Patents Issued in March 31, 2005
  • Publication number: 20050066700
    Abstract: The invention relates to a deep-rolling roller head (1) of a deep-rolling tool for the deep rolling of radii or undercuts (22) on the main and stroke journals of crankshafts (21), with a housing (2) in which one or two deep-rolling rollers are tracked with little clearance and are loosely rotatable in a roller cage (5) at a lateral distance from each other. The roller cage (5) is attached to underside (3) of the housing (2) towards the crankshaft (21) by means of pins (15) which support the roller cage (5) on its face (10) away from the deep-rolling rollers (4) and at the same time track them laterally. The housing (2) is provided with a projection (11, 12) for the support of the roller cage (5) on either end of its underside (3) towards the crankshaft (21). Pins (15) serving as fastening and tracking elements of the roller cage (5) are provided and engage the roller cage (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Publication date: March 31, 2005
    Inventor: Heinrich-Wilhelm Derichs
  • Publication number: 20050066701
    Abstract: A method to make a decorative pattern on a surface of a metal sheet. The metal sheet is fed to a work roll which has an orbital abrasive pattern on the work roll. The work roll is applied under pressure to the surface of the metal sheet and leaves an impression of the decorative pattern in the form of the orbital abrasive pattern on the surface of the metal sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Publication date: March 31, 2005
    Inventors: James Halliday, Frederic Deuschle
  • Publication number: 20050066702
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method for measuring elastic modulus of a sample object. This invention also relates to a method for correcting creep effects in the modulus measurement. The error due to creep in the apparent contact compliance is equal to the ratio of the indenter displacement rate at the end of the load hold to the unloading rate. Determination of this error term and deduction of it from the measured contact compliance can be easily done at a low cost by modifying the data analysis software in any commercial depth-sensing indentation system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2004
    Publication date: March 31, 2005
    Inventors: Gang Feng, Alfonso Ngan
  • Publication number: 20050066703
    Abstract: A pressure sensor of a process device, is characterized by applying a plurality of pressures to the process sensor. Outputs of the plurality of pressures are received. A compensation relationship is determined based upon the pressure sensor output. The characterization data is collected in a distribution which is non-uniform across the pressure range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Publication date: March 31, 2005
    Inventors: David Broden, Timothy Fogarty, David Wiklund, Terry Beachey, Mark Schumacher
  • Publication number: 20050066704
    Abstract: A method for the electrical zero balancing of a micro mechanical component including a first capacitor electrode rigidly suspended over a substrate, a second capacitor electrode rigidly suspended over the substrate, and a third capacitor electrode disposed there between, resiliently and deflectably suspended over the substrate, as well as a differential-capacitance detector for measuring a differential capacitance of the capacitances of the variable capacitors configured in this manner. In this context, a first electric potential is applied to the first capacitor electrode; a second electric potential is applied to the second capacitor electrode; a third electric potential is applied to the third capacitor electrode; and a fourth electric potential is applied to the substrate. The fourth electrical potential applied to the substrate for the electrical zero-point balancing is changed for the operation of the differential-capacitance detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Publication date: March 31, 2005
    Inventors: Leo Tanten, Jochen Franz, Martin Schoefthaler, Marius Rohr, Harald Emmerich, Matthias Maute, Thomas Walker
  • Publication number: 20050066705
    Abstract: An arm assembly for a crash test dummy includes an upper arm unit, a lower arm unit, a wrist joint, and a hand unit. An upper portion of the upper arm unit is connected to a body of the crash test dummy. The lower arm unit is pivotally connected to a lower portion of the upper arm unit. A first end of the wrist joint is rotatably connected to the lower arm unit. The hand unit is pivotally connected to a second end of the wrist joint. The upper arm unit comprises a housing and a driving device disposed in the housing. The driving device drives the lower arm unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Publication date: March 31, 2005
    Inventor: Seong Chull Choi
  • Publication number: 20050066706
    Abstract: In a hydrogen concentration detecting method of detecting whether the hydrogen concentration is equal to or higher than a reference concentration or not, with using a hydrogen detecting apparatus 1 comprising a detecting element 4 made of a hydrogen absorbing alloy, a microheater 2, a substrate 3, and a strain gauge 6, where the operation of the microheater 2 is halted during a normal state, however, once the strain gauge 6 detects a volume change of the detecting element 4, the microheater 2 starts heating the detecting element 4.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Publication date: March 31, 2005
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Toshiaki Shimada, Yoshio Nuiya
  • Publication number: 20050066707
    Abstract: There is provided a gas detector capable of detecting hydrogen concentration and humidity independently in the environment containing both hydrogen and water vapor. The gas detector comprises a high-temp exothermic detector unit and a low-temp exothermic detector unit provided with themosensitive resistors of different self-heating temperatures. The gas detector converts gas-level outputs produced by the high-temp exothermic detector unit and the low-temp exothermic detector unit responsive to the hydrogen concentration and humidity into electric signals, and outputs them after computing electrically levels of the hydrogen concentration and humidity contained in a gas introduced into the two detector units through a gas intake opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Publication date: March 31, 2005
    Inventors: Nobuharu Katsuki, Rihito Shoji, Masaki Tada, Junichi Yukawa
  • Publication number: 20050066708
    Abstract: The invention relates to a test gas leakage detector (1), comprising an inlet (2) for gases to be analyzed for the presence of a test gas, a test gas detector (22), a high vacuum pump system (15) connected to the test gas detector, an intermediate inlet (14) arranged on the high vacuum pump system (15) and used to supply the gases to be analyzed for the presence of a test gas, a fore-vacuum pump (8) connected to high vacuum pump system (15) and a line section (3, 6) fitted with a valve (5) and located between the inlet (2) and the fore-vacuum pump (8). In order to provide a device of the above-mentioned category which is quicker and more sensitive, another high vacuum pump (11) is provided between the inlet (2) and the intermediate inlet (14), having an outlet (12) which is connected to the inlet (7) of the fore-vacuum pump (8) by means of a line section fitted with a valve (17).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Publication date: March 31, 2005
    Inventors: Werner Grosse-Bley, Thomas Bohm, Ralf Hirche
  • Publication number: 20050066709
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for on-line detection of leaky valve seals wherein the apparatus includes an isolation valve having at least one upstream seal, at least one downstream seal, a fluid flow diverter; an inner cavity isolated from a fluid flow path by the seals; a vent port disposed in fluid communication with the inner cavity; a vent valve disposed in fluid communication with the vent port; and a differential pressure sensor disposed in fluid communication with both the vent port and the fluid flow path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Publication date: March 31, 2005
    Inventors: Bryan Zachary, Angela Summers
  • Publication number: 20050066710
    Abstract: A viscosity measurement apparatus, or viscometer, including a fluid flow channel, a heating element disposed at least around an exterior portion of the fluid flow channel near an inlet end, and a temperature sensor disposed within the fluid flow channel downstream from the heating element. The viscometer may also include a thermally insulating jacket disposed around the heating element and the fluid flow channel. A method of measuring viscosity with the viscometer includes immersing a fluid flow channel in the fluid, heating a portion of the fluid in the fluid flow channel near the inlet end of the fluid flow channel, and measuring a temperature of the fluid in the fluid flow channel at a position downstream from the inlet end of the fluid flow channel. The method further includes recording temperature changes of the fluid for a time period and comparing recorded temperature change characteristics to known fluid viscosities to determine viscosity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Publication date: March 31, 2005
    Inventor: Yingjie Lin
  • Publication number: 20050066711
    Abstract: A system that facilitates measurement, analysis, and automatic maintenance of fluid comprises a fluid, and a casing that includes a plurality of apertures is immersed in the fluid. The apertures are opened to permit the fluid to enter the casing and closed to confine a sample of the fluid within the casing. A sensing element within the casing measures at least one parameter of the sample of fluid confined within the casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Publication date: March 31, 2005
    Inventor: Frederick Discenzo
  • Publication number: 20050066712
    Abstract: A dynamic balance-testing method for a golf club shaft in accordance with the present invention comprises steps of: fixing a first end of a golf club shaft; measuring reacting forces of a constant displacement of a second end of the golf club shaft in a plurality of predetermined angular directions with respect to an axis of the golf club shaft; calculating a minimum difference of reacting force of any two opposite directions; and determining a preferred balance direction according to the minimum difference of reacting force and thus selecting a preferred striking direction perpendicular to the balance direction of the golf club shaft for assembling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Publication date: March 31, 2005
    Inventor: Chan-Tung Chen
  • Publication number: 20050066713
    Abstract: An approach to determine cantilever movement is presented. An observer based state estimation and statistical signal detection and estimation techniques are applied to Atomic Force Microscopes. A first mode approximation model of the cantilever is considered and a Kalman filter is designed to estimate the dynamic states. The tip-sample interaction is modeled as an impulsive force applied to the cantilever in order to detect the presence of sample. A generalized likelihood ratio test is performed to obtain the decision rule and the maximum likelihood estimation of the unknown arrival time of the sample profile and unknown magnitude of it. The use of the transient data results in sample detection at least ten times faster than using the steady state characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Publication date: March 31, 2005
    Applicant: Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Murti Salapaka, Abu Sebastian, Deepak Sahoo
  • Publication number: 20050066714
    Abstract: An AFM that combines an AFM Z position actuator and a self-actuated Z position cantilever (both operable in cyclical mode and contact mode), with appropriate nested feedback control circuitry to achieve high-speed imaging and accurate Z position measurements. A preferred embodiment of an AFM for analyzing a surface of a sample in either ambient air or fluid includes a self-actuated cantilever having a Z-positioning element integrated therewith and an oscillator that oscillates the self-actuated cantilever at a frequency generally equal to a resonant frequency of the self-actuated cantilever and at an oscillation amplitude generally equal to a setpoint value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Publication date: March 31, 2005
    Inventors: Dennis Adderton, Stephen Minne
  • Publication number: 20050066715
    Abstract: A method for estimating engine torque loss due to a fan. A table of maximum fan torque losses is compiled at a plurality of engine speeds. An engine control unit (ECU) is configured with the table of maximum fan torque losses. A first maximum fan torque loss and a second maximum fan torque loss for an engine speed are retrieved from the table. A maximum fan torque loss for the engine speed is estimated by interpolating between the first maximum fan torque loss and the second maximum fan torque loss. An engine torque loss estimate is calculated by adjusting the maximum fan torque loss based on a set of predetermined fan characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Publication date: March 31, 2005
    Applicant: Detroit Diesel Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffery Hawkins, Richard Avery, Leopold Super
  • Publication number: 20050066716
    Abstract: A method of using a magnetic fluid clutch for torque measurement comprises steps of modulating electric current through a coil of the magnetic fluid clutch to maintain a steady-state quasi-solid phase of a magnetic fluid medium contained within the magnetic fluid clutch when the magnetic fluid clutch is clutched to transmit torque from a torque input end of the clutch to a torque output end of the clutch, thereby ensuring that the torque output end rotates in response to the rotation of the torque input end without relative rotational slippage therebetween; and measuring a deflection value associated with the magnetic fluid clutch. The clutch is thereby used as a combined torque measurement and clutch apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Publication date: March 31, 2005
    Inventor: Stephen Anderson
  • Publication number: 20050066717
    Abstract: A canister has: a canister body including an adsorbent case which is provided with an adsorption chamber filled with an adsorbent and a fuel steam introduction port, a purge port and an air communication port which are communicated with the adsorption chamber; and a filter body. The canister body and the filter body are communicated with each other through a communication passage, in which a leak detection valve is disposed to be detachable through an end opening formed to the communication passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Publication date: March 31, 2005
    Applicant: TOYO ROKI SEIZO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takashi Sakagami, Kazuya Matsuura
  • Publication number: 20050066718
    Abstract: The invention concerns and installation (12) for measuring the pressure of at least one tyre of a wheel (16, 24) of an aeroplane (10) comprising: at least a pressure measuring sensor (26) associated with a tyre; a unit (30) operating on the pressure measurement provided in the aeroplane (10); and radio-frequency transmission means including for the or each sensor, a revolving antenna (28) borne by the wheel (16, 24) and connected to each measuring sensor (26) and to a fixed antenna (34; 134) connected by a conductive cable (32) to the unit operating (30) on the pressure measurement. The fixed antenna (34; 134) is adapted to be borne by the aeroplane structure away from the or each wheel (16, 24) at least in an upper part of the shock strut (18, 20, 22) of the landing gear (14, 20) bearing the wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Publication date: March 31, 2005
    Inventors: Jean-Clair Pradier, Antoine Gautier
  • Publication number: 20050066719
    Abstract: A method of developing a set of input forces used to analyze tire wear includes the steps of characterizing a wear course by driving a vehicle over the wear course and measuring data related to a plurality of forces experienced by the vehicle. A vehicle characterization model for a target vehicle having at least one tire is developed. The vehicle characterization model is used to calculate force data that represents the forces that would be experienced by at least one tire of the characterized vehicle if the characterized vehicle were driven over the characterized wear test course in the first vehicle configuration. The force data is then used to analyze tire wear using a computer prediction technique or by running an indoor wear test on the tire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Publication date: March 31, 2005
    Inventors: John Turner, David Stalnaker, James Ulmer, Erik Knuth
  • Publication number: 20050066720
    Abstract: We disclose an apparatus and process for measuring the Formation Gas Pore Pressure in drilling cuttings samples in the test tube. The Apparatus consist of vertical holder for test tube, for placing the cutting sample and pipette for adding measurable quantity of liquid. (Note: “vertical holder for test tube and test tube” are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/711435 Horizontal Binocular Microscope for vertically gravitated and floating samples). The process consist in measuring the gas bubbles size and volume in the test tube and the height of liquid covering the bubble. This we can calculate the volume and the pressure of the gas emitted out of the pores. By adding/subtracting more liquid to the sample and increasing/decreasing the height and the pressure of the liquid on the pore the test is repeated and the measurements documented in the tables for math processing to obtain the error corrections and standard deviation of the measurements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Publication date: March 31, 2005
    Inventor: Konstandinos Zamfes
  • Publication number: 20050066721
    Abstract: An optical system and method of measuring a strain on a surface of a band of a sheet of a material. A single line, or an area having a boundary line, is marked on the band before deformation. The line traverses a width of the band at angle. The band is deformed and an equivalent two-dimensional image of the line after deformation is obtained. The line before deformation is compared with the two-dimensional equivalent image of the line after deformation, and the strain on the surface of the band after deformation is determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Publication date: March 31, 2005
    Inventors: Slawomir Swillo, Kaushik Iyer, Shixin Hu
  • Publication number: 20050066722
    Abstract: A sensor support (1) comprises a rigid insert (2) on which the sensor is installed and a flexible envelope (3) fitted at its bottom face with a double-sided adhesive (5) to bond it to an aircraft structure (4) with adjustment of its shape. Assembly and disassembly are easy and the air flow is only slightly disturbed. This device is applicable to flight test campaigns of aircraft for example to measure the noise or pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2004
    Publication date: March 31, 2005
    Applicant: Airbus France
    Inventor: Herve Magnin
  • Publication number: 20050066723
    Abstract: A contact button is configured to move along a resistor path of a potentiometer in a first direction and a second direction opposite the first direction. The contact button includes a body having a first end configured to lead the body when the contact button moves in the first direction, and a second end configured to lead the body when the contact button moves in the second direction. At least one of the first and second ends are generally wedge-shaped to facilitate moving debris out of a path of the contact button as the contact button moves along the resistor path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Publication date: March 31, 2005
    Applicant: Robert Bosch Corporation
    Inventor: Dewey Sims
  • Publication number: 20050066724
    Abstract: An acceleration sensor unit including a board on which an acceleration sensor is mounted, a support part for supporting the board, and a housing in which the support part and the acceleration sensor are contained, the board is installed in the housing by means of the support part so as to swing with respect to the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2004
    Publication date: March 31, 2005
    Inventors: Yuji Hiraoka, Tohru Matsumoto, Yukihiro Okimoto, Toshiyuki Yamashita, Shinichi Harase, Takashi Furui
  • Publication number: 20050066725
    Abstract: An acceleration sensor includes a weight and a vibrator that supports the weight at its center of gravity. When acceleration is applied to the weight, stress equivalent to the applied acceleration is generated in the vibrator. As the vibrator is arranged to support the weight at its center of gravity, a characteristic relationship is observed between the acceleration, such as angular acceleration or translational acceleration, and the size of electric charges and the polarity. By taking advantage of this relationship, different types of acceleration can be easily detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2004
    Publication date: March 31, 2005
    Inventors: Hiroshi Tanaka, Masanori Yachi, Takashi Kato, Hiroshi Ishikawa
  • Publication number: 20050066726
    Abstract: An Angular-rate detecting apparatus includes four mass portions connected by at least one support beam, and the mass portions have respective individual vibration generators disposed thereon. The individual vibration generators excite the normal vibration mode by vibrating pairs of the mass portions adjacent to each other in opposite phases. Thus, the mass portions are forcibly vibrated in the normal vibration mode. Angular rate detectors detect displacements of inner frames of central mass portions as an angular rate about an axis perpendicular to a detection direction and also to a vibration direction when the inner frames are displaced in the detection direction while vibrating in the vibration direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2004
    Publication date: March 31, 2005
    Inventor: Yoichi Mochida
  • Publication number: 20050066727
    Abstract: An angular velocity sensor includes a tuning-fork resonator having prongs, a supporting substrate having the tuning-fork resonator mounted thereon, and a casing accommodating the tuning-fork resonator. The base ends of the prongs constitute a base. A principal surface of the supporting substrate and a principal surface of the tuning-fork resonator are opposed to each other. The supporting substrate supports the prongs at the base so that the prongs vibrate. The supporting substrate has a first slit. The first slit is open at one end substantially in the center of a side that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the prongs, extends in the longitudinal direction of the prongs, and divides the supporting substrate into substrate components corresponding to the prongs. The substrate components are fixed to the casing at non-vibrating portions present in two sides extending in the longitudinal direction of the prongs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2004
    Publication date: March 31, 2005
    Applicant: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsumi Fujimoto, Masato Koike, Hironari Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20050066728
    Abstract: An oscillatory angular rate MEMS sensor is described for sensing rotation about the “Z-axis”. Embodiments are either coupled-mass tuning-fork or single oscillating-mass in nature. The sensor includes mechanical and electrical function integration, and is preferably manufactured by a unique MEMS fabrication process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Publication date: March 31, 2005
    Applicant: Kionix, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Chojnacki, June Shen-Epstein, Nenad Nenadic, Nathan Stirling, Vasile Nistor
  • Publication number: 20050066729
    Abstract: A pattern of grooves or holes is formed in metallic electrodes disposed in upper and lower sides with respect to a vibration member in a capacitance type dynamic quantity sensor. As a result, even when an electrode made of a single electrically conductive material such as Al is used, it is possible to avoid the generation of hillocks on the surface of the electrode, and film-peeling risk of the electrode can be reduced. In addition, the manufacturing cost can also be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2004
    Publication date: March 31, 2005
    Inventors: Kenji Kato, Minoru Sudo, Mitsuo Yarita
  • Publication number: 20050066730
    Abstract: A tool and method to identify a defect in a vehicle through a vibration frequency is provided. To identify the defect in a vehicle, a sensor senses a vibration frequency and generates a signal in response to the vibration frequency. In addition, a signal spectrum analyzer communicates with the sensor and identifies the defect in response to the signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Publication date: March 31, 2005
    Inventor: Kurt Raichle
  • Publication number: 20050066731
    Abstract: A method for processing echoes in a time-of-flight ranging system or level measurement system. The method comprises applying an entropy filter to the echo profile. The entropy filter comprises determining the information content in the echo profile. The entropy filter determines the occurrences of a pattern in the bit stream representing magnitudes in the echo profile. Repeated occurrences of the pattern are used to characterize the echo signal as having low randomness (i.e. higher information content) indicative of a potential echo pulse or as having high randomness (i.e. lower information content) indicative of noise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Publication date: March 31, 2005
    Inventor: Graham Wall
  • Publication number: 20050066732
    Abstract: A method for processing echoes in a time-of-flight ranging system or level measurement system. The method comprises a recursive descent parser which is applied to an echo profile to process and identify potential echoes. In another aspect, the method provides for processing the ring down portion of the echo profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Publication date: March 31, 2005
    Inventor: Frank Daigle
  • Publication number: 20050066733
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting hydrogen concentration of a metal object is provided. The system includes a water tank, a transducer and an electronic device. The water tank contains coupling fluid for submerging the metal object. The transducer is located aside the metal object for transmitting ultrasonic pulse signals to the metal object and receiving the reflective ultrasonic pulse signals from the metal object. The electronic device is connected to the transducer and stores a processing program for controlling the transmission and receiving of ultrasonic pulse signals of the transducer. The electronic device changes the relative distance between the metal object and the transducer. When receiving the ultrasonic pulse signals under a predetermined distance, the electronic device processes the pulse signals with the processing program through double fast Fourier Transform to obtain hydrogen concentration of the metal object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2004
    Publication date: March 31, 2005
    Inventors: Che-Hua Yang, Ming-Fong Huang
  • Publication number: 20050066734
    Abstract: A method for controlling the axes of motors, for machine tools and the like, comprising the steps of: calculating, from a sequence of relative position data of each axis and of actuation states at each definite instant, a path for each individual axis, starting from parameters of initial speed, number of steps and final speed; defining a three-dimensional matrix that contains, for each axis, initial speed, number of steps and final speed, each element of the three-dimensional table, constituted by the intersection in space of the three parameters, containing an address that is suitable to point to the vector which describes a corresponding waveform; driving the axis according to the waveform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: March 31, 2005
    Inventor: Lucio Vaccani
  • Publication number: 20050066735
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a variable acoustic source and a microphone, both acoustically coupled to a volume having a fluid region and an air region. The apparatus also can include a processor to determine a volume of the air region based on signals received from the microphone and the variable acoustic source. A fluid valve is coupled to the processor, and is configured to allow an amount of fluid to exit the fluid region associated with the volume of the air region. An atomizer, coupled to the fluid region, is configured to aerosolize at least a portion of the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Publication date: March 31, 2005
    Applicant: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Russell Beavis, Larry Gray
  • Publication number: 20050066736
    Abstract: A vibration membrane is formed by a laminate consisting of a piezoelectric film on both surfaces of which electrode coats are formed respectively and a soft sheet on both surfaces of which metal coats are formed respectively, and a weight is mounted on one of the surfaces of the vibration membrane. A pair of frame-like elements is provided to support the peripheral portion of the vibration membrane on each side by one frame-like element. The peripheral portion of the vibration membrane is supported by the pair of frame-like elements by accommodating the vibration membrane and the frame-like elements in a casing one end of which is open and closing the open end of the casing by a board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Publication date: March 31, 2005
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Ohbayashi, Mamoru Yasuda, Yasuo Sugimori
  • Publication number: 20050066737
    Abstract: An electrodynamic shaker apparatus is disclosed for providing shaking and/or vibrational motion. The shaker includes armature and stator assemblies as well as a distributed spring assembly. The shaker apparatus of the present invention is robust, supports increased off-center loads, and has a low profile such that it may be easily placed under an item of furniture in order to impart vibrational motion in response to electrical signals from a variety of sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Publication date: March 31, 2005
    Inventor: Randolph Crowson
  • Publication number: 20050066738
    Abstract: A method of establishing yield and moisture content maps involves the continuous recording of yield of moisture content of a harvested crop, as a harvesting machine traverses a field. The recorded yield or moisture content is associated with data from a positioning system, in order that a map of yield or moisture content across the field can be generated. The yield or moisture content is compared with a second measurement of yield or moisture content, and a correction factor is determined. The correction factor is applied to the first yield or moisture content data in order to produce a more accurate yield or moisture content map.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Publication date: March 31, 2005
    Inventor: Mark Moore
  • Publication number: 20050066739
    Abstract: A chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) system is provided. The CMP system includes a wafer carrier configured to support a wafer during a planarization process, the wafer carrier including a sensor configured to detect a signal indicating a stress being experienced by the wafer during planarization. A computing device in communication with the sensor is included. The computing device is configured to translate the signal to generate a stress map for analysis. A stress relief device responsive to a signal received from the computing device is included. The stress relief device is configured to relieve the stress being experienced by the wafer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Publication date: March 31, 2005
    Inventors: Yehiel Gotkis, Rodney Kistler, Aleksander Owczarz, David Hemker, Nicolas Bright
  • Publication number: 20050066740
    Abstract: A laboratory wear and drag force testing system in a central controller operably connected to a plurality of testing terminals. The testing terminals allow for environmental isolation of the drive mechanisms to allow a range of testing temperatures. Both vertical and horizontal loads are measured and recorded such that testing can be suspended or terminated in response to predetermined thresholds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Publication date: March 31, 2005
    Applicant: Schlegel Corporation
    Inventor: Kevin Willett
  • Publication number: 20050066741
    Abstract: A mechanical test method prescribes compressing brittle balls in spherical conforming opposing platens producing equatorial bulging, tensile stresses, and resulting indentation crack growth that is imaged for providing direct measurement of the fracture toughness of brittle balls, such as, silicon-nitride balls used in hybrid bearings as well as conventional steel ball bearings, with measurement errors being immune to characterizing the dimensions and positioning of the precrack indentations, so that, the test method is accurate, repeatable, and robust.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Publication date: March 31, 2005
    Inventors: Michael O'Brien, Benjamin Nelson
  • Publication number: 20050066742
    Abstract: The invention relates to a capacitive dynamometer comprising an elastic body for receiving a mechanical force to be measured, the body having a measuring cavity, which is deformed, when the mechanical force to be measured is applied to the elastic body, the deformations of the inner wall of the cavity being picked up in the form of changes of capacity by means of capacitor electrodes co-operating with the inner wall. The invention is characterized in that said elastic body includes a flexible tube having a length which is substantially larger than the height of said tube, said tube having solid ends and measuring means, adapted for measuring a displacement between said solid ends of said flexible tube, utilizing a cavity of said flexible tube adapted to performing or transferring the displacement measurement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Publication date: March 31, 2005
    Inventor: Nils Aage Eilersen
  • Publication number: 20050066743
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device for retaining a motion sensor consisting of a transmitter (2) and a receiver (3). The transmitter (2) and the receiver (3) are form-closed on the structural element (1) respectively by means of a housing (20, 30) and a retaining element (21) corresponding to the housing (20, 30) and connected thereto by a screw connection (22). Therefor, the housing (20, 30) and the retaining element (21) form a clamping connection with the structural element (1), the housing (20, 30) comprising a clamping element (23) in operative connection with the structural element (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Publication date: March 31, 2005
    Inventor: Siegfried Pieper
  • Publication number: 20050066744
    Abstract: An ultrasonic gas flowmeter includes a measuring pipe with flowing gas, transmitting and receiving sound transducers, transmission and reception electronics, and evaluation electronics. The sound transducers (7, 8, 9, 10) are designed as capacitive electro-acoustic ultrasonic transducers to construct a flowmeter with improved capacity, especially in view of temperature stability and the reduction and consideration of a temperature profile. Devices (5, 6) are provided to level the gas temperature profile and to minimize the influence of the temperature profile on the flow measurement. A more accurate and dependable detection of the volume flow or the mass flow of gases is to be achieved, especially in highly dynamic flows, for the method of determining the flow of gases whereby the mean flow velocity is determined and the flowing gas quantity is determined with highly synchronized resolution from the two transit times of two acoustic signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Publication date: March 31, 2005
    Inventors: Mario Kupnik, Andreas Schroder, Michael Wiesinger, Klaus-Christoph Harms
  • Publication number: 20050066745
    Abstract: In a measuring head for an ultrasonic flowmeter, ultrasonic coupling element 40 and measuring head housing 10 are cast together and form, along with the casting material 50, a contact surface E, which allows an effective transfer of heat to the measuring head 2. In order to compensate manufacturing tolerances, the distance a between the measuring head housing 10 and the ultrasonic coupling element 40 is at least 1 mm in the area of the contact surface E.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Publication date: March 31, 2005
    Inventors: Achim Wiest, Andreas Berger
  • Publication number: 20050066746
    Abstract: The signal from a meter register of a water meter having a distance range is transmitted to a receiver mounted adjacent the meter register and acted on to provide a second signal that has a predetermined distance range greater than the predetermined distance of the received signal. The second signal is transmitted to a meter reader. Reed switches are mounted alongside a meter register of a water meter and acted on by magnetic end of a rotating arm of the register. A microprocessor receives signals from the reed switches and determines water flow direction and units of flowed water. The information is transmitted to a meter reader. Components of a transmitter/receiver are mounted in a housing and the housing partially filled with silicone gel and polyurethane. The transmitter/receiver can be used in dry, damp, and wet environments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Publication date: March 31, 2005
    Inventor: Dan Winter
  • Publication number: 20050066747
    Abstract: The fluid flow rate within a microfluidic passageway of a microfabricated device is determined by measuring the time-of-flight of a heat pulse coupled into the fluid. Since the propagation velocity of the heat trace is generally slower than the mean flow rate of the flow, additional processing provides the appropriate scaling needed to obtain an accurate fluid flow rate measurement. The scaling factor is based on the geometry of the structure and the thermal properties of the fluid and the materials used for the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Publication date: March 31, 2005
    Inventors: Daniel Sobek, Hongfeng Yin, Roy Rocklin, Kevin Killeen
  • Publication number: 20050066748
    Abstract: A seat weight measuring device reduces the temperature difference generated between the resistances of measuring gauges, even when a sudden ambient temperature change occurs. Heat due to ambient temperature is transferred through a column. As a washer interposed between a sensor plate and a nut and a washer interposed between the sensor plate and the column are composed of a material having low heat conductivity and providing electrical insulation, the heat transferred through the column is prevented from being transferred to the sensor plate by the washers. Accordingly, even when the ambient temperature changes suddenly, the temperature difference between the resistances of the strain gauges is reduced. Moreover, the washers provide electrical insulation between the sensor plate and the column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Publication date: March 31, 2005
    Inventors: Tomotoshi Senoo, Masato Yokoo, Kousuke Nishigaki
  • Publication number: 20050066749
    Abstract: A rotation detecting device for detecting a rotation number and a rotation direction of a rotating member based on at least two detection signals having different phases from each other and output from at least two sensor elements provided on the rotating member so as to face each other includes a waveform processing means for performing a waveform processing on the detection signals based on one of a plurality of predetermined conversion rules, a setting signal receiving means for receiving a setting signal for determining the predetermined conversion rule to be used from the plurality of predetermined conversion rules, and a conversion rule setting means for determining the predetermined conversion rule to be used based on the setting signal received by the setting signal receiving means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Publication date: March 31, 2005
    Applicant: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Hara, Kenichi Taguchi, Toshiyuki Matsuo