Patents Issued in January 3, 2006
  • Patent number: 6981373
    Abstract: A buoyancy engine, including an upper casing, a lower casing, and a manifold separating the upper and lower casings. The manifold has internal and external control means, that control amounts of liquid entering and leaving the manifold and casings through a primary route and an alternate route. There is a variably ballasted power piston within the upper casing, into and out of which liquid ballast can be pumped to change its buoyancy. There is a liquid discharge piston within the lower casing, that can be coupled to the variably ballasted power piston to form a primary pump. There is also a backup pump that can be used when the primary pump fails. A mechanical slide valve controls the entrance and exit of liquid from the manifold through the primary route.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Inventor: Mark Douglas Robinson
  • Patent number: 6981374
    Abstract: A SMA actuator having rigid members and SMA wires, in which improved temperature control of the SMA wires of the actuator is provided by a heat sink, which may be the rigid members themselves, in close proximity to at least a central portion of the wires. Optionally, the heat sink is sized and placed such that the end portions of the wires where they are attached to the rigid members are not in close proximity to the heat sink. Where the heat sink is external, it optionally has a cooling element that acts passively as a heat sink during the heating cycle of the actuator and that acts as an active cooling element during the cooling cycle of the actuator. An SMA actuator having a desired contraction limit and a power supply circuit has a switch in the power supply circuit that is normally closed when the actuator is contracted to less than the desired contraction limit and is opened by the actuator reaching the desired contraction limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Alfmeier Prazision AG
    Inventors: Peter E. von Behrens, Dylan M. Fairbanks
  • Patent number: 6981375
    Abstract: A turbocharged internal combustion engine is operated such that the intake manifold pressure generally exceeds the exhaust manifold pressure. A low pressure turbocharger and a high pressure turbocharger are provided in series. An exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system passively routes a portion of the exhaust gases to the high pressure turbocharger compressor inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Detroit Diesel Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin Dean Sisken, Brian Kenneth Bolton
  • Patent number: 6981376
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus of converting gravitational energy to electrical energy. The apparatus includes a reciprocating drive mechanism for lifting liquid from a bottom reservoir to an upper reservoir and turbines between the upper and lower reservoirs which are turned by liquid falling down a flow path from the top reservoir through the turbines to the bottom reservoir. The reciprocating drive mechanism includes a large circular ring or wheel pivotally attached at its hub or center to a support frame and a cable over the upper periphery of the ring with two pipes attached one at each end of the cable. The ring pivots back and forth lifting one pipe and lowering the other pipe and vice versa. As a pipe moves down liquid enters the bottom of the pipe while liquid drains out the top of the pipe into the upper reservoir. One of the turbines is connected to the reciprocating drive mechanism and the other to a generator for producing electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Inventor: Alok Dutta
  • Patent number: 6981377
    Abstract: Recovery of electric power from low-grade waste heat/solar energy, comprising a closed-cycle charged refrigerant loop. Pressurized refrigerant fluid is pumped at ambient temperature through a heat exchanger connected to a waste heat/solar source to extract heat energy during conversion to a high pressure gas. Heated/pressurized refrigerant gas is inlet into an expander to power an output shaft during the expansion of the fluid to a cooled gas at approximately 0 psig. Cooled gaseous refrigerant is condensed to a liquid at low pressure and ambient temperature, and recycled under pressure to the heat exchanger. The expander is a reverse-plumbed gas compressor; the pressurized, hot refrigerant gas is inlet at what is ordinarily its outlet, and the normal inlet becomes the expander end. The refrigerant gas mass flow pressure/temperature drop spins the expander shaft for direct mechanical power take-off, or coupling to a synchronous or inductive generator to produce electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Outfitter Energy INC
    Inventors: Mikhail Vaynberg, Hans Gunter Horn, Ralf Horn, Alfons Weiland, Richard A. Azevedo
  • Patent number: 6981378
    Abstract: Uninterruptible power is supplied to a load connected to a power line by connecting the power line to a rotatable member that includes a Rankine cycle turbine coupled to a device that operates as a motor when line power is operative thereby rotating the member at a standby rotational speed so that a predetermined amount of kinetic energy is stored in the rotating member, and that operates as a generator when the line power is inoperative and the member is rotated by the application of vaporized working fluid to the turbine. Working fluid is vaporized and maintained at an operational temperature level only when the line power is inoperative. The working fluid is held at a standby temperature level, preferably greater than the operational temperature level, while the power line is operative whereby the working fluid contains a predetermined amount of stored thermal energy while the power line is operative.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Ormat Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Lucien Y. Bronicki
  • Patent number: 6981379
    Abstract: To provide a power supply system that allows the current maximum power generation capability to be easily recognized, this power supply system includes a plurality of fuel cells for generating power and supplying the power to loads; a performance storage section for storing a maximum power value indicating a maximum value of a power generation ability of each fuel cell; a test device for sequentially performing maximum power generation testing on at least one of the fuel cells at a predetermined time interval; an update section for updating the maximum power value of each fuel cell, the maximum power value being stored on the performance storage section, according to a result of the performance test; a power-generation-amount detection section for detecting the total of amounts of power generated and supplied by the fuel cells to the loads; and a surplus-power determination section for determining surplus power, which can be excessively generated by the power supply system, at the predetermined time interval
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: The Japan Research Institute, Limited
    Inventors: Hitoshi Ikuma, Makoto Inoue
  • Patent number: 6981380
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods in accordance with the present invention utilize thermoelectric cooling (TEC) technology to provide enhanced power distribution and/or dissipation from a microelectronic die and/or microelectronic packages. Individual TEC devices are thermally interconnected with the microelectronic die in a number of placement configurations, including between the microelectronic die and the heat sink, on the integrated heat spreader (IHS) inner surface, and on the IHS outer surface. TEC devices comprise p- and n-type semiconducting material created using similar process as the microcircuits. The TEC devices are located in various regions within or on the microelectronic die, including directly below the microcircuits, on the backside of the microelectronic die, and on a separate substrate of microelectronic die material fabricated apart from the microelectronic die and subsequently thermally coupled to the backside of the microelectronic die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory M. Chrysler, Paul A. Koning, Saikumar Jayaraman, Makarem A. Hussein
  • Patent number: 6981381
    Abstract: Device driver circuits based on H-bridges can be implemented to provide linear control of the H-bridge, reduce power losses, and reduce certain component size/cost. The driver circuits can use two feedback loops to operate the H-bridge in different regions and to guarantee that current flows through an H-bridge load device, such as a thermoelectric cooler, in only one direction at a given time. The H-bridge driver circuits can remove the possibility of high currents bypassing the load device and thus going directly through the switches on either side of the H-bridge driver. The H-bridge driver circuits also ensure careful control of the current applied to the H-bridge load device. Such driver circuits are particularly useful for controlling the current applied to thermoelectric devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Lattice Semiconductor Corp.
    Inventors: Ching Wang, Robert M. Bartel, Hans W. Klein
  • Patent number: 6981382
    Abstract: A system and method for transferring heat requires a supply tube connected in fluid communication with a capillary tube. A tip member is positioned to surround the distal end of the capillary tube to create a cryo-chamber. In operation, a liquid refrigerant is introduced into the supply tube at a working pressure (e.g. 450 psia). The pressure is then significantly reduced on the liquid refrigerant as it transits through the capillary tube. The refrigerant then exits the distal end of the capillary tube, still in its liquid state. Inside the cryo-chamber, at a pressure of less than about one atmosphere, the refrigerant transitions into its gaseous state. The resultant refrigeration causes heat to transfer into the cryo-chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: CryoCor, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Lentz, Matt M. Riordan, Eric Ryba
  • Patent number: 6981383
    Abstract: A zoned HVAC system is provided with a series of dampers. A control for the dampers causes the dampers to each move between open and closed positions while monitoring a system condition. The system condition is selected to be one that should change as the damper moves between open and closed positions. If the system condition does not change as the control orders the damper to move between the open and closed positions, the particular damper is identified as a potentially faulty damper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Rajendra K. Shah, Christopher M. Puranen
  • Patent number: 6981384
    Abstract: An air conditioning, heating or refrigeration system includes a controller that automatically determines if refrigerant amount is above or below the desired amount within the system. In one example, a sensor measures the temperature difference between sub-cooled liquid and saturated condensing temperature and provides information to the controller. The controller determines a variance between the measured and an expected value. If that variance exceeds a selected threshold, the controller automatically determines that the amount of refrigerant in the system is outside of an acceptable range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas J. Dobmeier, Michael F. Taras, Alexander Lifson
  • Patent number: 6981385
    Abstract: A refrigeration system for objects is disclosed. The system includes a refrigeration device and a defrost system. The refrigeration device provides a case or container defining a space for the objects, a first heat exchanger associated with the container for cooling a fluid communicating with the space to cool the objects and a second heat exchanger to receive a heat supply from an air source for warming the fluid. A system for cooling articles is also disclosed. The system includes a space configured to contain the articles, a first element to provide cooling of the articles within the space, a first coolant source to refrigerate the space by cooling the first element in a first state, and a second coolant source to elevate a temperature of the first element in a second state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Yakov Arshansky, David K. Hinde, Richard N. Walker, Mark Lane
  • Patent number: 6981386
    Abstract: Silencing equipment is provided for an air-cooling assembly in a large off-road vehicle having wheels, traction motors for the wheels that operate in a motoring mode to propel the vehicle and a power generating dynamic braking mode, resistor grids for dissipating the dynamic braking power, and a blower for moving cooling air past the grids to cool them. The silencing equipment may include a resistor grid housing 24 and at least one upper inlet 22 for passing cooling air to the interior of the housing. The inlet includes noise-absorbing material. A conduit 28 is provided for directing cooling air from the upper inlet through a transition chamber to reach the blower and at least one resistor grid in the housing. The conduit is lined with noise-absorbing material. A removable cover 30 is provided for the conduit for accessing the air blower in the housing through the transition chamber, whereby servicing of the blower may be performed without removal of the entire upper inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Henry Young, Ord Allen Randolph, Alan R. Hamilton, Alexander Antonius Maria Jacobs
  • Patent number: 6981387
    Abstract: A double tank refrigerated carbonated beverage dispensing apparatus for blending fresh water and carbon dioxide to produce a carbonated liquid delivered to a faucet bank for dispensing mixed soft drinks at a temperature at or below the freezing point of water, includes a double tank carbonator having in inner tank contained within an outer tank, insulated by a void between the two tank, the void having refrigeration coils connected to a refrigeration circulation system. The apparatus includes a soda water circulating system, a heat exchange unit for pre-cooling water and beverage syrup lines, syrup coils adapted to the double tank carbonator for chilling some beverage syrup lines, temperature sensors for regulating temperature of the carbonated water and fluid level probes to regulate the amount of water delivered to the double tank carbonator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Inventor: Louis A. Morgan
  • Patent number: 6981388
    Abstract: The following invention relates to an air conditioning system, in particular for aircraft, comprising at least one heat exchanger, arranged in a ram air duct, for cooling compressed air by means of a fluid, and comprising at least a first and a second air cycle machine which at the compressed-air end are connected to the heat exchanger. A particularly compact, reliable, redundant and economical arrangement is achieved in that the heat exchanger comprises at least one first heat exchanger unit and a second heat exchanger unit, of which one each is connected at the compressed-air end to one of the air cycle machines, and in that ram air outlet ducts which are fluidically separate from each other are provided, of which one is connected to the first heat exchanger unit and another is connected to the second heat exchanger unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Liebherr-Aerospace Lindenberg GmbH
    Inventors: Norbert Brutscher, Joachim Haas
  • Patent number: 6981389
    Abstract: A receiver (24) for a condenser system (20) includes a body (32) in fluid communication with a header (28) of the condenser system (20). A first cap (38) is coupled to an end (34) of the body (32) and has a saddle portion (40) coupled to the header (28). The receiver (24) further includes a tube section (42) coupled to a second end (36) of the body. A second cap (50) is removably interconnected with the tube section (42) following insertion of a service cartridge (76) into the body (32). The service cartridge (76) includes a substantially-rigid tubular member (78) having rib members (84) radially extending from an outer surface (86) of the tubular member (78). Covers (90, 92), each having openings (94, 96), are coupled to opposing ends of the tubular member (78). The service cartridge (76) includes multiple features for drying, filtering, and/or leak detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: CalsonicKansei North America, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Knecht, James D. Snow
  • Patent number: 6981390
    Abstract: A refrigerant cycle system includes a first heat-exchanging portion for condensing gas refrigerant discharged from a compressor, a gas-liquid separator into which all of refrigerant after passing through the first heat-exchanging portion and a part of gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor are introduced, and a second heat-exchanging portion for cooling and condensing refrigerant flowing from the gas-liquid separator. Because all of the condensed refrigerant from the first heat-exchanging portion is introduced into the gas-liquid separator, a passage area of a gas refrigerant introduction passage for introducing gas refrigerant from the compressor into the gas-liquid separator can be set relatively large. Therefore, a dimension difference of the gas refrigerant introducing passage in manufacturing is not greatly affected to an adjustment of a liquid refrigerant amount in the gas-liquid separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: DENSO Corporation
    Inventors: Etsuhisa Yamada, Shigeki Ito, Teruyuki Hotta, Yasushi Yamanaka
  • Patent number: 6981391
    Abstract: A connector for accessories, etc, which is mounted on both ends of a long linear member, the connector comprising a male part and a female part, which can fit into and separate from each other, and wherein when the male part is inserted into the female part from a fitting opening, magnetic attraction causes a change in the positional relationship between the male part and the female part with the result that the male part cannot pass through the fitting opening of the female part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Luxcess Company Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideya Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6981392
    Abstract: A method for knitting a glove is provided in which the glove is knitted by using a flat-knitting device including at least a pair of front and back needle beds which extend in a horizontal direction while facing each other from front and back directions, at least one of the front and back needle beds being movable horizontally in a racking motion, the flat-knitting device capable of transferring stitches between the front and back needle beds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Shima Seiki Mfg., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takuya Miyai
  • Patent number: 6981393
    Abstract: Yarn feeders are arranged such that feeder case portions are slidably engaged with a knitting yarn guide rail disposed on an upper portion of needle beds, and can be selectively brought by a bringing device. Each of the feeder cases is provided with a switching mechanism for switching a yarn feeding port to a feeding position and a waiting position by swinging the port. The switching mechanism is operated at a time during which a yarn feeder selected by the bringing device is brought from a stop state in order to feed yarn. The yarn feeding port is switched from the waiting position to the feeding position, a swinging direction of the yarn feeding port to the waiting position, after it feeds yarn, is set, and the yarn feeding port can be switched from the feeding position to the waiting position in association with a selection cancel operation of the bringing device after the yarn is fed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Shima Seiki Mfg., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenji Ikoma
  • Patent number: 6981394
    Abstract: A knit fabric wherein at least a portion of the interconnected yarn loops are formed from segments of a common yarn of multi-filament construction. In the fabric the common yarn includes a first group of yarn segments having a first average cross-sectional filament area and at least a second group of yarn segments having a second average cross-sectional filament area. The second average cross-sectional filament area is greater than the first average cross-sectional filament area. The average level of crystalline orientation of the first group of yarn segments is greater than the average level of crystalline orientation of the second group of yarn segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventor: Michael A. Keller
  • Patent number: 6981395
    Abstract: A drum type washing machine includes a cabinet, a fixed drum set in the cabinet to contain wash water therein, a rotary drum rotatably set inside the fixed drum, a pump which forcibly pumps out the wash water contained in the fixed drum, and a water circulation device which feeds the wash water pumped by the pump into the rotary drum in a washing operation. The water circulation device includes a storing unit and a spraying unit. The storing unit defines a space which temporarily holds the wash water pumped by the pump, and is provided between rear panels of the fixed drum and the rotary drum. The storing unit guides the wash water to the rear panel of the rotary drum. The spraying unit is provided at the rear panel of the rotary drum, and sprays the wash water contained in the storing unit into the rotary drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Doo-Young Ryu, Koan-Seog Namkung
  • Patent number: 6981396
    Abstract: Disclosed is an exchangeable lock construction, which a main body assembly having a casing, a rolling body and an tubular operation body is inserted into a fixed body, and which the main body assembly can be separated from the fixed body by a key. The lock construction includes a slide bar supported by the spring in a lateral direction of the rolling body, and a plurality of slide pins respectively having receiving grooves formed thereon in such a manner as to located at different positions and heights thereon, the slide pins being aligned by a side waved portion of the key, wherein the tubular operation body further has an elongated operation hole formed at a side thereof for allowing the slide bar to slidably pass therethrough, and the casing has a locking groove formed on the inner periphery thereof for locking the outer side end of the slide bar therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Inventor: Jung Kyu Kim
  • Patent number: 6981397
    Abstract: A roll forming machine wherein a single operator can quickly replace roll forming stations to change the desired lateral profile and wherein adjustments to the lateral positions of the roll forming stations can be quickly effected. This is accomplished by mounting the roll forming elements on short tooling rail sections which in turn are mounted on longer mounting rails which are used as platforms whereby all the adjustments are preset so that all setup work is performed prior to installing the tooling rails. Because the tooling rail sections are shorter, they may be inserted in, and removed from, the machine by a single operator without requiring the partial disassembly, and subsequent reassembly, of the entry and shear assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Englert, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce E. Meyer
  • Patent number: 6981398
    Abstract: A seam closing apparatus for use in sealing a duct seam having an outwardly extending sealing portion and a lower fold includes a handle portion having a power actuation trigger and a first roller for engaging the outwardly extending sealing portion of the duct seam. A second roller is also provided for engaging the lower fold of the duct seam. Operation of the power actuation trigger causes the first roller to rotate in a first direction, thereby flattening the outwardly extending sealing portion of the duct seam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Met-Coil Systems Corporation
    Inventors: John J. Toben, Michael C. Borwig
  • Patent number: 6981399
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting a differential pressure or for correcting a pressure value detected in the fluid on the basis of a pressure of a surrounding medium, wherein at a first point in time the pressure of the surrounding medium is detected and at a later, second point in time the pressure of the fluid is detected, and the pressure value detected in the fluid is corrected on the basis of the pressure of the surrounding medium. The invention furthermore relates to a pump system with a level sensor in which this method is applied, as well as to the use of a pressure sensor in such a pump system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Grundfos A/S
    Inventors: Peter Jungklas Nybo, Lasse Ilves, Heikki Yli-Korpela
  • Patent number: 6981400
    Abstract: A slip resistance measuring device features a magnetic actuator pivotally mounted on a portable frame positioned on a test surface to apply a linear force to a test specimen for engagement with the test surface at a preselected inclination angle thereto. The linear force is applied to the test specimen through a strain gauge plate which thereby undergoes stress sensed by a load cell mounted thereon from which strain stress signals are delivered under automatic testing operation to provide slip resistance measurement data for the test surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Dale A. Sowell, Erick O. Satchell
  • Patent number: 6981401
    Abstract: A method of testing corrosive lubricating media using a wear testing apparatus without a mechanical seal. The wear testing apparatus and methods are effective for testing volatile corrosive lubricating media under pressure and at high temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: James Ohi, Jose L. De La Cruz, Paul I. Lacey
  • Patent number: 6981402
    Abstract: A system and method for measuring fluid flow rate in a system where fluid is pumped, such as a gas monitoring instrument where gas is pumped from a space such as a room or enclosure through a conduit to a sensor. The flow of gas through a pump is determined by measuring motor back-e.m.f. which is proportional to motor speed. In a system where motor speed is regulated by pulse width modulation of the motor drive voltage, the back-e.m.f. is sampled during intervals between the drive pulses applied to the motor, and in a further aspect the sampling is done at selected, spaced-apart or infrequent intervals such as once for every ten or once for every hundred motor drive pulses. Advantageously, in an instrument that uses a microprocessor and analog-to-digital converter to measure gas-concentration, the same microprocessor and converter can provide the PWM control of the pump, in response to the back-e.m.f. generated by the pump motor between the drive pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Scott Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: L. Rodney Bristol
  • Patent number: 6981403
    Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and a method for measuring gas transmission rates and nanoleaks of deformable and brittle materials. The apparatus includes a test chamber having an upper and lower diffusion cells that when closed form a chamber wall seal, a gas inlet and a gas outlet in fluid communication with the lower diffusion cell, the upper diffusion cell being fluidly connected to a high-vacuum mass spectrometer. The method of measuring gas transmission rates and nanoleaks includes placing a sealed package containing the test gas in the lower diffusion cell, closing the upper and lower diffusion cells, flushing the lower diffusion cell with a source of a second gas other than the test gas, closing off the source of the second gas; and measuring the leak rate of the sealed package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Mocon, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Alan Ascheman, Daniel W. Mayer
  • Patent number: 6981404
    Abstract: A device and method for measuring the back pressure in chemical reactor tubes includes many automated features. Inflatable tube seals may be automatically inflated. The device may measure several tubes at once. It may transmit data electronically to a remote computer for analysis and graphic display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Tubemaster, Inc
    Inventors: Clifford L. Johns, Daniel D. Sympson
  • Patent number: 6981405
    Abstract: A device for determining moisture has an LC-oscillating circuit as a transducer and an oscillator for exciting the oscillating circuit. Further, the device for determining moisture has a tuning device for frequency-wise tuning the oscillator and a measuring and evaluation circuit to determine an attenuation condition of the oscillator and to provide a signal that is proportional to a degree of moisture at the transducer. The transducer and the oscillator are coupled in a contact-free manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Vogt Electronic AG
    Inventor: Willi Wimmer
  • Patent number: 6981406
    Abstract: A measurement system is provided for a combustion engine. The measurement system employs a fiber optic cable optically coupled to a light source and has at least one Bragg grating. A second fiber optic cable is coupled to the first fiber optic cable in addition to a wavelength measurement device and a device for measuring intensity. A controller is coupled to the device for measuring intensity and the wavelength measurement device. Based upon the measurements from these devices, the controller determines the temperature and pressure in the combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher A Willner
  • Patent number: 6981407
    Abstract: A modified atomic force microscope (AFM) is used to perform contact resistance and/or current-dependent stiction measurements for conductive thin films at controlled values of applied force. The measurements are preferably performed under conditions approximating the operation of the thin films as electrodes in microswitch array fingerprint sensors. A first, planar thin film is contacted with a second, curved thin film deposited over a round ball having a diameter of a few microns to a few tens of microns. The second film is preferably a coating deposited over the ball and over the arm controlling the ball motion. The coating deposited over the arm provides an electrically conductive path to the contact surface of the ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Fidelica Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventor: Shiva Prakash
  • Patent number: 6981408
    Abstract: A method of testing thin film adhesion includes placing the film at the focus of a cavitation-producing sound beam. Time required to achieve spot erosion provide a measure of adhesion strength. No erosion occurs when insonification pressure amplitude remains below a threshold value. At pressures above a threshold value, cavitation intensity increases with pressure and erosion time decreases. A plot of erosion time versus pressure amplitude reveals a decreasing time versus insonification pressure. The intercept of the plot with the pressure axis corresponds to the instantaneous erosion of the thin film, and thus the adhesion strength. Further, the threshold value of the pressure at which no erosion occurs indicates infinite life of the thin film under cyclic loading and thus corresponds to the endurance limit, i.e., the fatigue strength, of the thin film. A corresponding apparatus is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Inventor: Sameer I. Madanshetty
  • Patent number: 6981409
    Abstract: A control surface controller force measurement system for an aircraft is provided and includes a control surface interface for positioning the aerodynamic control surfaces on an aircraft. The control surface interface transfers mechanical force to an articulated crank, which supplies the flight control system with the desired position of the control surface. The articulated crank has a first mechanical link that is pivotable about a first pivot and a second mechanical link interconnecting the control surface interface to the first mechanical link. The second mechanical link is pivotable with respect to the control surface interface at a second pivot. A force transducer interconnects the first and second mechanical links independent of the second pivot such that the mechanical force applied to the control surface interface is represented by an electrical signal output of the force transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Neal V. Huynh
  • Patent number: 6981410
    Abstract: A flow sensor includes a substrate, an electrical insulating film, and a flow velocity detection mechanism. In the substrate, a diaphragm portion having a first surface in contact with a measurement target fluid and a thick fixing portion surrounding the diaphragm portion are integrally formed. The electrical insulating film is formed on a second surface of the diaphragm portion which is on a side opposite to the first surface. The flow velocity detection mechanism is arranged on the electrical insulating film. A method of manufacturing a flow sensor is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Yamatake Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Seki, Nobuhiko Zushi, Shinichi Ike, Seishi Nakano, Tarou Nakata, Shoji Kamiunten
  • Patent number: 6981411
    Abstract: A measuring element for a flow rate sensor is described, in which the number of terminals is minimized to reduce the dimensions of the measuring element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Konzelmann, Tobias Lang
  • Patent number: 6981413
    Abstract: A handle stem attached to a head tube of a bicycle includes a speed indicator housed in an indicator housing. The indicator is formed of a body including a circuit board and a liquid-crystal display and a battery housing which is detachable from the body. The body is fixed to the indicator housing and accordingly the speed indicator is attached to the handle stem and the battery housing is freely attachable/detachable. The handle stem and the speed indicator are thus obtained with which batteries are easily replaced without detaching the whole of the indicator from the handle stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Cateye Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Osamu Kinoshita
  • Patent number: 6981414
    Abstract: A suspended, coupled micromachined structure including two proof masses and multiple support arms configured to suspend the masses above a substrate and a coupling spring element having two ends. Each end of the coupling spring element may be attached to a proof mass at a point between the proof masses. The frequency response characteristics of the proof masses may be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Gary R. Knowles, Mark W. Weber
  • Patent number: 6981415
    Abstract: By applying a first value of voltage to a first side of a MEMS gyroscope and applying a second value of voltage to a second side of the MEMS gyroscope, the start time of the MEMS gyroscope may be improved. The first and second value of voltage may be provided by a bias power source, such as a battery or a super capacitor. The first value of voltage may be substantially equal in magnitude to and opposite in polarity to the second value of voltage. The bias power source may also be applied to drive electronics connected to the MEMS gyroscope. The bias power source may prevent amplifiers within the drive electronics from saturating during the start time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: William P. Platt, Mark W. Weber
  • Patent number: 6981416
    Abstract: A multi-axis solid state accelerometer is made of electricity conductive material and is made by way of micro-machining. The main structure includes at least one proof mass connected to an anchor by several sensing beams and two boards are located on two sides of the main structure and fixed to the anchor. The sensing beams make the proof mass movable in parallel to or perpendicular to the boards. The surfaces of the proof mass include several grooves, which are parallel to the first axis and the second axis, and an area that has no grooves. Each board that face the grooves include two sets of electrodes and each of which includes several elongate electrodes located corresponding to the grooves. The two sets of elongate electrodes are located interposed each other. The board facing the area having no grooves has electrodes. The electrodes and the surfaces of the proof mass form detection capacitors for each axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Shyu-Mou Chen, Ming-Chun Huang, Chung-Ta Kau
  • Patent number: 6981417
    Abstract: Method and implementing apparatus useful in acquiring data on acoustic features within a sample provides a pulsed acoustic probe and a stage system for effecting relative movement between the sample and the probe. The stage system is commanded such that the probe interrogates a non-rectangularly bounded space on the sample surface or within the volume of the sample. Acoustic energy reflected from or transmitted through the sample is sensed. Amplitude signals are developed from the sensed acoustic energy. Data characterizing the developed amplitude signals are stored for subsequent processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Sonoscan, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael G. Oravecz
  • Patent number: 6981418
    Abstract: A system uses reflection mode acoustical scanning of an object to examine the internal characteristics of the object. The system includes a controller and a jig removably attached to the object. The jig includes an acoustic transducer assembly that is in communication with the controller, which controls the positioning of the acoustic transducer assembly. The jig is adapted to enable the controller to scan the acoustic transducer assembly over the object and to adjust the position of the acoustic transducer assembly during the scan to compensate for the contour of the scanned portion of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: MetScan Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Dennis William Mueller
  • Patent number: 6981419
    Abstract: A vehicle equipped with monitoring equipment is adapted to ride a railroad track rail. An apparatus mount is coupled to the vehicle undercarriage. A downwardly displaced arm is coupled to the apparatus mount. A sensor mounting bracket couples a pair of railroad wheels and a pair of wheel bracket axles couples the wheels to the mounting bracket. A wheel axle couples one wheel to the arm. A sensor is positioned at a fixed adjustable distance above the top of the rail. The sensor is coupled to monitoring equipment with an electronic coupling means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Inventors: D. Robert Hay, Erling O. Nyborg
  • Patent number: 6981420
    Abstract: A microphone is enclosed in a semi-sound insulated housing with a jingle bell type device that generates sound in response to a very slight movement and/or vibration of the housing and/or a structure to which the housing is attached. The sensor's sound insulated housing in cooperation with the microphone's adjustable sound sensitivity circuitry is designed for making the microphone responsive exclusively to the internally generated sound of a jingle bell sound generating type device in response to a movement/vibration of the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Inventor: Arlen J. Lowrance
  • Patent number: 6981421
    Abstract: A pressure gage adapted to provide a mechanical indication of a sensed pressure and to provide an electrical signal indicative of the sensed pressure. The pressure gage includes a housing having a first fluid pressure chamber, a second fluid pressure chamber, and flexible diaphragm separating the first fluid pressure chamber from the second fluid pressure chamber. A magnet is coupled to the diaphragm such that movement of the diaphragm causes a related movement of the magnet. A helix is located adjacent to the magnet and a pointer is attached to the helix for conjoint rotation with a helix about a rotational axis. A Hall effect sensor is also located adjacent the magnet. Movement of the magnet in response to movement of the diaphragm rotates the helix and the pointer to provide a mechanical indication of the pressure sensed by the diaphragm, and the movement of the magnet causes the Hall effect sensor to generate an electrical signal indicative of the pressure sensed by the diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Dwyer Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian L. Palmer, Daniel A. Heuer, Ronald R. Krueger
  • Patent number: 6981422
    Abstract: A multi-tube differential pressure (Delta P) testing system for testing catalyst filled tubes of tube and shell type catalytic reactors has at least one mobile test unit for movement on the upper tube sheet of a catalytic reactor. An array of test probes is mounted to the mobile test unit and is selectively positionable in sealed gas pressure communicating engagement within the upper ends of selected reactor tubes. A pressure testing gas delivery system is interconnected with the test probes and selectively communicates pressurized gas to the testing tubes at a blow-down pressure or selected test pressure determined by restricted orifices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Inventor: Mathis P. Comardo
  • Patent number: 6981423
    Abstract: A system and method relating to the measuring of torque in a rotating shaft is provided. An optical torque sensing system comprises a rotating shaft, wherein a sleeve of photo-elastic material overlays a portion of the shaft. A light emitting component delivers light into the photo-elastic material, wherein the light delivered by the light emitting component is directed through the photo-elastic material along an axis of the rotating shaft. A capturing component captures the light that exits the photo-elastic material. The exiting light comprises fringe pattern data, and a computing system computes torsion strain of the shaft based at least in part on the fringe pattern information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Frederick M. Discenzo