Patents Issued in May 19, 2005
  • Publication number: 20050103076
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for reshaping and/or folding bodies of cans (11) by means of two shaping tools (12, 13) which rotate in opposite directions. One of said shaping tools is arranged on a lever (14) such that said shaping tool can be radially displaced. The lever is connected to a controllable actuator (15, 16, 17).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Inventors: Norbert Lentz, Steffen Rotz
  • Publication number: 20050103077
    Abstract: A reforming assembly for simultaneously reforming and reprofiling a bottom portion of a metallic container is provided. The reforming assembly generally includes a roller block having a pair of reform rollers and two pairs of outside reprofile rollers. A biasing means is operably interconnected to the reform rollers, such that the reform rollers extend to contact the inner surface of the bottom portion of the container when contacted by the bottom portion of the container. The outside reprofile rollers engage with an outer surface of the bottom portion of the container. The container reforming assembly is rotated, while maintaining the container body in a static non-rotating position, to create an internal can profile on the inner surface by the pair of reform rollers, and an external can profile on the outer surface by the outside reprofile rollers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Inventor: K. Jentzsch
  • Publication number: 20050103078
    Abstract: A clamping assembly for use with a bend arm of a tube bending machine is provided. The clamping assembly comprises a force multiplier linkage that applies a controlled and variable force to a workpiece. In one embodiment, the force multiplier linkage comprises a bearing member pivoted by an actuator acting on one end of a force multiplier arm that is attached to the bearing member. The pivot axis of the bearing member and the line of action of the actuator define a lever arm distance D1. In one embodiment, a pivot member supporting a drive link is fixedly attached to the bearing member at a location offset from the pivot axis of the bearing member. The drive link is configured to pivot about the pivot member axis so that in cooperation with additional links it moves a bend arm slider. The drive link is further configured to pivot about the axis of the bearing member. The axis of the bearing member and the pivot member axis define a load arm distance D2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Inventor: Zeno Traub
  • Publication number: 20050103079
    Abstract: A flange corner forming apparatus includes a die having a planar upper surface upon which a workpiece may be supported and side surfaces intersecting at a flange forming corner. A workpiece clamps the workpiece securely against the die with the flange corner of the workpiece extending along the corner of the die, and a forming roll cooperatively configured with respect to the flange forming corner and form the flange of the workpiece about the die corner. A wedge is movable between the workpiece and the die corner to support the flange as it is being formed by the roll. A controller controls the movement of the wedge, the forming roll and the clamp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Inventors: Gerhard Kraus, Heinrich Dechamps
  • Publication number: 20050103080
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a method and a machine for simultaneous and parallel production of similar products by wires, wire rods, tubes or other material of prismatic cross section, which is characterised by existence of more than one production lines, which operate in parallel, and which consist of similar mechanisms for straightening and bending of the material, similar mechanisms for changing of the bending plane, and for cutting of the final parts. All the straightening mechanisms are driven by a common motor, through a common driving mechanism, all the bending mechanisms are driven by a common motor, through a common driving mechanism, all the mechanisms for the changing of the bending plane are also driven by a common motor, through a common driving mechanism, and all the cutters are driven by a common power source. All the operation of the motors and of the driving mechanisms are controlled and programmed by one common controlling unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Inventor: Antonios Anagnostopoulos
  • Publication number: 20050103081
    Abstract: A sheet metal bending brake having a frame with a sheet metal support surface. A clamping jaw is movable relative to the frame support surface to clamp the sheet metal between the clamping jaw and the frame. The clamping jaw has a linear front edge. An elongated bending arm is pivotally mounted to the frame by an elongated flexible strap having spaced apart edges. One edge of the strap is secured to the bending arm while the other edge of the strap is secured to the frame such that the bending arm extends parallel to and closely adjacent the clamping jaw front edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2004
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Inventor: Douglas Break
  • Publication number: 20050103082
    Abstract: A machine for cutting and edge folding foils includes a cutting/folding station. At the cutting/folding station is a folding form about which the foils may be folded. A feeder feeds a length of foil to the cutting and folding station. At the folding station a cutter adjacent to the folding form creates a cut edge in the foil. The path of the cutter is such as to fold the cut edge of the foil around the folding form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Inventor: James Farfor
  • Publication number: 20050103083
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing an annular element comprising an inner toothing, especially a sliding sleeve. An outlet ring element (10) can be arranged in an extrusion device (90) which comprises an annular matrix element (13) with an inner bore hole (12), a sleeve stamping device which is arranged therein and comprises a first (15) and second (17) annular sleeve stamping element which can be moved in relation to each other in the inner bore hole (12), and an inner stamping device comprising a first (19) and second (21) inner stamping element and first (27?) and second (27?) partial regions which are interspaced in the circumferential direction. When the inner stamping device is closed, said partial regions form cavities (27) for producing the inner toothing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Inventors: Ekkehard Korner, Michael Roesemann
  • Publication number: 20050103084
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluid connector, comprising a shaft having at least one solid shaft element and a plurality of connector surfaces, wherein the plurality of connector surfaces includes a surface with a plurality of threads and a plurality of grooves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Inventors: Robert Brewer, Gerard Jakuszeski
  • Publication number: 20050103085
    Abstract: A bending method for producing a coil using a thick wall pipe, comprising a simultaneous hot bending and pressing of the pipe by which it is possible to obtain a coil without welded 180° elbows since the return sections are integral part of the pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Applicant: MELTER S.A. DE C.V.
    Inventors: Antonio Uribe Quintanilla, Jorge Gonzalez Cruz
  • Publication number: 20050103086
    Abstract: A method of cold forming a self-attaching female fastener (20) which includes deforming a fastener blank (120) having an annular pilot, (122) an annular flange (128) surrounding the pilot and a groove (132) in the flange having cylindrical walls and annular protrusions (152, 154) on the flange and pilot, then deforming the protrusions toward each other to form an annular re-entrant groove (32) having relatively inclined arcuate walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Inventors: Stanley Wojciechowski, John Parker
  • Publication number: 20050103087
    Abstract: A device and a process for producing a corrugated plate having a plurality of bent-into-contact portions extending in parallel on one face of a metal plate employs a number of steps. A first pressing step sequentially molds a plurality of U-shaped bent portions in the metal plate. A second pressing step sequentially molds the bent-into-contact portions by sequentially crushing the plurality of U-shaped bent portions. In the first pressing step, the U-shaped bent portions are fed in a direction orthogonal to the direction of the U-shaped bent portions, and positioned, and are pressed in a state in which the position is released. In the second pressing step, another face of the metal plate is pressed flat while molding the bent-into-contact portions by pressing the U-shaped bent portions from both sides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Kawasaki, Michio Ono, Tetsuya Ogawa, Tadashi Tsunoda
  • Publication number: 20050103088
    Abstract: An improved lower die assembly is provided which allows a given lower die in a pressing machine to be replaced with another easily and in a short period of time relative to a die holder. In the lower die assembly in which a lower die is received and securely held in a die holder, the improvement comprises: a clamp means whereby the lower die when unclamped is received in the die holder so that the lower die can be extracted from the die holder upwards and then when clamped is securely held therein; and a lift means disposed below the lower die and whereby the lower die when unclamped is raised above an upper end of the die holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Applicant: KUBOTA IRON WORKS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shigeaki Yamanaka, Takeshi Kazama
  • Publication number: 20050103089
    Abstract: Improved die arrangements are provided whereby both an upper die and a lower die can easily be loaded into and unloaded from their respective die holders in a die exchanging operation. An improved die apparatus in a pressing machine in which an upper die set is securely loaded in an upper die holder fastened to a slide side for a pressing operation, comprises an arrangement whereby the upper die set is held in the upper die holder so that the upper die set can be extracted downwards from the upper die holder, wherein the upper die holder is provided with stopper means adapted to engage with the upper die set to hold the upper die set in place and adapted to disengage from the upper die set to allow the upper die set to disengage from the upper die holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Applicant: KUBOTA IRON WORKS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shigeaki Yamanaka, Takeshi Kazama
  • Publication number: 20050103090
    Abstract: A shuttle assembly for use with an end forming machine includes a shuttle and a release mechanism coupled to the shuttle. The shuttle includes a main body, a tool-receiving bore formed in the main body, and a lock mechanism associated with the tool-receiving bore. The lock mechanism is movable between a locked position where a ball detent of the lock mechanism is biased to extend into the tool-receiving bore and an unlocked position where the ball detent is removed from within the tool-receiving bore. The shuttle assembly further includes a release mechanism coupled to the shuttle for moving the locking mechanism from the locked position to the unlocked position. The release mechanism includes a release lever coupled to the shuttle for pivotable movement relative to the shuttle to engage the ball detent and move the ball detent out of the tool-receiving bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Inventors: John Grove, Joseph Deal, Bradley Vigar
  • Publication number: 20050103091
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for determining the non precise placement of measuring sites on measuring sensors and for reducing measuring errors, which result from the movement between the measuring sites and the measuring sensors when measuring the most diverse quantities to be measured, with the aim of creating robust measuring systems for recording measured values under real or challenging conditions. The invention is characterized by: detecting whether and which sensor elements are covered and thus in contact with the site to be measured; tracking and/or adapting the sensor elements so that the contact is not interrupted even during movements, and; the resilient arrangement of the contacts for constantly maintaining the mechanical bearing pressure when measuring the electrical skin resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Inventor: Christian Stockinger
  • Publication number: 20050103092
    Abstract: A dynamic pressure testing or calibration system packaged as a portable unit for characterizing pressure sensors, such as transducers. Embodiments are packaged for carry on the body, are battery-operated, compatible with existing transducer mounts, and quickly learned and easily used by a single operator. The system supplies a pre-specified impulse (pressure pulse) of fluid, preferably a benign gas, such as air, or an inert gas such as helium or nitrogen. In select embodiments, the gas pulse has a fast rise time and its amplitude may be varied over a pre-specified dynamic range. For example, the rise time may emulate that of an impulse created during an explosion by a resultant pressure wave, i.e., less than 100 microseconds. Embodiments also incorporate a data acquisition capability that accurately captures and records both the supplied impulse and the response of the sensor under test.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Inventors: Vincent Chiarito, Stanley Woodson, Patrick Walter, Stephen Weis
  • Publication number: 20050103093
    Abstract: A method for determining the flow rate of a fluid, having a liquid fraction and a gas fraction, comprising the steps of: measuring the pressure and temperature of said fluid at a flow control device through which said cyrogenic fluid passes; inputting said measured pressure and Cv into an algorithm; and performing a single or multi-step iteration to determine a fluid mass flow rate of the fluid through said flow control device using said algorithm that relates the mass flow rate of said fluid to said Cv, and mass densities of said liquid fraction and said gas fraction of said fluid which are a function of said measured pressure, and temperature. A system is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Inventors: Stuart Williams, Jean-Philippe Trembley, Jeremy Miller
  • Publication number: 20050103094
    Abstract: The present invention provides a sample chamber for a centrifugal permeameter for testing permeant conductivity of a porous sample, the sample chamber comprising a rigid outer sleeve; a resilient inner sleeve mountable over the sample and within the rigid outer sleeve; fluid inlet means for introducing fluid between the inner and outer sleeves; sealing means acting between the inner and outer sleeves for maintaining the fluid therebetween; a porous top member for mounting over a top face of the sample and supplying the permeant to the sample, the top being movable with the sample to maintain a radially outward permeant force on the sample as the sample is being spun in the centrifugal permeameter; a permeant supply for supplying the permeant to the porous top; and, a permeant accumulator for receiving and accumulating permeant which has passed through the sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Inventors: Mark Knight, Shayne Giles
  • Publication number: 20050103095
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for assessing the condition of at least one circulating band, in particular of a water-absorbing dewatering band and/or a transfer band in a papermaking machine, having a device for measuring the permeability of the at least one circulating band. The invention reliably and accuractly assesses the condition of the at least one circulating band. The apparatus according to the invention is additionally equipped with a device for measuring the moisture contained in the at least one circulating band.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Inventors: Wolfgang Ulfert, Ralf Pfifferling
  • Publication number: 20050103096
    Abstract: A device for measuring the viscosity and/or the density of a fluid using a resonator capable of mechanical vibrations. The resonator is capable of being brought into contact with the fluid. An oscillator circuit is also provided, wherein the oscillator circuit has a first feedback network and a second feedback network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Inventors: Bernhard Jakoby, Johannes Artzner
  • Publication number: 20050103097
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor for detecting a substance in a liquid. The sensor comprises a pillar shaped primary substrate and a sensor unit, e.g. a cantilever connected to the primary substrate. The sensor comprises detecting means e.g. in the form of a piezoresistive element, a strain gauge, a Si or C nanotube, a capacitor or a piezoresistor, for detecting a change of stress or mass generated on a surface area of the sensor unit, and an electric communication line for applying a voltage over said detection means, wherein at least one of the wires is integrated in the pillar shaped primary substrate. The sensor in the form of a cantilever may e.g. have a two-dimensional shape selected from the group consisting of square, rectangular, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, leaf shaped, circular and oval periphery. The primary substrate may be connected to a secondary substrate such as an electronic chip comprising contact pads corresponding with wire exits from the primary substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Inventors: Carsten Faltum, Jacob Thaysen
  • Publication number: 20050103098
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of monitoring a liquid fluid mixture and a system carrying out the method. The invention also relates to the use of the system for monitoring liquid fluid mixtures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Inventors: Matthew Rice, Hans Wijk
  • Publication number: 20050103099
    Abstract: An accurate thermodynamic model of an Active Lean NOx (ALNC) Catalyst is presented. The model takes into account hydrocarbon storage and release mechanisms of the ALNC, as well as the degradation in the ALNC hydrocarbon conversion efficiency due to ageing, and thus provides a more accurate estimate of an exotherm generated by hydrocarbon combustion in the ALNC. The estimated exotherm can them be used to detect system degradation and identify components responsible for the degradation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Inventors: Michiel van Nieuwstadt, Michele Reichenbach, Fumin Yuan
  • Publication number: 20050103100
    Abstract: A system and method for determining the magnitude of a force acting on a tire are disclosed. Further, a sensor and a tire suitable for use in the system and method are also disclosed. The system comprises: a tire strain sensor mounted on the tire, for detecting a tire strain at the mounted position, and generating data representing tire strain; a sensor locator for locating the sensor on the tire; a memory in which data on the relationship between the tire strain and force acting on the tire at each of measuring points are stored; and a processor computing the magnitude of the force, using the data representing tire strain obtained from the tire strain sensor and the data on the relationship acquired from the memory based on the data on the sensor location obtained from the sensor locator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2004
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Applicants: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd., Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihiro Miyoshi, Tamio Tsurita, Miwa Kunii
  • Publication number: 20050103101
    Abstract: A percolation test apparatus comprises a water tank (12), a pipe (36) for directing water from the tank into a hole (20) in the ground, an on-off valve (32) for controlling the flow of water in the conduit, and a water level sensor (30) for detecting the level of water in the hole. To perform a test a control unit (14) automatically turns the valve on and off at times determined by the level of water detected by the sensor. To avoid collapse of the hole, and to ensure the correct size of hole for the test a cage (16) is lowered into the hole. A rain-proof cover (18) prevents rain from falling onto the cage or the ground surrounding the cage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Inventor: Martin Power
  • Publication number: 20050103102
    Abstract: A dual-string tension dynamometer (1) utilizes two strings (10, 11) wrapped around approximately ninety degrees of a test wheel (12). The lateral forces (E, F) are balanced such that the total lateral force net value is zero. The results reflect purely torsional loading.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Inventors: Eugene Novak, Tom Papanek, Tadeusz Parafinczuk, Todd Fanciullo
  • Publication number: 20050103103
    Abstract: A fuel level sensor for sensing and monitoring the level of remaining fluid in a container such as a fuel tank for a motorized vehicle is disclosed. The fuel level sensor incorporates an improved float and pivot arm member attached to a hub that rotates about a pivot base. The conventional resistor card technology, commonly found in automotive applications for translating the position of the float into an electrical signal, is replaced by a more reliable non-contact magnetic flux sensing circuit. The fuel level sensor incorporates a magnetic sensor and magnetic circuit in a commonly known and practiced rotational position sensor configuration for determining the angular position of a hub relative to its pivot base, where the hub is attached to a conventional float-arm member and the base remains stationary relative to the fuel container. The preferred embodiment includes a magnetic flux sensor positioned between two movable magnets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Inventors: Todd Newman, John Washeleski
  • Publication number: 20050103104
    Abstract: An apparatus for demonstrating, investigating and observing Brownian motion and temperature of a medium, such as gas or liquid, uses a small particle which is diamagnetically suspended in the medium. The tiny magnetized particle having a known mass is levitated using a diamagnetic technique, and the displacement of the particle over time is observable, which can be used to determine a temperature of the medium. Optionally, a second particle is suspended in a vacuum but mechanically connected to the same apparatus as the first enclosure with the first particle, thereby allowing observation and measurement of non-Brownian movement of the structure, and allowing more precise observation of Brownian movement effects on the first suspended particle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Viktors Berstis
  • Publication number: 20050103105
    Abstract: An acceleration sensor system is especially suitable for measuring low accelerations. The acceleration sensor system has at least: one premold housing made of a plastic material having a housing inner chamber, one lead frame which extends through the premold housing in the housing inner chamber, and one acceleration sensor chip, which is fastened in the housing inner chamber with the aid of an adhesive layer, and is connected to the lead frame with the aid of line bond connections. Advantageous stress decouplings are achieved in this connection by using an adhesive layer having a uniform thickness greater than 50 ?m, preferably greater than 100 ?m, in particular, the adhesive material of the adhesive layer being softer than the chip material of the acceleration sensor chip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2004
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Inventors: Harald Emmerich, Hansjoerg Beutel
  • Publication number: 20050103106
    Abstract: A dual capacitance accelerometer system includes two flexure plates coupled to the housing and defining a respective parallel flex axes. A fixed plate is adjacent to and in substantially parallel relation to the two flexure plates and is also coupled to the housing. The fixed plate and one of the flexure plates define a first distance and the fixed plate and the other flexure plate define a second distance. The first and second distances vary in response to acceleration forces acting upon the flexure plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Inventor: Ray Campbell
  • Publication number: 20050103107
    Abstract: A thin film piezoelectric material employs an array of metallic backer plates to provide high output, non-resonant ultrasonic transmission and reception suitable for ultrasonic measurement and/or imaging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Inventors: Richard Morris, Steven Morris
  • Publication number: 20050103108
    Abstract: A pressure gauge for determining air pressure of an inflatable item and a method of doing the same are provided. Embodiments of the present invention provide a source of light capable of providing more than one color of light, where each color of light within the more than one color of light corresponds to a numerical relationship between a determined pressure of an inflatable item, determined by the pressure gauge, and a target air pressure. The pressure gauge also has a display panel for displaying the determined air pressure and at least one of the provided colors of light. In addition, the pressure gauge has a pressure sensor for determining the determined air pressure and a computer defining functions performed by the pressure gauge, wherein the computer causes the source of light to display the different colors of light in accordance with the numerical relationship between the determined air pressure and the target air pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Inventors: Baird Little, Kenneth Harris, Joseph Geringer, Charles Burout, Steven Schwartz
  • Publication number: 20050103109
    Abstract: A pressure sensor for measuring a pressure includes a pressure chamber; and a deformation body, which can be exposed to a medium under pressure, and which, additionally, at least partially bounds the pressure chamber and seals such pressure-tightly from the medium; wherein the walls of the sensor chamber have a hydrophobic coating, which was applied by gas and/or vapor phase deposition. The hydrophobic coating preferably includes a silane. Especially suited are silanes having one or more hydrophobic groups R and one or more anchoring groups X. Especially preferred are: R—Si—X3, R1R2—Si—X2, R1R2R3—Si—X. The hydrophobic group R is preferably an alkyl, perfluoroalkyl, phenyl or perflurorophenyl group. The anchoring group X is preferably an —OH (silanol), —X (halide, e.g. —Cl), —OR (ester, e.g. —OCH3), —NH2 (amine), or —SH (Mercaptosilane). Additionally, aliphatic or cyclic silazanes —Si—NH—Si—, e.g. hexamethyldisilazane, can be used. Likewise suitable are compounds of the type Ry—Me—Xz, with Me=e.g. Zr, Ti.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Inventors: Frank Hegner, Ulfert Drewes, Andreas Rossberg, Elke Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20050103110
    Abstract: A temperature and pressure sensor for sensing the temperature and pressure of a media and providing electrical signals that are indicative of the temperature and pressure level of the media. The sensor includes a housing that has a high pressure side, a low pressure side and an aperture. A substrate is located in the aperture. The substrate has a pair of ends and a center portion. The center portion is affixed to the housing. The center portion seals the high pressure side from the low pressure side. A pressure sensitive resistor and a thermistor are mounted on one end of the substrate and a reference resistor is mounted on the other end of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Inventors: Craig Ernsberger, Jason Langhorn, James McKenna
  • Publication number: 20050103111
    Abstract: A pressure sensor for detecting a pressure such as a brake oil pressure in an automobile is composed of a cylindrical stem, a sensor chip and a circuit board for processing an electrical signal from the sensor chip. The cylindrical stem includes a thin diaphragm formed at an axial end and an opening formed at the other axial end. The sensor chip is mounted on the diaphragm, and the circuit board is mounted on a flat side surface formed on the outer periphery of the cylindrical stem so that the circuit board is positioned perpendicularly to the sensor chip, thereby reducing a size of the pressure sensor in the radial direction of the stem. The pressure to be detected is introduced into the cylindrical stem from its opening, and the pressure is detected by the sensor chip mounted on the diaphragm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Inventors: Masahito Imai, Yoshifumi Murakami
  • Publication number: 20050103112
    Abstract: A micro-mechanical pressure transducer is disclosed in which a capacitive transducer structure is integrated with an inductor coil to form a LC tank circuit, resonance frequency of which may be detected remotely by imposing an electromagnetic field on the transducer. The capacitive transducer structure comprises a conductive movable diaphragm, a fixed counter electrode, and a predetermined air gap between said diaphragm and electrode. The diaphragm deflects in response to an applied pressure differential, leading to a change of capacitance in the structure and hence a shift of resonance frequency of the LC tank circuit. The resonance frequency of the LC circuit can be remotely detected by measuring and determining the corresponding peak in electromagnetic impedance of the transducer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Applicant: Corporation for National Research Initiatives
    Inventors: Michael Pedersen, Mehmet Ozgur, Michael Huff
  • Publication number: 20050103113
    Abstract: A pressure sensor for sensing a pressure level of a pressurized medium. The pressure sensor includes a housing that has a high pressure side, a low pressure side and an aperture. A substrate is located in the aperture. The substrate has a pair of ends and a center portion. The center portion is brazed to the housing in the aperture. The center portion seals the high pressure side from the low pressure side. A pressure sensitive resistor is mounted to one end of the substrate. A reference resistor is mounted to another end of the substrate. A circuit line is located on the substrate. The circuit line is connected between the pressure sensitive resistor and the reference resistor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Inventors: Craig Ernsberger, Robert Rainey, Patrick Blakesley, Jason Langhorn
  • Publication number: 20050103114
    Abstract: A new and versatile ultra-miniature pressure sensor comprises a very thin diaphragm of approximately one micron or less, e.g., 0.2 microns. In some embodiments, the diaphragm has a radius of 20 microns and the pressure sensor can detect signals at or near 0.1 Atm with 1% accuracy. The diaphragm is formed by epitaxial growth of silicon or by bonding and etching. A plurality of high sensitivity piezoresistive strain gauges measure strain of the diaphragm. Less than 0.1 microns thick, the piezoresistive strain gauges are embedded in the diaphragm by ion implantation or formed thereon by epitaxial growth. The ability to form ultra-thin piezoresistive layers on very thin diaphragms enables the miniaturization of the pressure sensor as well as any device that employs it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Inventors: Mark Bly, Thomas Kenny, Sara Shaughnessy, Michael Bartsch
  • Publication number: 20050103115
    Abstract: The invention provides a device for measuring pressure that comprises a housing 9 in which a carrier 3 equipped with a sensor element 31 and electrical connection elements 34 is located, whereby the housing 9 comprises a first housing chamber 4 that encloses the sensor element 31 and is connected with a first pressure channel 13 of a first pressure connection 12, and said housing also comprises a second housing chamber 5 that is sealed off from the first housing chamber 4 and encloses at least the electrical connection elements 34, and whereby the housing 9 comprises a third housing chamber 6 that is sealed off from the first housing chamber 4 and the second housing chamber 5, which said third housing chamber is connected with a second pressure channel 11 of a second pressure connection 10.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Inventors: Thomas Fessele, Hans-Martin Hochenberger, Winfried Kuhnt
  • Publication number: 20050103116
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pressure sensor (1) with a housing (2), a sensor device (4), a sensor fastening device (8, 8b) for fastening the sensor device (4) onto and/or in the front area of the housing (2), and a seal (7) for sealing the transitional area between the housing (2) and the sensor device (4), where the housing (2) exhibits an inside housing wall (2W) and the sensor device (4) exhibits an outside sensor device wall (4W), such that the housing wall (2W) and the sensor device wall (4W) run in adjacent fashion one to the other and exhibit between the housing wall (2W) and the sensor device (4W) a reception space (6) for receiving the seal (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2004
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Inventor: Thomas Kopp
  • Publication number: 20050103117
    Abstract: A pressure sensitive sensor provided in at least one of an opening section and an opening and closing section for opening and closing the opening section and serving to detect pinching of an object between the opening section and the opening and closing section based on an output signal generated by deformation upon receipt of external force, comprising pressure sensitive means 33 for generating an output signal corresponding to deformation and support means 35 for supporting the pressure sensitive means 33 on at least one of the opening section and the opening and closing section, the support means 35 including at least a first deformation section 37 having a first elastic modulus and serving to increase deformation of the pressure sensitive sensor 17, and a second deformation section 39 having a second elastic modulus which is higher than the first elastic modulus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Applicant: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Ogino, Shigeki Ueda
  • Publication number: 20050103118
    Abstract: An unbonded capping system for compression testing of concrete cylinders comprises first and second retaining cups comprising metal blocks each having opposite parallel planar surfaces. A first of the planar surfaces is engageable by a test apparatus, in use. A second of the planar surfaces has a cylindrical cavity of a first select diameter for receiving one end of the concrete cylinder. First and second cylindrical compression pads are each to be received in one of the retaining cup cavities to abut an end of the concrete cylinder, in use. The compression pads are of a second select diameter smaller than the first select diameter of the cavity to define a circumferential space therebetween. Nubs are provided for gripping the cavity to prevent the compression pads from falling out of the cavities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Inventor: Gary Workman
  • Publication number: 20050103119
    Abstract: A method of forecasting strength of a chemically active material while hardening is disclosed. The chemically active material is characterized by at least one physical parameter. The method comprises: (a) measuring the at least one physical parameter over a predetermined time-interval, so as to obtain at least one series of measurements; (b) extracting a predetermined time-dependence of the at least one physical parameter over at least a portion of the predetermined time-interval; and (c) using the predetermined time-dependence of the at least one physical parameter to forecast the strength of the chemically active material at a future time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Inventors: David Shtakelberg, Boris Wilge, Shimon Boiko
  • Publication number: 20050103120
    Abstract: A method is provided for determining Young's modulus and, if desired, Poisson's ratio of a coating on a substrate wherein load-displacement indentation data in the elastic region (either elastic loading or unloading) generated using an indenter is analyzed to interpret the elastic repsonse of a coated material. The data analysis pursuant to the invention is based on an extended Hertzian analysis developed for thin-film coatings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2004
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Inventors: Shuangbiao Liu, Qian Wang
  • Publication number: 20050103121
    Abstract: A device used for detecting the clamping force of a processed object and a method thereof are proposed. The device comprises a detection unit, a basis component and a pressure detection component disposed on the basis component. The basis component having the pressure detection component is closely placed between pivotal rods so that the detection unit can detect variation of electric properties of the pressure detection component to adjust the spacing between the pivotal rods, hence facilitating adjustment of the clamping force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Applicant: NAN YA TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chih-Kun Chen, Yao-Hsiung Kung, Chung-Min Lin, Shan-Chang Wang, Jiun-Bo Wang
  • Publication number: 20050103122
    Abstract: A flow sensor tube assembly includes a base member having first and second generally opposing sides. An opening extends through the base member, and an end of a flow sensor tube is received in the opening. A filler material is situated in the opening surrounding the flow sensor tube adjacent the first side of the base member to attach the tube to the base member. The flow sensor tube is welded to the base member adjacent the second side of the base member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Applicant: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventor: Joseph Dille
  • Publication number: 20050103123
    Abstract: A system for measuring parameters of a structure, the system in certain aspects having a plurality of strain gauges emplaceable on the structure, signal transmission apparatus associated with the plurality of strain gauges for transmitting signals therefrom indicative of gauge measurements to computer apparatus for processing the signals, the gauges, in one aspect, including at least three strain gauge apparatuses for providing axial strain measurements, and computer apparatus for receiving signals from the transmitting apparatus indicative of the measurements and for determining bending moment and bending direction of the structure at a location of the gauge apparatuses, and in one aspect wherein the computer apparatus is programmed to calculate internal pressure and/or bending direction of the structure based on the measurements, and in one aspect to do so in real time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Inventor: Kenneth Newman
  • Publication number: 20050103124
    Abstract: A physical sensor having a pressure sensing layer having such property that electrical resistance is changed by application of a stress, and electrical insulating layers which are integrally formed on opposite two surfaces of the pressure sensing layer, respectively. The pressure sensing layer comprises a matrix comprising glass, and an electrically conductive particle having electrical conductivity and dispersed in the matrix. Preferably, the electrically conductive particle comprises RuO2, and a thickness of the pressure sensing layer is 1 ?m to 200 ?m. It is preferable that one pair of electrodes are disposed on the pressure sensing layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2004
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA CHUO KENKYUSHO
    Inventors: Mitsuru Asai, Hiroaki Makino, Takahiko Homma, Kazumasa Takatori, Jun Sugiyama
  • Publication number: 20050103125
    Abstract: A system (1) for determining the absolute torque applied to a rotating shaft, the said system (1) comprising a sensitive element (2) deformable under torsion and a measuring device comprising: first (5) and second (6) coders intended to be rotationally fixed respectively in the vicinity of each of the ends (3, 4) of the sensing element (2), the said coders (5, 6) having a singularity or several singularities equally distributed; first (10) and second (11) fixed sensors disposed opposite to and at an air gap distance from respectively the first (5) and second (6) coders, each of the said sensors (10, 11) being able to deliver a signal having a pulse (I1, I2) corresponding to the detection of a singularity (8a, 8b) of the coder (5, 6); the said system also comprises a device (12) for processing the signals issuing from the sensors (10, 11) able to calculate the angular difference between the said singularities (8a, 8b) so as to determine, by comparison with a calibration difference, the absolute torque app
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2004
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Inventor: Pascal Desbiolles