Patents Issued in July 27, 2006
  • Publication number: 20060162437
    Abstract: Tire pressure-indicating gauge is mounted at the center of a spoked wheel for a pneumatic tire to continuously monitor and display the tire's air pressure. The pneumatic tire is mounted on the rim of wheel, and pressurized air may be selectively introduced to, and captured within, the pneumatic tire via a common rim-mounted valve stem. Air pressure within the pneumatic tire is communicated to the pressure-indicating gauge via a hollow channel disposed within one of the spokes of the wheel, on the opposite side of the wheel from the valve stem. The pressure-indicating gauge is secured within a recess in the hub of the wheel in an air-tight fashion. The hollow air channel is preferably molded or cast into a spoke in such a manner that there is little or no outwardly visible physical difference between the various spokes of the wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Inventor: James Jard
  • Publication number: 20060162438
    Abstract: A method of monitoring the condition of a pump (10) or at least one component of a system that includes a pump which component or components are not a part of the pump, includes the step of generating a pre-determined test condition in the pump or system component or components. During a period in which such a test condition is present, signals indicative of the pump or system component or components are obtained. Wear in the pump bearings, the build-up of deposits in the pump or in pipework forming a part of the pump system can be detected or predicted and corrective action taken before the pump or system fails. By providing a method of monitoring pump or system condition in-situ, it is possible to reduce the likelihood of pump failure in use and the need to carry out over frequent servicing of the pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Inventors: Nigel Schofield, Siamak Abbaszadeh, Derek Savidge
  • Publication number: 20060162439
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the operating health of a hydraulic system are provided. The method may include the steps of determining a plurality of operating parameters of the hydraulic system during operation of the hydraulic system, determining an estimated working condition value of the hydraulic system, modifying the estimated working condition value as a function of the operating parameters, and determining the operating health of the hydraulic system as a function of the working condition value. In one method, the working condition value may be indicative of an effective bulk modulus value of an operating fluid within at least part of the hydraulic system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Inventor: Hongliu Du
  • Publication number: 20060162440
    Abstract: A method and system for acoustically sounding the lower atmosphere involves the transmitting of an acoustic chirp and the processing of returned echoes and interference using wavelet and matched filter techniques. A single transmitter and four receivers may be used, with receivers located equidistant from the transmitter on the cardinal points of the compass. N, S, E, & W inputs are digitized and input to a wavelet filter (50) together with the transmitter chip signal (R or D) for the attenuation of the direct signal and ambient noise signals. The interference-attenuated signals are then processed in a matched filter (52) to extract phase and amplitude outputs (54 and 56), the phase output being unwrapped (70). The N and S phase signals and the E and W phase signals are then separately differenced (74 and 80) and the results used to compute (86 and 92) wind speed and bearing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Inventor: Andrew Martin
  • Publication number: 20060162441
    Abstract: The time it takes for a hot-wire airflow meter to begin to operate normally upon startup of an automobile is reduced. A heat-generating resistor Rh for measuring airflow rate, a temperature-compensating resistor Rc, and a resistor R1 for detecting the current through the heat-generating resistor are connected in parallel. A differential voltage between a power supply voltage Vb and the voltage across the emitter-collector junction of transistors Q1, Q2, or Q3 is applied to each of the heat-generating resistor Rh, temperature-compensating resistor Rc, and current-detecting resistor R1. The transistors Q1, Q2, and Q3 form a current mirror circuit 20, by which the ratio of currents through the heat-generating resistor Rh, temperature-compensating resistor Rc, and current-detecting resistor R1 is determined. The current ratio is maintained to be a predetermined ratio even if the heating current is controlled by an operational amplifier 21 due to an increase or decrease in airflow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2005
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Inventor: Ryo Ando
  • Publication number: 20060162442
    Abstract: IN a thermal type flow measurement apparatus, a heating element is disposed in a fluid passage and generates heat by a passage of a current through itself. A first thermal sensitive element is disposed adjacent upstream of the heating element in a direction of fluid flow to be measured. A second thermal sensitive element is disposed adjacent downstream of the heating element in the direction of fluid flow to be measured. The fluid passage is provided with the heating element, the first thermal sensitive element, and the second thermal sensitive element. The fluid passage has an asymmetric structure with respect to the direction of fluid flow. Means for measuring a difference of temperatures is sensed by the first and the second thermal sensitive elements to produce a voltage according to a fluid flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Applicant: Hitachi Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Matsumoto, Masamichi Yamada, Hiroshi Nakano, Keiji Hanzawa, Keiichi Nakada
  • Publication number: 20060162443
    Abstract: A microvalve sensor for sensing fluid flow therethrough and generating an electrical signal indicative thereof comprises: a housing connectable inline with a fluid passageway; a microvalve disposed in the housing to permit fluid to flow unidirectionally through the housing, the microvalve including: a substrate; an insulating layer disposed over the substrate, the substrate and insulating layer including an orifice to accommodate fluid flow through the housing; and a diaphragm element disposed over the insulating layer, the diaphragm element including: a solid center portion having an area sufficient to cover the orifice, and an outer portion surrounding the center portion having a plurality of apertures for passing fluid from the orifice through the housing, the outer portion being affixed to the insulating layer around a periphery thereof, the diaphragm element and substrate forming opposite plates of a capacitor having a capacitance which changes with fluid flow through the housing; and a circuit coupled a
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Inventors: Colin Drummond, Joseph Richey
  • Publication number: 20060162444
    Abstract: An apparatus for testing natural, partially artificial, or artificial musculoskeletal joints is provided as well as a method for using the same. In one aspect, the system employs a weighted, articulated apparatus, such as a pendulum, moving in response to a driving signal to determine a property of the musculoskeletal joint. Also within the invention is a method of growing cells under physiologic conditions of a musculoskeletal joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Inventor: Joseph Crisco
  • Publication number: 20060162445
    Abstract: A pressure-difference sensor, which is asymmetrical by design, includes a measuring apparatus having a first half-chamber with a first volume V1, which is sealed by a first separating membrane having a first membrane stiffness E1, and a second half-chamber with a second volume V2, which is sealed by a second separating membrane having a second membrane stiffness E2, wherein the first half-chamber is separated from the second half-chamber by a pressure sensitive element, especially a measuring membrane, and the first half-chamber is filled with a first transfer liquid having a first coefficient of thermal expansion ?1 and the second half-chamber is filled with a transfer liquid having a second coefficient of thermal expansion ?2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Inventors: Wolfgang Dannhauer, Dietfried Burczyk
  • Publication number: 20060162446
    Abstract: A piezoelectric vibrating gyro element is constructed by crystal and includes at least in the same plane a base portion; a pair of vibrating arms for detection extended out from the base portion to both sides in a straight line shape, and having groove portions; a weight portion connected to the tip of each of the vibrating arms for detection; a pair of connecting arms extended out from the base portion to both the sides in directions perpendicular to the vibrating arms for detection; pairs of vibrating arms for driving each extended out from the tip portion of each of the connecting arms to both the sides perpendicularly to this tip portion, and having groove portions; and a weight portion connected to the tip of each of the vibrating arms for driving; wherein, when the vibrating arm for driving is set to Ld in length and Wd in width, and the vibrating arm for detection is set to Lp in length and Wp in width, and the connecting arm is set to Lc in length and Wc in width, the piezoelectric vibrating gyro elem
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2006
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Inventor: Seiichiro Ogura
  • Publication number: 20060162447
    Abstract: A piezoelectric vibration gyro element formed by etching from a quartz substrate of a Z-plate, includes: a base portion, a pair of vibration arms for detection extending from the base portion toward both sides thereof in the direction of Y-axis, a pair of coupling arms extending from the base portion toward both sides thereof in the direction of X-axis, pairs of vibration arms for driving extending from the end portions of the coupling arms toward both sides thereof in the direction of Y-axis, four beams extending from the base portion, and support portions connected to the ends of the beams, which are all arranged on an XY plane; wherein the beams are extending in the directions of about 30° or about 60° with the X-axis as a reference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2006
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Inventor: Seiichiro Ogura
  • Publication number: 20060162448
    Abstract: An Integrated gyroscope includes a suspended mass; mobile actuation electrodes extending from the suspended mass; and a sensing mass connected to the actuation mass through coupling springs. The suspended mass is formed by an external part and an internal part, electrically separated by an electrical-insulation region having a closed annular shape. The electrical-insulation region is laterally completely surrounded by the external part and by the internal part. In one embodiment, the suspended mass has the shape of a closed frame delimiting an opening, the sensing mass is formed inside the opening and is connected to the internal part, and the mobile actuation electrodes are connected to the external part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Guido Durante, Simone Sassolini, Andrea Clerici
  • Publication number: 20060162449
    Abstract: The present invention provides an angular velocity sensor and a method of fabrication thereof that facilitates the work of affixing a tuning-fork-type crystal element and adjusting the same, preventing waste caused by scrapping defective products and also encouraging miniaturization of components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2006
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Inventors: Hideryo Matsudo, Masahiro Yoshimatsu, Takahiro Inoue, Kenichi Kikuchi
  • Publication number: 20060162450
    Abstract: In an acceleration sensor detecting inclined displacement of a predetermined article from a basic position, the acceleration sensor (10) includes a sensor chip having a detection plane including one detection axis or two crossing detection axes detecting the inclined displacement. An axis orthogonal to the detection plane of the sensor chip is disposed in parallel with a standard plane of the article in the basic position. Then, the sensor chip obtains an output signal according to the inclined displacement of the standard plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Inventors: Muneo Harada, Naoki Ikeuchi, Hiroyuki Hashimoto
  • Publication number: 20060162451
    Abstract: An application of rate gyros and accelerometers allows electronic measurement of the motion of a rigid or semi-rigid body, such as a body associated with sporting equipment including a fly rod during casting, a baseball bat, a tennis racquet or a golf club during swinging. For instance, data can be collected by one gyro according to the present invention is extremely useful in analyzing the motion of a fly rod during fly casting instruction, and can also be used during the research, development and design phases of fly casting equipment including fly rods and fly lines. Similarly, data collected by three gyros and three accelerometers is extremely useful in analyzing the three dimensional motion of other sporting equipment such as baseball bats, tennis racquets and golf clubs. This data can be used to support instruction as well as design of the sporting equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2006
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Inventor: Noel Perkins
  • Publication number: 20060162452
    Abstract: The invention concerns an inertial sensor or an actuator based on diamagnetic levitation, said inertial sensor or actuator comprising support means serving as main support body for an inertial sensor or for an actuator, a two dimensional array of permanent magnets and a diamagnetic element facing the said array characterized in that said diamagnetic material constitutes the inertial mass or the moving part of the actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Inventors: Roland Moser, Jan Sandtner, Francois Barrot
  • Publication number: 20060162453
    Abstract: A compact, high-sensitivity acceleration sensor that is prevented from being affected by factors other than acceleration, such as a change in temperature, has a bimorph acceleration-sensor element including first and second resonators attached to opposite sides of a base plate with respect to a direction in which acceleration is applied. One longitudinal end of the acceleration-sensor element is fixed such that the first and second resonators bend in the same direction in response to the acceleration. Changes in frequency or changes in impedance in the first and second resonators caused by the bending of the acceleration-sensor element are differentially detected in order to detect the acceleration. The acceleration-sensor element is bendable about a central bending plane in response to the acceleration, the central bending plane being positioned at a central portion of the base plate with respect to the application direction of acceleration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Inventors: Atsushi Mikado, Jun Tabota
  • Publication number: 20060162454
    Abstract: The present invention relates to measuring devices used in measuring acceleration, and, more specifically, to capacitive acceleration sensors. The improved sensor arrangement of the invention enables reliable and effective measuring of acceleration, in small capacitive acceleration sensor designs, in particular. The acceleration sensor arrangement measuring circuitry of the present invention can also be applied for multi-terminal sensors, such as, for example, acceleration sensors with three axes, by using time division signal multiplexing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2004
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Inventor: Hannu Manninen
  • Publication number: 20060162455
    Abstract: A method and device for measuring vibration frequency of a multi-cantilever which eliminate the need of incorporating an exciting or detecting element in each cantilever and simplify the structure of a cantilever array by means of optical pumping and optical measurement, and can provide high Q values and diversities of high-frequency operations and modification methods to the cantilevers. A cantilever array (11) in which the natural frequencies of cantilevers (2˜n) are different is used, and their natural vibrations are sequentially excited by modulation optical excitation in order to measure the vibrations with a laser Doppler meter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 25, 2003
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Inventor: Hideki Kawakatsu
  • Publication number: 20060162456
    Abstract: A hat stringer inspection device permits continuous inspection of hat stringers as one or more probes are moved along the length of the hat stringer. Probes may be magnetically coupled to opposing surfaces of the structure, including, for example, where one of the probes is positioned inside the hat stringer and the probes are magnetically coupled across the surface of the hat stringer. The device may be autonomous with a feedback-controlled motor to drive the inspection device along the hat stringer. Magnetic coupling is also used to re-orient the position and/or alignment of the probes with respect to changes in the hat stringer or shapes, sizes, and configurations of hat stingers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2005
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Inventors: James Kennedy, Dennis Sarr, Michael Chapman, Michael Fogarty, Martin Freet, Gary Georgeson, Ronald VonWahlde
  • Publication number: 20060162457
    Abstract: A method of using ultrasound to inspect a part in immersion, by means of a focused beam of ultrasound waves oriented perpendicularly to the surface of the part, the method consisting, when the axis of the focused beam is close to an edge of the part, in tilting the axis towards said edge relative to the normal to the surface of the part in order to eliminate the lateral shadow zone over all or substantially all of the depth of the part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Applicant: SNECMA
    Inventors: Jean-yves Chatellier, Richard Coulette
  • Publication number: 20060162458
    Abstract: An isolation assembly for connection to a process transmitter and for mitigating high temperature effects of a process fluid includes a process coupling face having an isolation diaphragm configured to contact process fluid. A transmitter coupling has a pressure coupling configured to couple to a pressure port of the process transmitter. A temperature isolation fluid conduit extends between the process coupling face and the transmitter coupling and carries an isolation fluid which couples a pressure applied to the isolation diaphragm to the pressure coupling to minimize high temperature effects of the process fluid on the process transmitter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Inventor: David Broden
  • Publication number: 20060162459
    Abstract: A pressure transmitter assembly for measuring a pressure of a process fluid includes an isolation diaphragm assembly configured to couple to a process fluid. A pressure sensor is coupled to the isolation diaphragm assembly and is configured to sense a pressure. An isolation diaphragm coupling flange is provided to carry the isolation diaphragm assembly and includes a cutaway portion to provide thermal isolation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Inventor: David Broden
  • Publication number: 20060162460
    Abstract: It is related to the shape of a back surface formed to allow a pre-loading diaphragm to become deformed at a threshold pressure value. A differential pressure measuring apparatus has the pre-loading diaphragm which becomes deformed to prevent sensors from being broken when pressure higher than a threshold pressure value is applied, wherein only convex parts of the pre-loading diaphragm are in close contact with convex parts of the back surface of a body respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2005
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Inventors: Tetsuya Ooshiba, Ryo Kurosawa, Keita Akashi
  • Publication number: 20060162461
    Abstract: A pressure sensing device (10, 40) is shown having a ceramic capacitive sensing element (12) received in a chamber formed in a hexport housing (16). The hexport housing has a fluid passageway (16c) communicating with a recessed chamber (16d) formed in a bottom wall circumscribed by an annular platform shoulder (16e). A thin flexible metal diaphragm (18) is hermetically attached to the bottom wall along the platform shoulder. A curable adhesive resin having a thermal coefficient of expansion and modulus of elasticity appropriately matching that of sensing element (12), such as polyurethane, is cast between the sensing element (12) and the metal diaphragm (18) forming, when cured, a layer bonded to both members resulting in a sensor that is effective in monitoring negative as well as positive fluid pressures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Inventors: Alan Amore, Eric Giasson, James Ogilvie, Stephen Greene, David Field, Andrew Willner, Vanvisa Attaset
  • Publication number: 20060162462
    Abstract: A pressure sensor having a pressure sensor element, the pressure sensor element having a diaphragm area and a first fixing area, the pressure to be measured exerting a force action on the diaphragm area, the first fixing area being connected to a second fixing area of a fixing element to fix the pressure sensor element, and the first fixing area and the second fixing area being pressure-loaded by the force action.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Inventors: Joerg Muchow, Hubert Benzel, Heribert Weber, Frank Schaefer
  • Publication number: 20060162463
    Abstract: A material testing machine includes a load mechanism for applying a load to a test piece, and a plurality of detectors for detecting physical values associated with the applied load. An A/D converter receives the output measurement data of each of the detected physical values, and digitalizes the received output data. The A/D converter has multiple channels, and can select use/nonuse of each of the multiple channels based on an external selection signal. Since the detecting rate and/or the detecting accuracy are inversely proportional to the number of multiple channels in use at one time, the machine enables a user to prioritize between the number of channels in use, the detecting rate, and the detecting accuracy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Applicant: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Kawano
  • Publication number: 20060162464
    Abstract: A pressure-sensitive sensor (a pressure sensor) for measuring the pressure applied to a pressure-receiving part by assuming the pressure as an amount of deformation of the pressure-receiving part and converting the amount of deformation into an electrical signal and a monitor for monitoring the action and the state and change of the emotional motion of a person through the pressure-sensitive sensor, for example, a pet robot that senses the petting action of the owner and performs a predetermined reaction and action are disclosed. The sensor comprises at least two parallel electrode sheets disposed in a spaced relationship from each other and an expandable dielectric member interposed between the adjacent two electrode sheets. When a pressure is exerted on the outermost electrode sheet, the dielectric member deforms and its capacitance varies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Inventors: Kotaro Hayashi, Takanobu Makimura, Takanori Shibata
  • Publication number: 20060162465
    Abstract: A measuring tube of the in-line measuring device is lined internally with a liner. The liner is made of a polyurethane produced using a catalyst that contains metal-organic compounds. The metals that are brought into the liner and remain there are chemically, especially atomically, bonded to carbon chains formed in the liner. The in-line measuring device is thus especially suited for measuring drinking water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Applicant: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AG
    Inventors: Thomas Sulzer, Johannes Ruchel
  • Publication number: 20060162466
    Abstract: The present invention provides restrictive-flow flow measurement devices, valve improvements and signal control devices and processes that control the flow of liquids, including control processes for single-liquid calibration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Inventors: Christopher Wargo, J. Karl Niermeyer, Jieh-Hwa Shyu, Craig Brodeur, William Basser
  • Publication number: 20060162467
    Abstract: A water meter register has a shaft for rotating an energy passing wheel having a high transmission portion and a low transmission portion. Energy rays are directed toward one side of the wheel toward a pair of detectors mounted on the other side of the wheel. Each of the detectors generates a first signal when energy passing through the first wheel portion is incident thereon and a second signal when the energy from the devices is incident on the second wheel portion to determine water volume flow rate. In another embodiment, an electronic device acts on the signals from the detectors to provide an adjusted signal that is a more accurate measure of flow rate. In another embodiment, the register includes a plurality of wheels to display measured volume flow, and a stepper motor mount within the wheels to rotate the wheels to present a readable measured volume flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2005
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Applicant: Arad Measuring Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventor: Dan Winter
  • Publication number: 20060162468
    Abstract: A mass flowmeter employing the Coriolis principle incorporates in at least one section two measuring tubes that extend along a common plane, as well as a connecting device that connects the two measuring tubes in the section in which they extend along the common plane. The connecting device is designed and positioned in a manner whereby its flexural strength for flections in the common plane of the measuring tubes is greater than its torsional rigidity for torsional oscillations around the connecting line between the two measuring tubes. This achieves good frequency separation between the excitation oscillations generated in the common plane of the measuring tubes and the oscillations of the measuring tubes perpendicular to the former.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Inventors: Yousif Hussain, Chris Rolph, Vincent Cook
  • Publication number: 20060162469
    Abstract: A torque sensor is provided with a torsion bar, first and second elongate sleeves respectively secured to one and the other ends of the torsion bar, and a pair of resolvers respectively mounted on the first and second elongate sleeves. First and second stop portions are provided respectively at overlapping portions of the first and second elongate sleeves where the second elongate sleeve is fit partly on the external surface of the first elongate sleeve with a play. A rotary sleeve given to one of the resolvers is press-fit on the external surface of the stop portion provided on the second elongate sleeve for mounting one of the resolvers thereon as well as for reinforcing the mechanical strength of the stop portion provided on the second elongate sleeve. Further, the resolvers used therein are chosen as those respectively having n-poles and m-poles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Applicant: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsunori Naruse, Yuji Yoshizawa, Yusuke Mochizuki
  • Publication number: 20060162470
    Abstract: A direct measuring loaded gage axle assembly that measures track strength by directly measuring constant load on split axles as vertical loads are imposed by a hydraulic ram, and horizontal loads being supplied by horizontal rams through split axles and steel wheels to the railroad tracks enabling improved calibration to measure changes in track gauge indicating track strength condition and further including electronic data recording and comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Inventors: Daniel Otto, Harold Ruggles, Martin Conneally
  • Publication number: 20060162471
    Abstract: Disclosed is a pressure sensor comprising sensor layers (12, 14) which are made of an elastic, resistive material and are applied to a polymer film that is not represented. (22) embodies a spacer that is coated with an adhesive. One sensor layer (14) is provided with a microstructured surface encompassing spherical structures (20) within an active zone (16). The compression path amounts to 10 micrometers at an extension R of the structures of 50 micrometers. The structures (20) are large compared with a certain surface roughness. The inventive pressure sensor is produced by injection molding, etching, embossing, or by means of an electron beam technique or laser beam technique. Disclosed are variations thereof, which function differently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Inventors: Werner Bieck, Aloyse Kirsch, Alain Schumacher, Aloyse Schoos
  • Publication number: 20060162472
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device (65) for examining a container mouth (4) for defects in a mouth sealing surface (3), wherein a light source (5) serves to emit light beams (22?a,22?b) on to the mouth (4) such that they comprise a direction component impinging tangentially upon the sealing surface (3) and are scattered as they impinge upon a defect in the sealing surface (3), wherein at least some of these scattered light beams (26) are detected by means of a sensor (18?). The tangential direction component is produced by virtue of the fact that in the beam path between the light source (5) and the mouth (4) there is disposed an optical deflecting element (39?) which is transparent at least to light of a certain wavelength and deflects such impinging light beams (22) accordingly. The invention renders it possible to utilize simple means to amplify contrast during the detection of defects in the sealing surface (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2006
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Applicant: Heye International GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Schmidt, Hartwin Stuwe
  • Publication number: 20060162473
    Abstract: What is described is a length measurement system and method for measuring relative movements between first and second machine parts, said measurement system comprising a sensing head and a rule sensed by it, said sensing head being securely mountable on the first machine part and said rule being connectable with the second machine part during final assembly of the length measurement system, wherein the rule is mounted within a profiled part which is securely mountable on the second machine part in final assembly and into which the sensing head protrudes, said sensing head being preadjusted, via a removable mounting element, and being releasably connected with said profiled part, in a state prepared for final assembly, or said sensing head, when finally assembled, protruding into the profiled part without being supported thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2003
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Inventors: Ludwig Boge, Hans-Joachim Freitag, Heinz-Gunther Franz, Andreas Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20060162474
    Abstract: An end face sensor device and a method of producing the sensor device, where the sensor device has flexibility or bendability independent of its shape and is suitable for constructing various devices with desired shapes. The end face sensor device is characterized in that a receptor portion is formed on an end face of a filiform body, the receptor body receiving information from a subject and outputting it as different information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Inventors: Yasuhiko Kasama, Kenji Omote, Satoshi Fujimoto
  • Publication number: 20060162475
    Abstract: Drive means for motor vehicles, comprising an internal combustion engine (1) and an unsynchronised autoshift gearbox (9). The clutch and the gearbox are s controlled by an electronic transmission control unit (45) which communicates with an engine control unit (48), to which are fed signals representing the selected gear from a gear selector (46) and signals representing various engine and vehicle data. The input shaft of the gearbox is coordinated with a torque sensor (60), which provides a signal dependent of the torque on the input shaft to to the transmission control unit, which is disposed to continuously register the current torque on the input shaft and utilize the torque signal from the torque sensor to calculate the current vehicle motion resistance. The gear selection is made here based on the calculated vehicle motion resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Inventors: Anders Eriksson, Marcus Steen
  • Publication number: 20060162476
    Abstract: A transmission system including a shift mechanism for operating and controlling the transmission system. To automatically detect geometric characteristic values of the transmission system or of the shifting device a selector motor and a shift motor actuate a select or finger that is displaceably mounted in a selection-shift-passageway layout. Starting from an initial position whose coordinates within the selection-shift-passageway layout are unknown, the selector finger is displaced in the directions of shifting and in the directions of selection in order to detect paths of movement in the direction of selection or shifting. The selector finger is repeatedly displaced to establish the maximum paths of movement until the predetermined transmission geometric characteristic values are completely detected. Also disclosed are a control device for controlling a transmission system that includes a shift mechanism, and a method for controlling such a transmission system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2006
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Applicant: Luk Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Martin Zimmermann, Holger Stork, Georg Schneider, Klaus Henneberger, Martin Eckert, Gunter Hirt, Thomas Jager, Martin Vornehm, Volker Kretz-Busch, Reinhard Berger
  • Publication number: 20060162477
    Abstract: An electrical control device for a motor-driven derailleur for bicycles. The control device has a supporting body adapted for attachment to the handlebars of the bicycle. A brake lever is mounted on the supporting body so that it can oscillate. A pair of switches, for controlling gear change, are carried by the supporting body. The switches are preferably mounted on a supporting plate that is located on the supporting body. Preferably, the switches are pre-assembled on the support plate before the plate is positioned on the supporting body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Applicant: Campagnolo S.r.l.
    Inventor: Valentino Campagnolo
  • Publication number: 20060162478
    Abstract: A switching device (2) for a multi-step vehicle transmission (4) having one main transmission part (6) and an auxiliary-section transmission part (10) comprising the switching mechanisms (12, 14, 18, 38) for actuating switching elements (44, 50, 52, 54) in the main transmission part (6) and switching mechanisms (12, 14, 18, 38) for actuating switching elements (42, 46) in the auxiliary-section transmission part (10). The switching mechanisms (12, 14, 18, 38) for actuating the switching elements (44, 50, 52, 54) in the main transmission part (6) also actuate the switching elements (42, 46) in the auxiliary-section transmission part (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Inventor: Josef Bader
  • Publication number: 20060162479
    Abstract: A bicycle shift control device is provided for clearly displaying a current shift position to the rider. The bicycle shift control device has a housing with an indicating portion having a plurality of indicia bores. An indicating member is operatively coupled to a shift member, which is coupled to the housing. The indicating member is configured to selectively align with at least one of the indicia bores in response to operation of the shift member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2005
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Applicant: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Yoshinori Irie
  • Publication number: 20060162480
    Abstract: Bevel-cornered cable eyelets suitable to be operatively fitted onto a moveable brake arm of a motor vehicle park brake mechanism have an eyelet portion forming a bevel-cornered opening and a cable connection portion integral with the eyelet portion. In typical motor vehicle park brake applications, good performance can be achieved with the front corners beveled at an angle of 35-55 degrees to the front surface. The opening of the cable eyelet to receive the brake arm has a fore-and-aft inside dimension smaller than the lateral inside dimension of the opening. The bevel surfaces resist turning of the eyelet relative to the brake arm during normal use. A motor vehicle park brake cable comprises an elongate brake cable having a first end suitable to be connected to a park brake actuator and a second end attached to a bevel-cornered cable eyelet. The eyelet is readily disengaged from the brake arm, e.g., for repairs, service, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Inventor: Jerry Nichols
  • Publication number: 20060162481
    Abstract: A long hole is provided on a bracket fixedly provided on a rear face of a dashboard such that the long hole is adjacent to a support hole supporting a pivot of an operating pedal with a partition wall provided between the long hole and the long hole. Also, a control lever is pivotally supported on a front face of the pivot via the operating pedal such that a lower arm of the control lever faces the front face. A stopper member fixedly provided on a vehicle body faces an upper arm of the control lever from behind. Therefore, when the control lever abuts against the stopper member and rotates as the dashboard is deformed rearward, the pivot breaks the partition wall to move rearward within the long hole due to an excessive load received from the control lever. Thus, the support hole of the pivot of the operating pedal can be formed into a circular shape conforming to an outer peripheral face of the pivot, so that no rattling occurs between the support hole and the pivot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Inventor: Jun Sato
  • Publication number: 20060162482
    Abstract: A bicycle stem is described that includes steering column clamping end portion, a hollow tubular portion and handlebar clamping end portion. The steering column clamping end portion is configured to be coupled to a bicycle steering column. The hollow tubular portion extends from the steering column clamping end portion to the handlebar clamping end portion. The handlebar clamping end portion is configured to be coupled to a bicycle handlebar. The handlebar clamping end portion includes two horizontally aligned first handlebar abutment surfaces that are laterally spaced apart relative to a center axis of the hollow tubular portion. The handlebar clamping end portion also includes a first arc shaped wall section extending between the first handlebar abutment surfaces with the first arc shaped wall section having a first convex exterior surface and a first concaved interior surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2005
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Applicant: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Shinpei Okajima, Takeshi Yoshimatsu
  • Publication number: 20060162483
    Abstract: An apparatus which has an extension arm adapted to mount a handlebar to a steering post of a vehicle. The extension arm having a first end and a second end. A coupling body is provided for pivotally mounting the first end to the steering post. A coupling body is also provided for pivotally mounting the second end to the handlebar. A linkage with a locking pin is provided for locking the handlebar in a selected orientation relative to the mounting arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Inventor: Ken Bowers
  • Publication number: 20060162484
    Abstract: A bike or motorcycle bumper fastening means with both ends each provided with a locking hole; a pair of clamps extending from the locking hole to clamp each end of the bumper; each clamp being adapted with a through holes aligned to each other; either clamp being provided with a secondary through hole on the opposite side where the through hole is provided for adjustment purpose to reduce the spacing between the clamp and the end of the bumper to prevent handlebars from getting deformed or loosened up due to improper clamping force as found with the prior art.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2005
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Inventor: Hsueh-Sen Liao
  • Publication number: 20060162485
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a steering wheel assembly having a hub, a spoke extending from the hub, and a wheel mounted to the spoke for controlling the steering operation of the vehicle. A contoured web is disclosed for facilitating an ergonomic gripping of the steering wheel and for providing comfort to the driver. The invention also discloses a plurality of vehicle operation controls mounted upon the steering wheel assembly for facilitating convenience to the driver while operating the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2005
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Inventors: Jeremy Leng, Matthew Hill, Kris Tomasson, David Woodhouse
  • Publication number: 20060162486
    Abstract: A pedal safety apparatus attached to a pedal assembly in a vehicle for restricting objects from becoming lodged between the pedal and the floor. The safety apparatus includes an assembly bracket attached to the floor surface for securing the assembly bracket to the floor surface. An upper attachment portion is attached to a bottom surface of the pedal for securing the upper attachment portion to the pedal. A boot is secured to the upper attachment portion and the assembly bracket and is resiliently compressible when the pedal is translated toward the floor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Inventor: Eric Demmers