Patents Issued in February 17, 2005
  • Publication number: 20050034504
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tool comprising a partial region made from plastic, in which a material with slide bearing properties is inlaid. Said tool is a moulding tool, which can be applied, for example, in the deep-drawing of metal pieces. The partial region in which the material with slide bearing properties, for example graphite, is inlaid, is a front layer (11) of the tool, comprising the moulding region thereof. The backing (12) of the tool is also made from plastic, which can optionally contain conventional fillers. The front layer (11) of the tool, reinforced, for example, with graphite, permits a deep drawing optionally without the use of lubricants, whereby the moulding region of the tool has good slide bearing properties and a high pressure resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Publication date: February 17, 2005
    Inventors: Mohamed Mekkaoui Alaoui, Jurgen Vossberg, Werner Hufenbach, Klaus Kunze, Peter Hochwald, Oliver Straube, Joachim Lowen
  • Publication number: 20050034505
    Abstract: The present invention provides a crimping device that facilitates an adjustment operation and has a reduced height. A crimping device has a crimp height adjustment mechanism for a core of a wire onto which a terminal is to be crimped and a crimp height adjustment mechanism for an insulating coating of the wire, the mechanisms having respective adjustment dials, and the front of the crimping device facing in the opposite direction of the core. In the adjustment mechanisms, the adjustment dials thereof are disposed on the same axis so that the crimping device can have a reduced height compared with conventional crimping devices in which the adjustment mechanisms are disposed at positions different in the vertical direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2004
    Publication date: February 17, 2005
    Inventors: Kouji Imai, Kazuharu Ishizuka
  • Publication number: 20050034506
    Abstract: The present invention comprises an automated machine for testing the physical properties of spherical objects. Preferably, the apparatus comprises a firing mechanism that includes an inner and outer barrel. An object inside the firing mechanism is propelled towards a striking surface that faces the firing mechanism. Two sensors located at predetermined points between the firing mechanism and the striking surface measure the inbound and outbound velocity of the object. A computing device then uses an algorithm to determine the COR of a given set of objects. An angular device uses gravity to direct the objects to a retrieval chute, which uses a tubing system to direct the objects for re-testing or collection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2004
    Publication date: February 17, 2005
    Inventors: Laurent Bissonnette, Michael McNamara
  • Publication number: 20050034507
    Abstract: A porosimetric device is disclosed for studies of physicochemical properties of materials, in particular for study of the pore structure. The device comprises a balance, a clamping device for keeping the standard and the porous sample(s) in contact (the standard and the porous sample(s) containing wetting liquid inside their pores), an automatic manipulator for moving the sample frames, several drying stations for drying a number of samples simultaneously, automatic flow-meter valves for the drying gas, electric and pneumatic drives for the manipulator and the valves. Each drying station is placed at sufficient distance from the balance thereby enabling heating of the samples without heating the balance. The drying process is carried out by gas, which is heated up in special heaters. The manipulator has two degrees of freedom. It can perform vertical movements for placing samples and standards on the balance as well as horizontal movement between the drying stations and the balance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2004
    Publication date: February 17, 2005
    Applicant: Porotech Ltd.
    Inventors: Yury Volfkovich, Igor Blinov, Aleksandrs Sakars
  • Publication number: 20050034508
    Abstract: A fueling environment distributes fuel from a fuel supply to fuel dispensers in a daisy chain arrangement with a double-walled piping system. Fuel leaks that occur within the double-walled piping system are returned to the underground storage tank or a sump proximate the submersible turbine pump by the outer wall of the double-walled piping. This preserves the fuel for later use and helps reduce the risk of environmental contamination. Leak detectors may also be positioned in to fuel dispensers detect leaks and provide alarms for the operator, and help pinpoint leak detection that has occurred in the piping system proximate to a particular fuel dispenser or in between two consecutive fuel dispensers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2004
    Publication date: February 17, 2005
    Inventor: Ray Hutchinson
  • Publication number: 20050034509
    Abstract: The present application provides a system, method and apparatus for measuring at least one physical and/or chemical variable at a plurality of different locations within a body of water. The method includes the steps of: providing dynamic measurement means configured to measure the at least one physical and/or chemical variable; towing said measurement means in said body of water at a predetermined depth, and simultaneously taking measurements of least one physical and/or chemical variable, at least periodically, and generating measurement data; and determining the location of the measurement means while taking said measurements of the at least one physical and/or chemical variable and generating corresponding location data. A method for mapping at least one physical and/or chemical variable for a body of water is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Publication date: February 17, 2005
    Inventor: Paul Hostetler
  • Publication number: 20050034510
    Abstract: Engine coolant and its related components is a vital fluid in any internal combustion engine, however it is one of the most neglected systems in the vehicle. The newest domestic automobiles do not have service indicators for engine coolant; which would allow the owner to service the fluid before any serious damage occurs from electrolysis and metal breakdown. The proposed Coolant Service Monitoring System (CSMS) will utilize sensors to monitor the pH of the coolant mixture, as well as the DC voltage of the coolant with respect to ground. By monitoring the pH and voltage, the sensors can notify the operator when unsafe coolant conditions are present. Ultimately, by preventing excessive corrosion and accelerated electrolysis, automobile owners can save hundreds if not thousands of dollars by not having to replace heater cores, expensive radiators, and water pumps with the CSMS implemented in the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Publication date: February 17, 2005
    Inventor: Charlie Han
  • Publication number: 20050034511
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for analyzing a golf swing. In particular, the present invention relates to a golf swing analyzer comprising two or more lights on an extension that is attached to a connector. In turn, the connector is capable of being attached to a golf club shaft or hosel, without being attached to the head of the club.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Publication date: February 17, 2005
    Inventor: Fred Knecht
  • Publication number: 20050034512
    Abstract: Dynamic nanomechanical analysis of a sample is performed by using a cantilever probe that interacts with the sample using a force applied across a wide range of frequencies that includes frequencies greater than 300 Hz. The motion of the cantilever probe is detected in response to the applied force over the range of frequencies and analyzed over at least a portion of the wide range of frequencies to determine a mechanical response of the sample, preferably including quality factor and modulus of the sample. The analysis of the motion of the cantilever probe is preferably performed in terms of amplitude, phase, and frequency of both the probe and the sample and preferably, where the applied force is analyzed to determine both a real and an imaginary modulus of a mechanical response of the sample. Preferably, the force is applied so as to produce a minimum of phase and amplitude response variation in the absence of the sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2003
    Publication date: February 17, 2005
    Inventors: Chanmin Su, Sergei Magonov
  • Publication number: 20050034513
    Abstract: In a method for testing the functional reliability of a fuel-tank venting valve which is provided in a tank system of a motor vehicle in particular, is connected to an intake manifold and is triggerable by a control unit, a pressure source is provided for testing the tank system for leaks by using excess pressure or a vacuum, and the test of the functional reliability of the fuel-tank venting valve is performed on the basis of at least one performance quantity of the pressure source. In order to achieve a short diagnostic time and a high degree of diagnostic certainty, the fuel-tank venting valve is triggered to open or close, and a certain change in pressure is implemented. The at least one performance quantity of the pressure source is detected, and a properly opening and closing fuel-tank venting valve is determined from the performance quantity thus detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Publication date: February 17, 2005
    Inventors: Martin Streib, Dieter Lederer, Karl-Bernhard Lederle
  • Publication number: 20050034514
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the pressure of a fluid near discharge ports 409 in a nozzle 213 of a fuel injector 201 are described. A fuel injector 201 is charged with fluid from a fluid tank 203 by a fuel pump 205. Upon activation of the fuel injector 201, the fluid is discharged from the nozzle 213. Fluid pressure in the nozzle 213 is communicated to a pressure sensor 215 through an orifice 411 in the nozzle 213. The pressure sensor 215 measures fluid pressure near the discharge ports 409 during fuel injector 201 operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Publication date: February 17, 2005
    Inventor: Yunbiao Shen
  • Publication number: 20050034515
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for controlling writing instruments, in particular ball-point pens, on paper, which consists in guiding the writing instrument relative to the paper plane in a repeated movement and displacing the paper in forward direction. The movement are thus coordinated so that the line obtained forms a meandering pattern which consists in rectilinear trajectories. The invention also concerns the device for implementing said method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2004
    Publication date: February 17, 2005
    Inventors: Friedrich Schachter, David Schmitz, Anne Schmitz
  • Publication number: 20050034516
    Abstract: A horizontal axis wind turbine includes: a horizontal plate disposed on upwind side of a rotational central portion of a rotor; a first anemometer disposed at an upper position of upwind side of the horizontal plate; a second anemometer disposed at a lower position of the horizontal plate; and an upflow angle measuring section for measuring an upflow angle based on a wind speed difference or a wind speed ratio obtained from wind speeds measured by the first anemometer and the second anemometer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Publication date: February 17, 2005
    Inventor: Shigeo Yoshida
  • Publication number: 20050034517
    Abstract: A pouch-like receptacle for housing and dispensing a fibrous, windborne material useful in detecting air currents, air movement or wind speed and direction is disclosed. The receptacle includes at least one aperture or opening for accessing and dispensing said fibrous material and may include a reclosable opening for refilling the receptacle with said fibrous material as necessary or desirable. The receptacle is also adaptable so as to allow permanent incorporation or removable attachment of the device to a variety of items or articles, including golf accessories, hunting or observation accessories and articles of clothing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Publication date: February 17, 2005
    Inventor: Vance Williamson
  • Publication number: 20050034518
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for determining the volumetric flow rate of milk flowing during a milking process. A cross-sectional area (Ai) of the milk flow (2) is determined at a first measuring point (3) by means of a sensor (4) which is arranged outside the flowing milk. The time (ti) required by the milk flow (2) with the determined cross-sectional area (Ai), to go from the first measuring point (3) to a second measuring point (5) which is provided downstream from the first measuring point, is measured. The flow speed (vi) is derived from the measured time (ti) and the known distance (s) between the first and second measuring points (3, 5). The volumetric flow rate (V(t)) is determined on the basis of the determined cross-sectional area (Ai) and the flow speed (vi).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Publication date: February 17, 2005
    Inventors: Heiner Wamhof, Marek Krasutzki, Peter Kaever, Jan-Hermann Reurik
  • Publication number: 20050034519
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an acoustic vector sensor, specifically an underwater acoustic vector sensor. The acoustic vector sensor contains three piezoelectric sensors orthogonally mounted inside a rigid housing, where each of the piezoelectric sensors measures acoustic energy from one of the three different, orthogonal, axial directions (X, Y, and Z). The piezoelectric sensor contains a proof mass, a base, and a piezoelectric crystal sandwiched therebetween. The bonding surfaces of the proof mass and the base are preferably castellated; and the piezoelectric crystal is preferably a shear mode (d15) relaxor single crystal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Publication date: February 17, 2005
    Inventor: Ken Deng
  • Publication number: 20050034520
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus (1) are used to detect the position of the edge (2) of a moving product web (3). The apparatus (1) has piezoelectric elements (5), which firstly output ultrasonic pulses (10) and secondly pick them up and convert them into an electrical signal. The product web (3) is arranged between the piezoelectric elements (5) and a reflector (11) for this purpose. If the product web (3) is located in the measurement range of the piezoelectric element (5), it attenuates the ultrasonic pulses as a result of reflection or absorption during the double passage of the latter. The position of the product web edge (2) is calculated from this attenuation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2004
    Publication date: February 17, 2005
    Inventors: Juergen Eisen, Wolfgang Krauth, Hang Seibdld
  • Publication number: 20050034521
    Abstract: A device for determining and/or monitoring at least one physical parameter of a medium, having at least one mechanically oscillatable unit and at least one drive-/receive unit. The drive-/receive unit excites the oscillatable unit to oscillate, or, it receives the oscillations of the oscillatable unit, as the case may be. The invention includes that in the drive-/receive unit at least one piezo-drive is provided, which has at least one exterior surface. The exterior surface is composed of at least two segments of different polarization, wherein the directions of polarization are directed essentially opposite to one another. The mechanically oscillatable unit is directly or indirectly connected with the exterior surface, so that the mechanically oscillatable unit is excited to a movement, or so that the movement of the mechanically oscillatable unit is received. The movement always has at least two different force components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Publication date: February 17, 2005
    Inventor: Sergej Lopatin
  • Publication number: 20050034522
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pressure sensor (2) with a sensor device (20), a casing (3), a sensor device joining fixture (22, 41, 42) for securing the sensor device (20) in the front area of the casing (3, 35), wherein the front of the sensor device (20) faces a measuring area (10), a free space (40) between a peripheral wall (40) [sic; should be (24)] of the sensor device (20) and an inside wall (32) of the casing (3) and a gasket (4) in the space (40) between the sensor device (20) and the casing (3) to form a seal relative to the measuring area (10). In order to provide a gapless sensor for use under aseptic conditions with the use of a conventional O-sealing ring as the gasket (4), the sensor (2) is designed in such a way that the space (40) tapers conically toward the front, and a clamping fixture (41, 43) is arranged behind the gasket (4), and the gasket (4) presses forward into the tapering space (40).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Publication date: February 17, 2005
    Inventor: Thomas Kopp
  • Publication number: 20050034523
    Abstract: A pressure transmitter apparatus includes a unitary body with two, normally vertical pressure passageways communicating respectively between opposed pressure openings extending normally horizontally through the body portion. A transducer for generating a differential pressure signal mounts on a transducer mounting element, coupled to the body portion and located above the pressure passageways. A pair of diaphragm elements can form first and second process diaphragms, closing first and second pressure openings. Flange elements overlie the diaphragm elements and are removably and replaceably secured to the body portion, having liquid drainage and gas purging passageways. A flame retardation element can be disposed within at least one of the pressure passageways. An overrange protection element can be integrally arranged with the unitary body portion to protect the transducer from overrange pressure fluctuations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Publication date: February 17, 2005
    Inventors: Richard Casimiro, Steven Lantagne
  • Publication number: 20050034524
    Abstract: The invention provides a pressure detection indication device with a simple structure. The pressure detection indication device 1 comprises a main body 11 having an internal space 111 of the body communicating with a space to be subjected to pressure detection, a case 12 having an internal space 121 of the case communicating with a space different from that communicated with the internal space 111, a diaphragm 14 airtightly separating the internal space 111 of the body from the internal space 121 of the case, an indication mark disposed on the diaphragm and placed in the internal space of the case, a lens 13 disposed within the case, a stopper member 15 attached to the diaphragm 14, a biasing means 17 for biasing the diaphragm 14 toward the lens, and a stopper receive surface 117 provided in the internal space 111.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Publication date: February 17, 2005
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Saida, Shigehiko Miura, Nobuyuki Uba
  • Publication number: 20050034525
    Abstract: A pressure sensor for measuring the pressure in a space acted upon by high pressure. The signals detected by the pressure sensor are supplied to evaluation electronics. A sensor diaphragm is accommodated on the end of the pressure sensor pointing towards the space acted upon by high pressure. The sensor diaphragm takes the form of a steel diaphragm, to whose back side a thin, metallic layer accommodating piezoresistive measuring elements is applied. The thin, metallic layer is contacted by transmission elements and connected to the evaluation electronics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2004
    Publication date: February 17, 2005
    Inventors: Thomas Moelkner, Holger Scholzen, Joerg Gebers, Ralf Kaiser, Carsten Kaschube, Christian Roesser, Lothar Baumann, Hans-Peter Didra, Roger Frehoff, Markus Fissler, Markus Ledermann, Benjamin Thiel
  • Publication number: 20050034526
    Abstract: A method of plating a semiconductor wafer while maintaining a uniform thickness of the plated film, preventing the precipitation on the back surface of the wafer and preventing the contamination in the subsequent steps. In directly forming connection terminals on the aluminum electrodes on the semiconductor wafer, the non-electrolytic plating is effected in a state where the back surface of the wafer is covered with an insulator. The insulator is preferably a glass substrate which is a part constituting the product. A semiconductor type sensor exhibits improved corrosion resistance against a corrosive medium. The semiconductor type sensor has, in a semiconductor substrate, a structural portion for detecting the physical quantity or the chemical component of a corrosive medium and an electric quantity conversion element, and has pads which are the output terminals for sending the detected electric signals to an external unit, wherein the pads are protected by a precious metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Publication date: February 17, 2005
    Inventors: Keiji Shinyama, Yositugu Abe, Hiroaki Tanaka, Inao Toyoda, Yoshifumi Watanabe, Ichiharu Kondo
  • Publication number: 20050034527
    Abstract: There is provided a highly accurate electrical capacitance diaphragm pressure sensor capable of reducing temperature drift that arises when a pressure-travel coefficient changes with temperature variations of a fluid whose pressure is sensed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Publication date: February 17, 2005
    Inventor: Mitsuyoshi Aizawa
  • Publication number: 20050034528
    Abstract: A strain sensor improved in detection accuracy without variation of bending stresses applied to the strain detecting element. The sensor substrate has a first fixing hole at one end and a second fixing hole at the other end, a detecting hole at the center, and at least one strain detecting element on the upper surface or lower surfce thereof. The first fixing member is press-fitted into the first fixing hole. The second fixing member is press-fitted into the second fixing hole. The detecting member is press-fitted into the detecting hole. Further, when an external force is applied to the detecting member, strain generated due to the positional shift of the detecting member is detected by the strain detecting element with respect to the first fixing member and the second fixing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Publication date: February 17, 2005
    Inventors: Akira Matsuura, Shinjiro Ueda, Toshiro Otobe, Yasunobu Kobayashi, Katsuhiko Omoto, Yasunori Matsukawa, Toshiharu Motofusa
  • Publication number: 20050034529
    Abstract: A highly sensitive and ultra-high density array of electromechanical nanowires is fabricated. Nanowires are extremely sensitive to the strain induced by the attachment of biological and chemical species. Real-time detection is realized through piezoresistive transduction from the specially designed materials that form the nanowires. These specially designed materials include doped silicon or germanium, doped III-V semiconductors such as GaAs, GaN and InAs systems, and ultra-thin metal films.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Publication date: February 17, 2005
    Inventors: Hongxing Tang, Michael Roukes
  • Publication number: 20050034530
    Abstract: An apparatus and system are disclosed for in situ measurement of downhole fluid flow using Doppler techniques. First, a baseline speed of sound is established as close to the desired measurement point as possible. This speed of sound measurement is then used in Doppler calculations for determining flow velocities based from induced Doppler shift resulting from fluid flow. A heterodyne receiver arrangement is preferably used for processing so that the flow direction can be determined and the detection sensitivity for low flow velocities can be enhanced. From in situ measurements, well kicks may be spotted and dealt with in real-time. In addition, current theoretical models of rheological properties may be verified and expounded upon using in situ downhole measurement techniques. Furthermore, the velocity measurements described herein can be used to recognize downhole lost circulation and/or gas/water/oil influxes as early as possible, even when the mud recirculation pumps are turned off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Publication date: February 17, 2005
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Wei Han, Jean Beique, James Birchak, Alan Hemphill, Tim Wiemers, Paul Rodney
  • Publication number: 20050034531
    Abstract: In a process for measuring the tension in a metal strip (10) running over two rolls (12, 14; 26, 28) spaced from each other the vibration frequency of the strip between the contact lines (16, 18) at the surface of the rolls is measured and used as a measure of the tension in the strip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Publication date: February 17, 2005
    Inventor: Thomas Farley
  • Publication number: 20050034532
    Abstract: A compensated flowmeter having a probe adapted to project into flowing media within a conduit. The probe includes a thermal dispersion sensor, and a compensating gas properties sensor contained within a no-flow chamber of the probe. The thermal flow sensor has active and reference sensor elements that responsively provide output signals relating to a flow rate of the media. The compensating gas properties sensor has compensating active and reference sensor elements that responsively provide output signals relating to the heat transfer of the media. A suitable processor is typically implemented for adjusting the measured flow rate detected by the thermal dispersion sensor to compensate for changes in heat transfer detected by the compensating gas properties sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Publication date: February 17, 2005
    Inventor: Eric Wible
  • Publication number: 20050034533
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring fluid flow in a duct is disclosed. The invention uses a novel high velocity tracer injector system, an optional insertable folding mixing fan for homogenizing the tracer within the duct bulk fluid flow, and a perforated hose sampling system. A preferred embodiment uses CO2 as a tracer gas for measuring air flow in commercial and/or residential ducts. In extant commercial buildings, ducts not readily accessible by hanging ceilings may be drilled with readily plugged small diameter holes to allow for injection, optional mixing where desired using a novel insertable foldable mixing fan, and sampling hose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2004
    Publication date: February 17, 2005
    Inventor: Duo Wang
  • Publication number: 20050034534
    Abstract: A device for measuring fluid flow rates over a wide range of flow rates (<1 nL/min to >10 ?L/min) and at pressures at least as great as 2,000 psi. The invention is particularly adapted for use in microfluidic systems. The device operates by producing compositional variations in the fluid, or pulses, that are subsequently detected downstream from the point of creation to derive a flow rate. Each pulse, comprising a small fluid volume, whose composition is different from the mean composition of the fluid, can be created by electrochemical means, such as by electrolysis of a solvent, electrolysis of a dissolved species, or electrodialysis of a dissolved ionic species. Measurements of the conductivity of the fluid can be used to detect the arrival time of the pulses, from which the fluid flow rate can be determined. A pair of spaced apart electrodes can be used to produce the electrochemical pulse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Publication date: February 17, 2005
    Inventors: Cindy Harnett, Robert Crocker, Bruce Mosier, Pamela Caton, James Stamps
  • Publication number: 20050034535
    Abstract: A system to measure fluid flow characteristics in a pipeline, meter, and methods includes a pipeline having a passageway to transport flowing fluid therethrough, a process density meter including at least portions thereof positioned within the pipeline to provide flowing fluid characteristics including volumetric flow rate, fluid density, and mass flow rate of the flowing fluid, and a fluid characteristic display to display the fluid characteristics. The process density meter includes a vortex-shedding body positioned within the pipeline to form vortices and a vortex meter having a vortex frequency sensor to measure the frequency of the vortices and to determine the volumetric flow rate. The process density meter further includes a differential pressure meter positioned adjacent the vortex-shedding body to produce a differential pressure meter flow rate signal indicative of the density of fluid when flowing through the pipeline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Publication date: February 17, 2005
    Inventor: James Sprague
  • Publication number: 20050034536
    Abstract: An electronic signal relating to a sonic wave when an intended gas does not exist in air is synchronized and locked in a feedback circuit constituting a phase-locked loop (PLL). Then, an electronic signal relating to another sonic wave when the intended gas exist in the air is input into the feedback circuit to release the synchronization (lock) of the feedback circuit to measure as a given electronic signal the difference in phase of the sonic wave in the air between with and without the intended gas to be detected. The intended gas can be detected as the electronic signal due to the difference in phase of the sonic wave.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2004
    Publication date: February 17, 2005
    Applicant: HIGH ENERGY ACCELERATOR RESEARCH ORGANIZATION
    Inventor: Yoshinari Kondo
  • Publication number: 20050034537
    Abstract: Techniques are described for accurately measuring a density or other parameter of a fluid traveling through a vibratable conduit, using a flowmeter. The techniques involve obtaining measurements of a frequency of vibration of the conduit, as a function of a phase difference between two sensors measuring the vibration. Using the measurements, a corrected frequency corresponding to a zero phase difference can be estimated, and this corrected frequency can be used to perform density calculations. These techniques remove an undesirable dependency between the frequency/phase difference variables.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Publication date: February 17, 2005
    Inventors: Manus Henry, Mayela Zamora
  • Publication number: 20050034538
    Abstract: The present method can determine the inertia of an electric motor and the load driven by the electric motor in situations where the electric motor accelerates or decelerates in a non-linear manner. During acceleration and deceleration, the torque produced by the electric motor is sampled periodically and the average values for the acceleration torque and deceleration are calculated. The rates of acceleration and deceleration also are determined. These values are employed to derive a value indicating the inertia.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2003
    Publication date: February 17, 2005
    Inventors: Thomas Rehm, John Golownia
  • Publication number: 20050034539
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for compensating variations in motor torque in a control system that employs a motor to accelerate a control object, such as a data transducing head in a data storage device. During acceleration of the control object, a plurality of distances successively traveled by the control object are measured, and the measured distances are combined to compensate for said variations in motor torque. Preferably, a constant control input is applied to accelerate the control object at a constant rate of acceleration less than a maximum rate of acceleration that can be obtained by the motor. A coarse adjustment routine is preferably applied to arrive at a first compensation value that compensates for said variations at a first resolution, after which a fine adjustment routine is performed using the first compensation value to arrive at the final compensation value at a second resolution greater than the first resolution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Publication date: February 17, 2005
    Inventors: LeeLing Tan, MingZhong Ding, KianKeong Ooi, JianYi Wang
  • Publication number: 20050034540
    Abstract: A gear system having a rotatory input is isolated while subjected to test for torsional and linear vibration. The gear system is installed on an isolation support that affords multiple degrees of freedom with respect to a base, whereby torsional and linear vibrations are analyzed. The resonance of the isolation support can be configured to simulate a vehicle, or to be significantly different therefrom. The gear system is clamped in a manner that permits the multiple degrees of freedom with respect to the base, via an engagement arrangement that secures the gear system to the isolation support. Rotatory energy is provided as torque without significant axial or transaxial bias. Processes for signal analysis enable “pass/fail” determinations with respect to torsional vibration, linear vibration, noise of the system under test, and the presence of bumps or nicks in the gear system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Publication date: February 17, 2005
    Inventors: James Juranitch, Robert Olschefski
  • Publication number: 20050034541
    Abstract: A rotation angle sensor and a method of winding a rotation angle sensor involve a single electrical wire that is wound from a rotor transformer to a magnetic rotor. The magnetic rotor is axially spaced on a shaft from the rotor transformer. A notch is formed in a wall of a bobbin of the rotor transformer to permit the wire to pass from the rotor transformer to the magnetic rotor. The ends of the single wire are electrically connected together at a junction, and the junction is fixed to the rotor transformer with resin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Publication date: February 17, 2005
    Inventors: Toshisada Koyama, Mutsumi Matsuura, Takashi Sano
  • Publication number: 20050034542
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor comprising one or more sensor units, wherein at least one of the sensor units is in the form of a poly-cantilever structure. The poly-cantilever structure comprise two or more cantilever-like structures, at least one of the cantilever-like structures comprises a piezoresistive element, and at least one of the cantilever-like structures comprises a capture surface, at least one cantilever-like structure with a piezoresistive element designated a piezoresistive cantilever being connected in an amplifying connection to at least one of the cantilever-like structure with a capture surface designated a capture surface cantilever. The amplifying connection being provided so that a deflection of said capture surface cantilever due to a stress generated at said capture surface being capable of deflecting the connected piezoresistive cantilever. The sensor can be used for detection of a target substance in a fluid, such as a gas or a liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Publication date: February 17, 2005
    Inventor: Jacob Thaysen
  • Publication number: 20050034543
    Abstract: An improved microforce sensing system is provided. The microforce sensing system includes: a force sensor configured to detect a contact force exerted on a contact tip of the cantilever and operable to generate a signal indicative of the contact force, where the cantilever is constructed from a polyvinylidene fluoride material in the form of a substantially rectangular plate or other suitable shapes; and a processing circuit adapted to receive the signal from the force sensor and operable to determine the contact force exerted on the tip by integrating the signal from the force sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2004
    Publication date: February 17, 2005
    Inventors: Ning Xi, Yantao Shen, Fathi Salem
  • Publication number: 20050034544
    Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting a lateral conduit from a main conduit including a frame, an upper push rod drive assembly and a lower push rod drive assembly. The upper push rod drive assembly includes an upper track having a plurality of upper attachments mounted thereto for engaging the push rod. The lower push rod drive assembly includes a lower track having a plurality of lower attachments mounted thereto for engaging the push rod. The push rod is held between the upper and lower attachments and in a preferred embodiment, some of the upper attachments, some of the lower attachments and the push rod move with a linearly synchronized motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2003
    Publication date: February 17, 2005
    Inventors: Bruce Thornhill, Binh Ha
  • Publication number: 20050034545
    Abstract: A rotation angle sensor includes: (a) a multi-resolver housing with a high precision structure; (b) stator terminals that do not cause deformation or loosening of terminal pins from the substrates to which they are attached; and (3) a signal line connection structure that is not affected by thermal stress. The housing (10) includes divisional housings (10a, 10b), and one resolver is installed in each of the divisional housings (10a, 10b). The divisional housings (10a, 10b) are assembled by aligning respective openings therein in an axial direction. The lead lines of stator windings are connected to printed circuit substrates (51) installed on insulators (20a, 20b), and pins (54) connect the printed circuit substrates (51) to a connecting signal output line via flexible connectors (61, 64).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Publication date: February 17, 2005
    Inventors: Toshisada Koyama, Mutsumi Matsuura, Takashi Sano, Yoshihito Osanai
  • Publication number: 20050034546
    Abstract: A tool for insertion of a sensor to a predetermined depth within a bore includes an elongate tool tip terminating at a tip end, a handle affixed to the tip, and an axial passageway extending through the tip and handle to a tool end. A window is provided extending transversely into the tool tip at a location between the tip end and the handle and provides visual access to the passageway. The tool is capable of use in two modes of operation. In a first mode, a bore is drilled into an object body such as a tire to the required depth. The sensor leads are fed through the tip of the tool and pulled through the handle until the sensor touches the tip of the tool. Thereafter, the tip of the tool with the sensor is inserted into the pre-formed bore. The tool tip is then removed out of the bore, leaving the sensor within the bore at the pre-determined desired depth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Publication date: February 17, 2005
    Inventor: John Fenkanyn
  • Publication number: 20050034547
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing an adjustable balancing force are provided. This mechanism can be used as a lifting force, a counter balancing mechanism or as a horizontal or other force mechanism. The force can be designed to be constant or variable over the range of motion by properly calculating the shape of the cam member. A balancing mechanism in accordance with the present invention includes a wheel comprising a pulley member and a cam member. A first cable connects the cam member of the wheel to a energy source for biasing the wheel to rotate in a first direction. A second cable is connected to the pulley member of the wheel for communicating a balancing or load force to the wheel. In some useful embodiments of the present invention, the cam member is shaped and positioned so that a torque applied to the wheel by the first cable is substantially constant while a force applied to the wheel by the first cable varies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Publication date: February 17, 2005
    Inventors: Harry Sweere, Mustafa Ergun, Shaun Lindblad
  • Publication number: 20050034548
    Abstract: A radial drive propulsion system for devices includes a base frame and a rotatably mounted drive shaft mounted on the base frame. The radial propulsion unit includes a generally perpendicularly extending drive arm mounted on the drive shaft and a translation arm mounted on the outer end of the drive arm, the translation arm extending generally inwards and forwards from the drive arm. A swivel-mounted oscillator unit includes a rotatably mounted generally upright oscillator unit base, the forward end of the translation arm being pivotably connected to the oscillator unit base. The oscillator unit further includes an oscillator arm mounted on and extending forwards from the generally upright propulsion unit base on which is mounted an oscillator weight. The drive shaft, the drive arm, the translation arm and the oscillator unit all cooperate to translate the rotary energy of the drive shaft into radial energy of the radial propulsion unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2003
    Publication date: February 17, 2005
    Inventors: Joseph Bolling, Thomas Bolling
  • Publication number: 20050034549
    Abstract: The device for interactive control with the hand of an operator, particularly of an operator of machinery or material or an engine with multiple functions, comprises a configuration for interaction with the palm of the hand, so as to avoid the gripping of the fingers of the operator on the device, thus permitting an interaction of the palm and fingers of the operator with the device for the accomplishment of multiple functions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2004
    Publication date: February 17, 2005
    Applicant: MANITOU BF
    Inventor: Marcel-Claude Braud
  • Publication number: 20050034550
    Abstract: A shift actuator for a transmission for turning, in a direction of shift, a shift lever support mechanism mounting the shift lever of the transmission, wherein it comprises an operation lever coupled, at its intermediate portion, to said shift lever support mechanism, the first electromagnetic solenoid and the second electromagnetic solenoid which are each coupled to both ends of said operation lever so as to operate in the upward and downward directions; and an operation rod of said first electromagnetic solenoid is coupled to one end of said operation lever and an operation rod of said second electromagnetic solenoid is coupled to the other end of said operation lever.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Publication date: February 17, 2005
    Inventors: Masahiko Hayashi, Yasushi Yamamoto, Nobuyuki Iwao
  • Publication number: 20050034551
    Abstract: A machine tool (1) for machining by chip removal, in which a machining head (2) operates while being positioned in a horizontal plane and is mounted on a vertical bed (3) to which it discharges the forces (F) by which it is axially stressed, this vertical bed (3) being connected to a supporting structure (4). The vertical bed (3) is pivoted on the supporting structure (4) and there are interposed between the vertical bed and the supporting structure one or more bars (5) whose axial length (L) can be varied by magnetostriction produced by electric currents whose characteristics are determined continuously by a control device (6) in such a way as to counteract the horizontal movements of the vertical bed (3), thus keeping the machining head (2) fixed with respect to the workpiece (7) which it is machining.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Publication date: February 17, 2005
    Inventor: Sascha Mantovani
  • Publication number: 20050034552
    Abstract: An industrial robot comprising a manipulator with a control system, where the manipulator comprises a hollow, first robot unit (9) and a second robot unit (10) rotatable around an axle (A). The first robot unit (9) and the second robot unit (10) are arranged for rotation and/or bending in relation to each other and the second robot unit (10 includes a robot tool (11). Cables (12) are drawn through the first robot unit (9) and arranged coaxially and detachably connected with a first end (13), to the second robot unit (10), via a connection device. The connection device comprises a body (14), fixed to the first end (13) of the cables in at least one wire and the body (14) is arranged with sockets (19) for connection of power supply to the robot tool (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Publication date: February 17, 2005
    Inventors: Daniel Back, Karl-Erik Forslund, Dan Salomonsson, Leif Tellden
  • Publication number: 20050034553
    Abstract: A user input for controlling acceleration of a vehicle. The user input has a movable member capable of deflection by a user such that a degree of deflection corresponds to a specified velocity commanded by the user. The correspondence between the degree of deflection and the specified velocity may include a plurality of zones, each zone characterized by a distinct sensitivity that may be capable of customization for a specific user. The user input may also include a neutral position of the movable member, wherein a substantially sudden motion of the movable member to the neutral position causes a slewed slowing of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Publication date: February 17, 2005
    Applicant: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Robert Ambrogi, John Heinzmann, Richard Heinzmann, David Herr, John Morrell