Patents Issued in December 14, 2006
  • Publication number: 20060277991
    Abstract: A dive computer having multiple sensors and voting logic to determine accuracy of sensor reading. The invention provides, in various embodiments, aspects of a safer dive computer capable of detecting and eliminating erroneous sensor measurement readings and systems and methods relating to determination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventor: Michael Dahan
  • Publication number: 20060277992
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a capacitance sensing apparatus equipped with self-calibrating capacity and method of use thereof. The disclosure contemplates the determination using a secondary means of precise fluid levels according to five possible embodiments, and the use of the determined fluid level to recalibrate the capacitance sensing apparatus along its continuous analog level, namely, a variation of the thickness of the insulation of a capacitance sensing apparatus, the variation of the surface geometry of the capacitance sensing apparatus, the use of a dual-probe sensor including a probe with a varied surface geometry, the use of an electromagnetic sensor adjoining the capacitance sensor, and the variation of the electromechanical sensor to serve as a capacitance sensing apparatus. The disclosure also contemplates methods for using the sensing apparatus previously disclosed to measure a fluid level using a self-calibrating capacitance sensing apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventor: Ronald Calabrese
  • Publication number: 20060277993
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gravity measurement apparatus comprising a torsion balance bearing a test mass. The torsion balance has a predetermined center of mass and is rotatable around a predetermined rotation axis, wherein the torsion balance is asymmetric in such a way that the center of mass of the torsion balance is offset to the rotation axis of the torsion balance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventors: Lijun Wang, Felix Muller, Bruno Menegozzi
  • Publication number: 20060277994
    Abstract: A measuring cup includes a cup portion formed of a flexible material, such as silicone, secured to a rigid annular portion maintaining the shape of the opening of the cup. A handle secures to the annular portion. A tab may secure to the annular portion opposite the handle. A downwardly extending ridge secures to the annular portion and the cup portion includes a slit circumscribing the opening that receives the ridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Applicant: PROGRESSIVE INTERNATIONAL CORP.
    Inventor: Sarah Peterson
  • Publication number: 20060277995
    Abstract: A gyro sensor having a vibrator and a start circuit generates an oscillation encouraging signal by boosting a first voltage to a voltage of the signal in response to a start signal of a start frequency sent from the start circuit. The vibrator is vibrated in response to the oscillation encouraging signal. When the vibrator is self-excited, the vibrator outputs a first detecting signal indicating an oscillating amplitude and oscillating frequency in the vibration of the vibrator. The sensor boosts the first voltage to a second voltage in response to the first detecting signal and generates a driving signal of a driving frequency and the second voltage. The self-excitation of the vibrator is continued in response to the driving signal. The vibrator outputs a second detecting signal indicating a yaw added to the vibrator. The sensor generates a sensor signal corresponding to the yaw from the second detecting signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yuji Kutsuna
  • Publication number: 20060277996
    Abstract: The invention provides an angular velocity sensor which is provided with a smoothing circuit having a large smoothing time constant so that it can be reduced in size and integrated into an IC. Smoothing circuit (9) is provided with first switch (11), first capacitor (12), second switch (13), second capacitor (17) and control signal feeding means (15). Control signal feeding means (15) feeds first switch (11) and second switch (13) with a signal for controlling ON/OFF. According to this configuration, an equivalently large smoothing time constant can be set by reducing the frequency of the switching control signal of control signal feeding means (15), even if the capacities of first capacitor (12) and second capacitor (17) are small. Especially in case the capacitors are integrated into an IC, their area of occupation can be reduced to reduce the size of the angular velocity sensor and integrate the same into the IC.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventors: Keisuke Kuroda, Takeshi Uemura
  • Publication number: 20060277997
    Abstract: A teeter-totter apparatus uses a curved beam to generate a differential output which may be indicative of an acceleration applied to the apparatus. The curved-beam teeter-totter apparatus can be combined with an x-axis and y-axis accelerometer, to produce a tri-axis accelerometer which is sensitive to an acceleration applied in any direction Damping plates may be added to the accelerometers to reduce unwanted motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2005
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Applicant: Innovative Micro Technology
    Inventors: John Foster, Paul Rubel
  • Publication number: 20060277998
    Abstract: The method decomposes the radio frequency signal into sub-bands by filtering, for example with a time-frequency transform. From the coefficients acquired through decomposition a matrix of spectral coefficients is obtained, from which local estimators are obtained, constituted in particular by the coefficients of the interpolating polynomials. The statistical distribution of the local estimators is evaluated in windows overlaid on the ultrasound frame. The conformation of the distribution histograms of the spectral coefficients provides a parameter which, combined with the local estimators, provides weighted local estimators, which contain spectral information useful in the identification of specific structures in the organ subjected to ultrasound analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2004
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventor: Leonardo Masotti
  • Publication number: 20060277999
    Abstract: An audiometer includes a data acquisition/transducer module, a signal processing module and a user interface. A probe is coupled to the data acquisition module. The signal processing module forms an otoacoustic emission stimulus signal for transduction to a patient via the data acquisition/transducer module and the probe and to detect a response to the stimulus. The audiometer operable to correlate the response to a hearing disability corresponding to a hearing loss at one of a plurality of auditory thresholds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2005
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Applicant: BIO-LOGIC SYSTEMS CORP.
    Inventor: Gabriel Raviv
  • Publication number: 20060278000
    Abstract: An electromagnetic acoustic transducer (12, 24) has one or a plurality of magnets for applying a DEC magnetic field to a material (4, 25) under test, and an electrical coil (2, 23) supplied by an alternating current source for, providing an AC magnetic flux within the material under test. A wear plate (16, 26) engages with an slides along the surface of the material under test. The wear plate (16, 26) is of electrically conductive ferromagnetic material and has apertures (17, 31) therein. Thus, both the DC field and the ACT flux can penetrate the material under test and create ultrasonic vibration of that material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Applicant: PII LTD
    Inventors: David Paige, Andrew Robert, Ian Sowerby
  • Publication number: 20060278001
    Abstract: A pressure detector having a pipe inner pressure receiving opening section comprising a fluid passage for transporting fluid and a diaphragm hermetically sealing an opening made in one side face of the fluid passage, and a pressure detecting section coupled with the pipe inner pressure receiving opening section through the diaphragm and detecting physical variation of the diaphragm, characterized in that the diaphragm is provided loosely at the opening, and the pressure detecting section comprises at least a pressure detector, a load transmitting means having one end connected with the diaphragm and the other end touching the pressure detector, and means for loading the pressure detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Applicant: JMS Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuru Kaneko, Noriaki Nakagawa, Tadashi Okiyama
  • Publication number: 20060278002
    Abstract: A high-pressure sensor device has a pressure sensor element and an electric circuit, in particular in the form of a semiconductor component, the pressure sensor element having a membrane deformable under the effect of pressure, and a functional layer, which experiences a change in its electrical properties when deformed, and which has at least one electric terminal area, and the design and the manufacturing process being simplified in particular by the fact that the semiconductor component is directly connected to the electric terminal area via a solder layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventors: Ralf Henn, Axel Jasenek, Arno Stoetzler
  • Publication number: 20060278003
    Abstract: Pressure measurement may be achieved by using a pressure-conveyance media that responds to externally applied pressure to convey pressure to a pressure sensor. With the conveyance of pressure, the pressure measurement may be accomplished by determining a pressure of the pressure-conveyance media, determining a temperature of the pressure-conveyance media, and determining pressure externally exerted on the pressure-conveyance media based one the pressure of the pressure-conveyance media and the temperature of the pressure-conveyance media.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventors: Tyler Bessette, Donald McIntosh
  • Publication number: 20060278004
    Abstract: A combination vacuum gauge provides simultaneous absolute and differential pressure measurements over a wide range of pressures ranging from atmospheric pressures to ultrahigh vacuum by processing the readings from an absolute high vacuum gauge (e.g., an ionization gauge and/or a heat-loss sensor), a differential low vacuum gauge providing a differential relative to ambient pressure (e.g., a diaphragm sensor), and a barometric absolute pressure sensor exposed to the ambient atmosphere outside the measurement region. The barometric absolute pressure sensor reading is used to convert the differential vacuum gauge reading from uncalibrated differential pressure to calibrated absolute pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2005
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Applicant: Helix Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Paul Rutt, Michael Borenstein
  • Publication number: 20060278005
    Abstract: A pressure sensor including a deformable sensor body formed of a compressible material. A deformation sensor is embedded in the deformable sensor body and has an electrical property which changes in response to deformation of the deformable sensor body. Electrical connections which extend from outside the deformable sensor body to the embedded deformation sensor to provide an indication of an applied line pressure or differential pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventors: David Broden, Robert Hedtke
  • Publication number: 20060278006
    Abstract: A pressure detector for detecting a high side pressure from a high pressure side impulse line and a low side pressure from a low pressure side impulse line includes a high side pressure variance calculating section for calculating a high side pressure variance from a high side pressure fluctuation calculated from a high side pressure signal, a low side pressure variance calculating section for calculating a low side pressure variance from a low side pressure fluctuation calculated from a low side pressure signal, a rate calculating section for calculating a variable according to a ratio of the high side pressure variance to the low side pressure variance, and a determining section for determining blockage of the high pressure side impulse line or blockage of the low pressure side impulse line based on a value of the variable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Applicants: Yokogawa Electric Corporation, Takumi Hashizume, Tetsuya Wakui
    Inventors: Takumi Hashizume, Tetsuya Wakui, Nobuo Miyaji
  • Publication number: 20060278007
    Abstract: A pressure sensor assembly for sensing a pressure of a process fluid includes a sensor body having a cavity formed therein to couple to a process fluid pressure. A deflectable diaphragm in the cavity deflects in response to the first and second process fluid pressures. A first primary electrode couples to a wall of the cavity and forms a first primary capacitor between the first primary electrode and the deflectable diaphragm. A first secondary electrode couples to the wall of the cavity to form a first secondary capacitor between the first secondary electrode and the deflectable diaphragm. A second primary electrode and second secondary electrode are preferably coupled to a wall of the cavity opposite the first. Line pressure of the process fluid is determined based upon variation in the secondary capacitors relative to the primary capacitors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventors: Donald Harasyn, Charles Willcox
  • Publication number: 20060278008
    Abstract: A pressure sensor (30) for sensing fluid pressure in harsh environments such as the air pressure in a tire by providing a chamber (58) partially defined by a flexible membrane (50). The flexible membrane (50) is at least partially formed from conductive material, and the chamber (58) contains a fluid at a reference pressure. The flexible membrane (50) deflects from any pressure difference between the reference pressure and the fluid pressure. A conductive layer (36) within the chamber spaced from the flexible membrane (50) and, associated circuitry (34) incorporating the flexible membrane (50) and the conductive layer (36). The conductive layer (36) and the flexible membrane (50) form capacitor electrodes and the deflection of the flexible membrane (50) changes the capacitance which the associated circuitry (34) converts into an output signal indicative of the fluid pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventors: Kia Sliverbrook, Samuel Mallinson
  • Publication number: 20060278009
    Abstract: A pressure sensing system formed in a monolithic semiconductor substrate. The pressure sensing system comprises a pressure sensing device formed on the monolithic semiconductor substrate. The pressure sensing device is adapted to be disposed in an environment for developing an electrical pressure signal corresponding to the pressure in the environment. The system includes driver circuitry formed in the monolithic semiconductor substrate. The driver circuitry is responsive to input electrical signal for generating an output pressure signal. A conductive interconnect structure formed in the monolithic semiconductor substrate to electrically connects the pressure sensing device to the driver circuitry such that electrical pressure signals developed by the pressure sensing device are provided as input electrical signals to the driver circuitry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventors: Peter Hopper, Michael Mian, James McGinty, Robert Drury
  • Publication number: 20060278010
    Abstract: A method for detecting a high pressure condition within a high voltage vacuum device includes detecting the position of a movable structure such as a bellows. The position at high pressures can be detected optically by the interruption of a light beam reflected by a hemispherically shaped reflector. The hemispherical reflector allows the source light fiber to oriented parallel to the detection light fiber, providing a more compact and efficient fiber routing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventors: Mary Montesclaros, Roderick Mosely, Steven Randazzo, Bryce Sollazzi, Robert Speciale
  • Publication number: 20060278011
    Abstract: An operation input device includes a base, a printed circuit board which has a plurality of pushbutton switches and Hall elements mounted on its upside and which is stacked on and united with the base, an operation plate which is supported on the base so as to be vertically movable on the printed circuit board, and a disc type operation dial in which an annular magnet with N-poles and S-poles arranged alternately is assembled on the underside of this operation dial and which is turnably assembled on the upside of the operation plate. Here, the disc type operation dial is turned, thereby to sense the changes of the magnetic fluxes of the annular magnet by the Hall elements and to detect a turning direction, while the disc type operation dial is depressed, thereby to operate any of the pushbutton switches through the operation plate. The operation dial is prevented from becoming rickety in a horizontal direction, and it ensures a smooth turning operation, thereby to afford a good operation feeling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2006
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Applicant: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Miyasaka, Kazuaki Miyoshi
  • Publication number: 20060278012
    Abstract: A semiconductor pressure sensor is not influenced by a charged object in a fluid to be measured or an electric field from the outside, so satisfactory sensitivity and accuracy can be ensured. The semiconductor pressure sensor is provided with a diaphragm 4 that responds to the pressure of the fluid to be measured. The diaphragm includes a silicon substrate with piezoresistive elements, which together constitute a bridge circuit, being embedded therein, and a shield film for electromagnetic shielding formed on a surface of the silicon substrate at a side thereof at which the fluid to be measured is in contact with the silicon substrate. The shield film is electrically connected to the silicon substrate so as to have the same potential as that of the silicon substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventors: Seizo Fujimoto, Takafumi Hara, Masaaki Taruya
  • Publication number: 20060278013
    Abstract: Switches SW1 to SW4 and variable resistors are formed so as to overlap each other at positions corresponding to the X-axial positive direction, the X-axial negative direction, the Y-axial positive direction, and the Y-axial negative direction, respectively. When at least one of the switches SW1 to SW4 is off, no Z-axial output is activated and only X- and Y-axial outputs are activated. On the other hand, when any of the switches SW1 to SW4 is on, no X- and Y-axial outputs are activated and only a Z-axial output is activated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2006
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Applicant: Nitta Corporation
    Inventor: Hideo Morimoto
  • Publication number: 20060278014
    Abstract: A measurement method in a measurement process comprising a main measurement process Sa in which measurement is performed by rotating forward a screw 3 with a back-flow prevention valve 2 installed on its tip and a post-measurement process Sb in which post-measurement processing is performed by rotating the screw 3 in reverse after this main measurement process Sa is finished, the post-measurement process Sb being performed after completing the main measurement process Sa, in which the screw 3 is moved forward in a free rotation state, the rotation state of the screw 3 during the forward movement is monitored, and if the rotation of screw 3 comes to a halt, the screw 3 is rotated in reverse by a specified amount of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventors: Haruo Okada, Toshimi Kato, Masaki Miyasaki, Hiroo Kudo
  • Publication number: 20060278015
    Abstract: A clamp-on ultrasonic flow measuring device for determining volume and/or mass flow rate of a medium in a containment. The clamp-on ultrasonic measuring device is of low temperature sensitivity. To this end, the coupling element, through which the ultrasonic measuring signals are coupled into, and/or out of, the containment, has at least two element portions, which are embodied and/or arranged in such a manner that the predetermined in-coupling angle into the containment and/or the predetermined out-coupling angle out of the containment are/is approximately constant over an extended temperature range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Applicant: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AG
    Inventors: Achim Wiest, Andreas Berger, Torsten Strunz
  • Publication number: 20060278016
    Abstract: An ultrasonic flow measuring device, which determines volume and/or mass flow of a medium in a pipeline, or in a measuring tube. The flow measuring device includes a plurality of ultrasonic sensors, which emit and/or receive ultrasonic measurement signals along defined sound paths. The control/evaluation electronics of the flow measuring device is divided into an on-site electronics, in which at least one switch is provided, via which the ultrasonic sensors, arranged in different sound paths, can be driven and/or queried, and at least one remote, control/evaluation unit, wherein the control/evaluation unit so switches the at least one switch, that the driven and/or queried, ultrasonic sensor, or the driven and/or queried pair of ultrasonic sensors, is activated and provides measured values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2006
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Applicant: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AG
    Inventors: Thomas Froehlich, Achim Wiest, Andreas Berger, Harald Stocker, Torsten Strunz, Aurele Fleury, Klaus Bussinger, Patrick Oudoire, Saul Jacobson, Oliver Berberig, Frank Wandeler, Oliver Brumberg
  • Publication number: 20060278017
    Abstract: A shrouded body flow meter assembly includes an inner fluid-conducting conduit disposed in a spaced relation from and within an outer conduit. The shrouded flow meter assembly can be connected to other shrouded fluid-conducting apparatus and/or used to replace sections of a shrouded fluid-conducting apparatus system. The shrouded flow meter assembly maintains the integrity of the inner fluid-conducting conduits and outer conduits of the shrouded fluid-conducting apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventors: James Carns, Theron Cutler, Mark Shelly
  • Publication number: 20060278018
    Abstract: A thermal anemometer for measuring airflow includes an ovenized semiconductor device including an internal oven. The oven is powered by an oven current such that the oven current varies with air flow over an outside surface of the semiconductor device. A resistor is electrically coupled between a source of power and the oven. An amplifier has an amplifier input and an amplifier output. The amplifier input is electrically coupled to the oven, wherein the amplifier output amplifier provides an electrical signal related to airflow over the ovenized semiconductor device. Also, a method for measuring airflow includes the steps of: providing a source of power, providing an ovenized semiconductor device, providing an amplifier, amplifying a signal representative of a heater current in the ovenized semiconductor device, and outputting the signal representative of the heater current as an indication of airflow over an outside surface of the ovenized semiconductor device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventor: Joseph Geller
  • Publication number: 20060278019
    Abstract: A Coriolis mass-flow/density meter includes at least one measuring tube through which a two, or more, phase medium during operation. A support means of the Coriolis mass-flow/density meter is fixed to an inlet end and an outlet end of the measuring tube and thus holds the tube such that it can oscillate. During operation, the measuring tube is made to oscillate with mechanical oscillations, especially bending oscillations, by means of an exciter arrangement. Additionally, the Coriolis mass-flow/density meter includes means for producing measurement signals (xs1, xs2) representing inlet end and outlet end oscillations of the measuring tube. An evaluation electronics produces an intermediate value (X?m) derived from the measurement signals (xs1, xs2) and representing a provisionally determined mass flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2004
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Applicant: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AG
    Inventors: Matt Christian, Alfred Wenger, Michael Fuchs, Wolfgang Drahm, Ida Wenger
  • Publication number: 20060278020
    Abstract: A Coriolis flow meter, which includes: at least one measuring tube, which is excited to oscillate during measurement operation, and through which a medium flows, whose flow is to be measured; first and second sensors for registering a flow-dependent oscillation of the measuring tube and for producing first and second sensor signals; and two separated, signal-processing branches. A method of flow measurement is also contemplated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Applicant: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AG
    Inventors: Daniel Kuttler, Christian Matt
  • Publication number: 20060278021
    Abstract: A Coriolis mass flow meter and method for compensation of transmission errors of its input circuit, wherein a high accuracy of measurement is achievable by determining the transmission error of the input circuit of at least two input branches on the basis of at least one reference signal, which travels simultaneously through all input branches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Applicant: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AG
    Inventors: Matthias Roost, Robert Lalla
  • Publication number: 20060278022
    Abstract: A sensor for detecting a rotation speed outputs a detecting signal d expressing a speed superposed with an actual rotation speed dd and a variation amount dn based on whirling. By an adaptive filter 28 constituting a reference signal x by a signal generated by itself from a signal of the sensor, a cancel signal y for canceling the variation amount dn is calculated and the cancel signal is subtracted from the detecting signal d. As a result, a signal e expressing substantially the rotation speed dd is provided and therefore, based on the signal e, the rotation speed of the rotating member is calculated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventor: Koichiro Ono
  • Publication number: 20060278023
    Abstract: A magnetostrictive position or elongation sensor of the type in which an elongated magnetorestrictive waveguide is influenced by a magnetic field from a moving magnet has a Villary type transformer at one end and a hermetically sealed housing containing the signal processing circuitry on a plurality of circuit boards. The signal processor can switch the sensor into a programmable mode in which a diagnostic output is obtained recognizing the magnet, the presence of the sensor in the programming mode and voltage values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventors: Birgit Garneyer, Randolf Hosl, Uwe Viola, Rainer Heuckelbach
  • Publication number: 20060278024
    Abstract: A method of testing and a tester apparatus to determine the axial stress and strain of cements under the temperature and pressures encountered by cement during use in wellbore environments. Using these stress and strain measurements, the Young's Modulus may be established for a material at the encountered temperature and pressure of the wellbore. By combining static tensile strength testing and elasticity measurements of cements, Young's Modulus values for different cement compositions under stresses that are similar to the conditions occurring in an actual wellbore are possible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Applicant: BJ SERVICES COMPANY
    Inventors: Virgilio Boncan, Murray Rogers, Thomas Heinold, Robert Dillenbeck
  • Publication number: 20060278025
    Abstract: A fluid sampling device is provided comprising an elongated housing having a longitudinal axis, a plurality of alternating sorbent units and spacer units disposed longitudinally through the housing and slidably movable therethrough along the longitudinal direction, and means for individually and sequentially exposing the sorbent units to a fluid. The adsorbed components can then be desorbed and analyzed to provide composition data of target compounds in a fluid, e.g., a gas, over a period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2004
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventors: Henry Kues, Adam Arabian
  • Publication number: 20060278026
    Abstract: A test fixture for rollover crash testing of a test vehicle onto a moving surface employs a cradle to support and rotate the test vehicle. A vertical support structure to positions and releasably holds the cradle. A moving sled having a contact surface is carried by a guide extending beneath the structure and the cradle fixture. The cradle is rotated and released from the structure responsive to a sensor for contact within a drop impact zone on the contact surface of the moving sled. Vertical motion of the cradle is then arrested to prevent further damage to the test vehicle or the test structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventors: Donald Friedman, Acen Jordan
  • Publication number: 20060278027
    Abstract: A physical quantity sensor is constituted using a lead frame having at least one stage and a plurality of leads whose bases are arranged in the same plane, wherein at least one physical quantity sensor chip having a plurality of electrode pads is mounted on the stage and is inclined so that the electrode pads are disposed in the inclination direction and are connected to the leads by use of wires whose lengths substantially match distances between the electrode pads and leads. This prevents the leads and wires from being unexpectedly broken, and it is possible to avoid the occurrence of separation of the leads from the physical quantity sensor chip. In addition, the tip ends of the leads are disposed along the surface of the inclined stage before wire bonding; hence, it is possible to easily connect the tip ends of the leads to the physical quantity sensor chip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventors: Kenichi Shirasaka, Masayoshi Omura
  • Publication number: 20060278028
    Abstract: The gearbox comprises: a first, inner input shaft which carries a first and a second driving gear wheel associated with odd gears and with a reverse gear; a second, outer input shaft which is disposed coaxially with the first and carries a third and a fourth driving gear wheel associated with even gears; a first output shaft which carries a first driven gear wheel meshing with the first driving gear wheel to form a first gear, a second driven gear wheel meshing with the second driving gear wheel to form a fifth gear and a third driven gear wheel meshing with the fourth driving gear wheel to form a sixth gear; and a second output shaft which carries a fourth driven gear wheel meshing with the first driven gear wheel to form the reverse gear, a fifth driven gear wheel meshing with the second driving gear wheel to form a third gear, a sixth driven gear wheel meshing with the third driving gear wheel to form a second gear and a seventh driven gear wheel meshing with the fourth driving gear wheel to form a fourth
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventors: Dario Caenazzo, Domenico Mesiti, Filippo Baldascini, Gian Pregnolato, Carlo Baret
  • Publication number: 20060278029
    Abstract: In a gear selection device for an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle, in normal operation, gears selected at a selection lever are set by means of an actuator via a drive element, a driven element and an actuation element. In addition, a parking lock is engaged by means of the driven element. In the event of a failure, at least one position “P” of the gear selection device, and consequently the parking lock, can be engaged by means of an emergency actuation device. In this case, a force or torque limit value of the drive connection between the drive element and the driven element is overshot, so that these can be moved independently of one another. According to the invention, forces or torques up to the force or torque limit value can be transmitted, in accordance with the actuator, between the drive element and the driven element directly after emergency actuation of the driving step selection device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Applicant: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventor: Martin Burgbacher
  • Publication number: 20060278030
    Abstract: Vibration isolators for a steering column which are optimized to adjust the resonance frequency of the steering column so that it is not at the same frequency as the engine firing pulses of a DoD engine operating in the full economy mode window, nor at road travel vibration frequencies. The vibration isolators are composed of a resilient grommet and a rigid insert, and are located at each mounting bracket of the steering column. Adjustment of grommet durometer, grommet dimensions and grommet width relative to insert length provide a selective compression and resiliency of the grommet which selectively adjusts the resonance frequency of the steering column below the range of frequencies of the engine when operating in economy mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventors: Josh Tavel, Frederick Hohnstadt, Michael Trahan, Sharon Martin, Jason Miller
  • Publication number: 20060278031
    Abstract: An actuator unit for a hydraulic brake mechanism on two-wheelers, comprising a housing fastened to the handlebar, a brake cylinder being arranged substantially perpendicular to the handlebar in the housing, a piston movable in it and a brake lever acting on the piston at an intermediate portion remote from either end of the lever, the lever being mounted at one end thereof to rotate relative to the housing, wherein the brake lever is mounted adjustably movable with respect to an axis substantially at an end of the lever, the axis being unchangeable in position but rotatably mounted to the housing, the adjustment option being provided for by the adjustment mechanism, wherein the lever, the adjustment mechanism and the axis rotate together relatively to the housing upon operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventors: Shinichi Takizawa, Tatsuya Matsuchita
  • Publication number: 20060278032
    Abstract: A connector for joining a plastic, elongated component and a threaded rod insertable into a borehole of the elongated component, which in turn is guided within a stationary bush, includes a locking element for locking the threaded rod in the borehole. The elongated component has a slot between the borehole and its outer surface. The locking element includes a two-arm lever configured within the slot and has a first end which has an engagement portion that can engage in locking manner the thread of the threaded rod, and a second end projecting outward beyond the slot when the engagement portion engages the thread. The lever's first end is prestressed toward the borehole and the lever is dimensioned in a manner that the second end pivots into the slot as the component is being pushed into the bush, as a result of which the engagement portion leaves the borehole, whereas the lever pivots back when the component has been slipped so far into the bush that the second lever end is released from the bush.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Applicant: ITW AUTOMOTIVE PRODUCTS GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Gerd HOHMANN, Markus FERDINAND, Albert SPONGK
  • Publication number: 20060278033
    Abstract: In a brake pedal apparatus (50) of the invention, an engagement condition between an engagement means (15) and an L-shaped member (43) is maintained and a second lever member (2a2) pivots with a second pivot shaft (13) being the center, setting a small lever ratio, if a pedal force (Fp) is equal to or less than a set value (Fp0) when a brake pedal (2) is depressed while the engaging means (15) and the L-shaped member (43) are in the engagement condition. If the pedal force (Fp) exceeds the set value (Fp0), the engagement between the engaging means (15) and the L-shaped member (43) is cancelled, and the engaging means (15) moves while causing the L-shaped member (43) to pivot. An engaging-and-connecting lever (45) disengages from a linear portion (43b), and the engaging-and-connecting lever (45) pivots so that its latch pawl latches onto teeth (47a) of the second lever member (2a2), joining the first and second lever members (2a1), (2a2) unitarily.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Applicant: BOSCH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yuji Wachi, Hiroyuki Oka, Masataka Komiya
  • Publication number: 20060278034
    Abstract: A steering wheel assembly having a tuned absorber for damping a vibration of a motor vehicle. The steering wheel assembly has a hub and a substantially circular rim connected to the hub by a plurality of spokes extending between the hub and the rim. A hollow tube is affixed to an interior portion of the rim. A rigid plug is inside the hollow tube. A fluid substance is inside the hollow tube. A gaseous substance is inside the hollow tube. The gaseous substance is interposed between the fluid substance and the rigid plug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2005
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventors: Mark Daly, John Schroeder
  • Publication number: 20060278035
    Abstract: A novel, adjustable locking windage and elevation knob assembly for the improved accuracy of scopes wherein an adjustment turn knob may be raised from its locked position to rotate freely for desired windage or elevation adjustments and thereafter be pushed back down into a locked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2005
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventor: Juan Casas
  • Publication number: 20060278036
    Abstract: The present invention includes a differential housing and a method for forming the differential housing. The method includes the step of cold-working a first housing preform by one of a group consisting of spin-forming or flow-forming the inner surface of the preform into conformance with a contour of a first mandrel to form the differential housing. The method also includes the step of installing a differential mechanism subassembly including a plurality of gears and a pin in the differential housing. The method also includes the step of releasibly connecting a housing portion of the differential housing with one of a lid and a second gear assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventors: Mike Rosochacki, Brian Nosakowski
  • Publication number: 20060278037
    Abstract: Case parts of an adjustment mechanism for a seat adjustment device of a motor vehicle can be joined together along a parting line via joint surfaces. The joint surfaces are provided for the purpose of reciprocal placement of the case parts by way of a joining process. Contact surfaces of the case parts are present in addition to the joint surfaces The contact surfaces are in non-parallel alignment to the joint surfaces. Transferred gear forces running parallel to at least a section of the joint surfaces are absorbed by the contact surfaces. The case parts are fastened to one another by way of screw connections. The contact surfaces of the one case part are respectively held in position with respect to the contact surfaces of the other case part solely due to the screw connections. With such a case, high loads can be absorbed in spite of a small size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventors: Michael Borbe, Stefan Wetzig, Wolfram Hofschulte, Michael Wohrle
  • Publication number: 20060278038
    Abstract: A sintered valve seat includes: a matrix; 5 to 40 mass % of a hard phase dispersed in the matrix, the hard phase containing 48 to 60 mass % of Mo; 3 to 12 mass % of Cr; 1 to 5 mass % of Si; and the balance of Co and inevitable impurities; and a structure in which a Cr sulfide is dispersed around the hard phase. The hard phase is formed with a Co base alloy matrix and compounds which are mainly composed of Mo silicides and are integrally precipitated in the Co base alloy matrix.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Applicant: Hitachi Powdered Metals Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideaki Kawata, Hiroki Fujitsuka
  • Publication number: 20060278039
    Abstract: A process for removing metal species from a composition comprising contacting: a. an oligomer mixture stream comprising the monomers of a partially aromatic polyester polymer and at least one metal species, or b. a molten polyester polymer stream comprising partially aromatic polyester polymers and at least one metal species, with a non-catalytic porous material in the presence of hydrogen to produce a treated stream containing a reduced amount of at least one metal species. There is also provided a composition comprising a partially aromatic polyester polymer having an It.V. of at least 0.50 produced in a direct esterification melt phase process, from greater than 0 to less than 50 ppm antimony, and less than 40 ppm cobalt. There is also provided a composition comprising partially aromatic polyester polymers having an It.V. of at least 0.50 produced in an ester exchange melt phase process, from greater than zero to less than 5 ppm titanium, and less than 10 ppm manganese.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2005
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventors: Zhufang Liu, Jeff Howell
  • Publication number: 20060278040
    Abstract: Agglomerates with a carbonaceous material incorporated therein and a process for producing reduced metal using the agglomerates are provided. The agglomerates are prepared with high-VM coal, which is widely and abundantly produced and is less expensive, and they provide high strength after reduction without the need for finer metal oxide particles. The agglomerates are made of a carbonaceous material and a raw material to be reduced that contains a metal oxide, such as iron ore. The carbonaceous material used is a high-VM coal containing 35% or more by mass of volatile matter. The agglomerates are formed at a pressure of at least 2 t/cm2 so that the porosity thereof is reduced to 35% or less. The reduction in porosity is effective in promoting heat transfer inside the agglomerates in a rotary hearth furnace in a high-temperature reduction step so that the sintering of reduced metal proceeds efficiently in the overall regions of the agglomerates to produce a reduced metal having high crushing strength.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA KOBE SEIKO SHO(KOBE STEEL, LTD.)
    Inventors: Takao Harada, Hidetoshi Tanaka