox
  • Publication number: 20040118205
    Abstract: A single axis rate sensor including a substantially planar vibratory resonator (1) having a substantially ring or hoop-like structure with inner and outer peripheries (1a, 1b) extending around a common axis (z) drive means (6) for causing the resonator (1) to vibrate in a Cos 2&thgr; vibration mode, carrier mode pick-off means (7) for sensing movement of the resonator (1) in response to said drive means pick-off means (9) for detecting Sin 2&thgr; vibration mode motion induced by rotation around the Z-axis, Sin 2&thgr; vibration mode drive means (8) for nulling said motion and support means (2) for flexibly supporting the resonator (1) and for allowing the resonator (1) to vibrate relative to the support means (2) in response to the drive means, or to applied rotation wherein the support means comprises only L support beams, where L≠2K, and K=0, 1,2 or 3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Christopher P Fell, Rebecka Eley, Colin H J Fox
  • Publication number: 20040118206
    Abstract: A tuning-fork type vibration gyro enables to suppress pyroelectric noise caused by temperature change and to obtain sensor output having high signal-to-noise ratio. The tuning-fork type vibration gyro includes a tuning-fork type vibration body having two arms mutually disposed in parallel and a base for commonly supporting one end of the each arm, wherein a longitudinal direction of the two arms is defined as a z-axis and a perpendicular direction thereto is defined as an x-axis; driving electrodes respectively formed on the two arms for generating vibration of the two arms in a direction parallel to the x-axis; detecting electrodes respectively formed on the two arms for detecting electromotive force generated when the tuning-fork type vibration body is rotated around the z-axis; and dummy electrodes formed on the two arms in respective areas different from the driving electrodes and the detecting electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Applicant: Fujitsu Media Devices Limited
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Ohta, Masanori Yachi, Yoshitaka Takahashi, Kazutsugu Kikuchi, Keiji Saito
  • Publication number: 20040118207
    Abstract: A sensor arrangement for measuring a displacement of a proof mass using a tunneling current includes a proof mass body suspended by micro-mechanical beams to permit a mass body movement, at least one integrated electrode tip arranged to be integrated with the proof mass body, and at least one external electrode tip arranged externally to the proof mass body and suspended by micro-mechanical beams to permit an external electrode movement, the at least one external electrode tip further arranged to be in a close proximity to the at least one integrated electrode tip to permit a flow of the tunneling current between the at least one external electrode tip and the at least one integrated electrode tip, in which the displacement of the proof mass causes a change in the tunneling current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Andreas Niendorf, Wilhelm Frey, Zhiyu Pan
  • Publication number: 20040118208
    Abstract: A evaluation process of a vibration level at the surface of silicon melt held in a silica glass crucible is provided by setting in the vacuum furnace, the test piece of the silica glass cut out from a silica glass crucible, melting a little amount of silicon put on said piece of the glass, and measuring a vibration cycle of the silicon melt. Moreover, a silica glass crucible not causing the vibration at the surface of the silicon melt held in the silica glass crucible is also provided, wherein the vibration cycle of a silica glass of a side wall of the crucible is controlled at more than ⅙ seconds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Applicant: JAPAN SUPER QUARTZ CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kishi, Minoru Kanda, Masanori Fukui
  • Publication number: 20040118209
    Abstract: Sensor assembly for measuring a load on a bearing having at least one bearing ring (11), the at least one bearing being provided with a cavity (12) for holding the sensor assembly. The sensor assembly comprises a series mounting between opposing sides (17, 18) of the cavity (12), the series mounting comprising a piezoelectric plate (16) and a spring (13) with spring stiffness. Alternatively, the sensor assembly further comprises a body (14) with mass in mounted between the piezoelectric plate (16 ) and the spring (13), to allow simultaneous load measurement and health monitoring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Anne Hendrik Mol, Simon Van Ballegooij
  • Publication number: 20040118210
    Abstract: An ultrasonic inspection instrument for detecting a crack and performing sizing in the depth direction of the crack. By a transmitter element array and a receiver element array included in a common sensor, focus points between focused acoustic fields are electronically scanned in a range including a location where half the sum of the transmitting angle of ultrasonic waves to an inspection-target material and the receiving angle of diffraction echoes from the inspection-target material is 30 degrees, so that a tip portion of the crack is detected from the received diffraction echoes. Thus, the detectability of the ultrasonic inspection instrument for detecting diffraction waves in a subject to be inspected and performing crack inspection is stabilized and kept high.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Masahiro Tooma, Naoyuki Kono, Masahiro Koike, Hirokazu Adachi, Takao Shimura, Makoto Senoo, Tetsuya Matsui
  • Publication number: 20040118211
    Abstract: A compact and highly accurate pressure sensor, and a method of fabricating the same are provided by improving functioning of a diaphragm which acts as a means for sensing a fluid pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Applicant: YUASA AND HARA
    Inventor: Mitsuyoshi Aizawa
  • Publication number: 20040118212
    Abstract: A system for sensing respiratory pressure includes a portable pressure transducer configured to be carried by or proximate to a respiratory conduit, such as a breathing circuit or a nasal canula. The portable pressure transducer may removably couple with a pneumotach, in the form of an airway adapter, disposed along the respiratory conduit. The pneumotach may include two pressure ports positioned at opposite sides of an obstruction, which partially blocks flow through a primary conduit of the pneumotach. Corresponding sample conduits of the portable pressure transducer removably couple with the pressure ports. The pressure ports may have sealing elements which are configured to seal against piercing members of the sample conduits upon introduction of the piercing members therethrough. Upon removal of the piercing members, the sealing elements substantially reseal. Methods for using the system are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Applicant: Respironics, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph A. Orr, Scott A. Kofoed, Kevin Durst
  • Publication number: 20040118213
    Abstract: A method for producing an isolated micro pressure sensor and the process for producing the same are disclosed. The method for manufacturing the isolated micro pressure sensor includes: (A) etching one surface of a substrate to form a rampart with an open cavity on the center of its top surface and with plate portions surrounding the rampart; (B) forming a plurality of first contact pads on said plate portions of the substrate outside said rampart; (C) forming a plurality of second contact pads, a plurality of piezo-resistors, thermo sensors, temperature-controlling elements and circuit patterns on a bulk silicon wafer; (D) forming a plurality of grooves on the periphery of the bulk silicon wafer; (E) bonding the bulk silicon wafer and the substrate; and (F) thinning said bulk silicon wafer until said bulk silicon wafer forming a thin membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Yeong-Jeong Ou, TaiKang Shing, Justin Clark, Ke-Shieng Yang, Jeng-Shie Chung
  • Publication number: 20040118214
    Abstract: A method and structure that protects interior electrical components of a pressure sensor (4) from corrosive particles using a sacrificial gel dome (30) to form a vent (34) in a protective gel (32) that covers electrical components that can be corroded such as wires (16), bond pads (18), and electrical leads (14). Sacrificial gel dome (30) is dispensed over a diaphragm (28) of pressure sensor (4) to form vent (34) enabling diaphragm (28) to sense pressure variations without the influence of protective gel (32). Sacrificial gel dome (30) is removed through a water rinsing process (42) to expose vent (34).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Applicant: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: William G. McDonald, Stephen Ryan Hooper
  • Publication number: 20040118215
    Abstract: An electromechanical locking apparatus comprises an attachment member, an actuator coupled to the attachment member and capable of extending the attachment member, an insertion member with an aperture for receiving the attachment member, and a sensor. The sensor is capable of detecting insertion member position. The attachment member has a configuration that moves the insertion member to deactivate and reactivate the sensor as the aperture receives the attachment member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Applicant: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Kelly J. Reasoner, Kraig A. Proehl
  • Publication number: 20040118216
    Abstract: A device or a pressure sensor for measuring a force or for measuring a pressure in a predefined direction. A packaging element, as well as a carrier element, and a sensor element are substantially compensated in relation to the sensing region of the sensor element with respect to their temperature-induced expansions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Karl-Franz Reinhart, Christian Doering, Oliver Stoll, Michael Knauss
  • Publication number: 20040118217
    Abstract: In the method for measuring the velocity of fluid or visualizing the distribution of fluid by feeding tracer particles to the fluid, irradiating the fluid with light and observing return light from the tracer particles, tracer particles containing a flourescent substance are fed at least partially to the fluid and the fluid is irradiated with exciting light to cause the tracer particles to output flourescent emissions. A filter which does not transmit the exciting light is used to substantially selectively observe the flourecent emissions of the tracer particles. This method results in a remarkable improvement in the accuracy of flow velocity measurement or visualization of fluid distribution. Moreover, in a mixed fluid system consisting of two or more different fluids, the pattern of behavior of each fluid and the intermingled state of the fluids can be observed by using a plurality of different tracer particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Akira Hirano, Masahide Tsujishita, Hisao Ohnishi, Masashi Nishigaki, Masamichi Ippommatsu, Tsuyoshi Tsurutani
  • Publication number: 20040118218
    Abstract: A flow detector comprises at least two housing parts with a semiconductor chip having an integrated flow sensor arranged between the housing parts. An opening is provided in one of the housing parts and at least one metal pin extends through the opening and forms an electrical lead-through. A hardened filler material is used for sealing the lead-through against the walls of the opening. This construction provides a well sealed cavity for the fluid to be measured and can be manufactured easily.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Felix Mayer, Mark Hornung, Moritz Lechner, Jens Kubasch
  • Publication number: 20040118219
    Abstract: A method and apparatus includes a multi-position valve that restricts the air flow when the valve is placed in one position. Pressure tap valves are located are the inlet and outlet ports to measure the pressure differential and thereby determine the airflow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Applicant: Radiodetection Limited
    Inventor: Jeffrey Pollard
  • Publication number: 20040118220
    Abstract: A magnetic steering angle detection apparatus includes a magnet rotating in synchronization with a steering shaft mounted on a vehicle, senses a change of a magnetic field from the magnet by use of a hall IC mounted on a column side, and detects a rotation angle of the steering shaft. The magnet has S and N poles arranged on a plane of which normal line is in a substantially axial direction of the steering shaft. The hall IC is disposed such that a sensing direction of the hall IC is set to be a substantially single direction and the sensing direction is made to substantially coincide with the axial direction of the steering shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Applicant: YAZAKI CORPORTION
    Inventor: Emi Takuma
  • Publication number: 20040118221
    Abstract: A belt force measuring device has a measuring spring, the expansion of which is a measure of the belt force. It further has a detector which is arranged on the measuring spring rigidly to a first bearing of the measuring spring. Furthermore, a sensor element is provided which is arranged on the measuring spring rigidly to a second bearing of the measuring spring. The measuring spring is arranged and formed such that it expands between the first and second bearing as a function of the belt force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Applicant: Siemens AG
    Inventors: Johannes Ante, Dorin Diaconu
  • Publication number: 20040118222
    Abstract: A modular aerosol sample detection system is provided comprising a sample collector couplable to an aerial vehicle and provided with at least one retrievable collection sample plate, which controllably rotates to collect aerosol samples on a multiplicity of collection spots arranged in multiple concentric tracks on the collection disk, and a multi-channel TOF removably couplable to the collection sampler to analyze the collected samples.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Timothy J. Cornish, Frederick P. Gick
  • Publication number: 20040118223
    Abstract: A gas sampling system 36 capable of testing and certifying internal combustion engines 16 under transient conditions is provided and includes a partial flow dilution tunnel 38, master and slave mass flow controllers 80,60 and a transient dilution air flow controlling arrangement 110. The transient dilution air flow controlling arrangement 110 measures the transient changes in intake air and varies the flow of diluent air to the partial flow dilution tunnel 38. By controlling the diluent air in this manner ensures that a particle sample can be taken at any time that is at a constant proportion to the exhaust flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Richard R. Dickson, Russell R. Graze
  • Publication number: 20040118224
    Abstract: Methods of using an evaluation apparatus for pre-screening a material for use in an absorbent article are provided. The evaluation apparatus includes a simulated body part having a simulated skin substrate. The material is placed proximate the simulated skin substrate, and a predetermined amount of simulated physiological fluid is insulted into the material at a pre-measured location. After a predetermined time, the simulated skin substrate is removed from the body part and fluid loss measurements are taken.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Martha L. Tate, Audra S. Wright, Nancy H. Puckett, Andrea S. Wulz, Susan C. Paul, Jason C. Cohen
  • Publication number: 20040118225
    Abstract: An apparatus for evaluating a material is provided. In one aspect, the apparatus is an adjustable artificial arm for transmitting fluid into the material. An artificial skin, for example, is removably attached to the artificial arm, and the material is placed over the artificial skin. The fluid is insulted into the material proximate the artificial skin. The artificial skin is evaluated for wetness or dryness to prescreen the material. In another aspect, an artificial torso is provided through which fluid is transmitted and insulted into the material for evaluation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Audra S. Wright, Martha L. Tate, Nancy H. Puckett, Andrea S. Wulz, Susan C. Paul, Jason C. Cohen
  • Publication number: 20040118226
    Abstract: The invention concerns a process for the measurement of the amount of a component that is released from a gaseous atmosphere during the thermo-chemical treatment of metallic work pieces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventor: Heinrich Feichtinger
  • Publication number: 20040118227
    Abstract: A sensor includes a sensing portion for sensing physical quantity, a connector portion integrated with the sensing portion for electrically connecting the sensing portion and an outer circuit outside the sensor, a sensor casing for accommodating the sensing portion, and a connector casing for accommodating the connector portion. Both the sensor casing and the connector casing are made of thermoplastic resin. The sensor casing has a predetermined portion exposed outside from the connector casing. The other portion of the sensor casing is covered with the connector casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Masatoshi Tokunaga, Yasuaki Makino
  • Publication number: 20040118228
    Abstract: An evaluation apparatus is provided for pre-screening a material for use in an absorbent article. The evaluation apparatus includes a simulated body part having a simulated skin substrate. The material is placed on or near the simulated skin substrate, and a predetermined amount of simulated physiological fluid is insulted into the material at a pre-measured location. After a predetermined time, the simulated skin substrate is removed from the body part and fluid loss measurements are taken.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Nancy H. Puckett, Audra S. Wright, Martha L. Tate, Jason C. Cohen
  • Publication number: 20040118229
    Abstract: A design template includes a torso section being one of a group of a 95th percentile male, 50th percentile male and 5th percentile female having each being one of a group of an ERECT posture, a NEUTRAL posture and a SLUMPED posture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Herbert M. Reynolds, Robert Kerr, Raymond Brodeur, Khaldoun Rayes, Douglas Neal, Yuntao Cui
  • Publication number: 20040118230
    Abstract: A force sense imparting type input apparatus includes an operation portion, an actuator for imparting a force sense to the operation portion, a position sensor for detecting an operating direction and an operating quantity of the operation portion, a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the actuator, and a controller for acquiring a position signal and a temperature signal and outputting driving signal of the actuator. A correction control portion provided to the controller determines a calorific value of the actuator from the temperature signal, then a correction value of driving power supplied to the actuator from the calorific value so calculated, adds a correction value of driving power of the actuator at the time of a normal operation and decides driving power of the actuator at the time of over-heat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Applicant: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshio Sanpei, Kaiji Nonaka, Ayumu Kobayashi, Ken Shibazaki, Noriyuki Fukushima
  • Publication number: 20040118231
    Abstract: A disturbance-cancellation system and method is provided that facilitates the adaptive cancellation of periodic disturbances. The disturbance-cancellation system and method includes a pair of control moment gyroscopes (CMGs) arranged together as a scissored pair. The scissored pair of CMGs is used to create a periodic torque with a controllable amplitude and frequency. The periodic torque created by the CMGs is adaptively controlled to cancel out periodic disturbances in the system. The system and method creates a periodic torque with a controllable amplitude and frequency by rotating the inner-gimbal assemblies of the CMGs in opposite directions at substantially equal phase and angular velocity. Amplitude matching can be achieved by adjusting the rotor spin rate. The steady-state constant motion results in a periodic torque along the output axis of the scissored pair, while components of torque along axes orthogonal to this one cancel out.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventor: Mason A. Peck
  • Publication number: 20040118232
    Abstract: The invention relates to a motor-driven pivoting device for a support plate that can cooperate with a positioning motor and be pivoted kinematically in relation to a holder, which is fixed to the object. In order to receive a mirror, the plate is provided with a fixed hollow spherical area on its rear side, which is directed away from the mirror, for stable mounting with a compact inbuilt part-turn actuator, mounted with the ability to pivot between two rigidly interconnected spherical surfaces along the generated surfaces thereof. The outer of the two interlocking spherical surfaces of the dual shell holder is embodied in the form of an assembly cap. Its inner surface is fitted out as a carrier for a device with a motor and a set of gears engaging with the gearing that moves radially to engage with the inner area of the device carrier along a generatrix of the inner generated surface of the hollow area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Wilhelm Wolf, Josef Boegelein, Wolfgang Seiboth, Heinrich Lang
  • Publication number: 20040118233
    Abstract: A transfer case for a vehicle having two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive operating modes operatively established by a drive transfer mechanism that is selectively employed to interconnect a main power drive shaft construction for the drive of a first set of wheels with an auxiliary drive shaft for the drive of a second set of wheels. The drive transfer mechanism includes a clutch assembly package comprising a control rod supported for movement in a direction coaxial to the longitudinal axis of the auxiliary drive shaft. The clutch assembly includes a clutch collar supported within the auxiliary drive shaft on the control rod for movement therewith to alternately connect and disconnect the power shaft with the auxiliary drive shaft. For multi-ratio case operation, the power shaft construction may have an input and output power shaft sections that are selectively interconnected by a planetary gear set and a speed shift collar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventor: David Robert Weilant
  • Publication number: 20040118234
    Abstract: A compact planetary drive provides a high reduction ratio and high torque capacity, that is economical to use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventor: William R. Cole
  • Publication number: 20040118235
    Abstract: A transmission system including a first gear comprising a first side having an engaging semi-annular section and a non-engaging semi-annular section; and plurality of engaging gears for engaging with the engaging semi-annular section, wherein the engaging gears are configured such that at least one of the engaging gears is engaged to the engaging semi-annular section of the first gear at a particular angular orientation of the first gear, and at least one of the engaging gears is not engaged to the engaging semi-annular section at the particular angular orientation of the first gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventor: Sherif Eldally
  • Publication number: 20040118236
    Abstract: The invention provides a gate type shift lever apparatus in which a solenoid type shift lock mechanism is built at a position engaging with a shift lever (3) of a position P. This shift lock mechanism is constituted by a solenoid (12) which is turned on at a time when a brake pedal is stepped on, a slider (11) which is closely contacted with the solenoid (12) by a spring (14) at a normal time, and a shift lock plate (13) which is pivoted onto the slider (11). The shift lock plate (13) is oscillated along with a selecting operation of a shift lever (3). When a select operation of the shift lever (3) is carried out in the case that the brake pedal is stepped on and the solenoid (12) is in an on state, the slider (11) is adsorbed by the slider (12) so as to stay at a fixed position, so that only the shift lock plate (13) oscillates so as to move the shift lever (3) from the position (P).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Applicant: MANNOH KOGYO CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Akira Tazai
  • Publication number: 20040118237
    Abstract: A bywire system shift lever device for vehicles includes a base member, a lever member to be driven by an operating element, an electric motor provided on the lever member, a transmission mechanism to transmit a rotation of a rotating shaft to the lever member, a first position detecting sensor for supplying first position signals representing the operating angle of the lever member, and a second position detecting sensor for supplying second position signals. Consequently the electric motor is controlled by the second position signals and thus a predetermined sensory resistance is provided to the operating element by a force of the rotating shaft of the electric motor applied via transmission mechanisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventor: Hironori Kato