Patents Issued in February 6, 2007
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Patent number: 7171828Abstract: A washing machine includes a wobbling device having a rotary blade. The wobbling device causes a wobbling action of a washboard without rotating the washboard during a washing mode operation, and rotates the rotary blade in one direction to allow a sufficient amount of wash water to flow upward through an ascending water current guide and fall from an upper portion of a spin-drying tub onto clothes contained in the spin-drying tub, thus effectively washing the clothes. The washboard is installed at a lower portion in the spin-drying tub such that it wobbles upward and downward. The rotary blade is installed under the washboard, and is rotated in one direction by torque of a washing shaft. The rotary blade is fitted over a boss which couples a vertical rotary shaft of the wobbling device to the washing shaft, and is rotated by the torque of the washing shaft. The water current guide extends along a sidewall of the spin-drying tub from a lower end to an upper end of the spin-drying tub.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2002Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hyung-Kyoon Kim, Seung-Ho Lee, Sang-Yeon Pyo, Chan-Woo Park, Myung-Gyu Lee, Hyun-Sook Kim
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Patent number: 7171829Abstract: The handcuff assembly includes a bow pivotally connected to a cheek plate frame assembly which includes a unitized frame that is die stamped from a metal plate and which is overmolded with a polymer overmold. The bow and arcuate cheek arms engage a wrist of a person to be restrained with an envelope of the bow being defined by a conic path with an increasing arc. The bow and cheek arms have rounded inner edge surfaces. The cheek arms have reinforcing ribs. The molded polymer covering surrounding the cheek arms provide a round on the inner edge of the cheek arms which engage a wrist. The unitized frame has interlocking tabs on folded side plates of a base frame. A flat is provided on an outer surface of the bow for lining up a point of contact with a wrist. A removable lockset assembly for locking a pawl relative to ratchet teeth on the bow and including a slideable lock bar is received in the base frame.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Armament Systems and Procedures, Inc.Inventors: Kevin L. Parsons, Lester O. Stener
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Patent number: 7171830Abstract: A telltale device (10), securable to a padlock (18) having a key-operated release mechanism, includes a seal (12) to seal a key (20) for the padlock (18) in a lock position in the padlock release mechanism such that removing the key (20) or operating the key (20) to open the padlock (18) damages or destroys the seal (12).Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2003Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Inventors: Petrus Arnoldus Taljaard, Gerrit Johann Visagie
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Patent number: 7171831Abstract: A tool for turning keys comprising a tool body having an elongate slot adapted to removably receive the head of a key. The tool has an aperture, by means of which a key ring is attached to the tool. The aperture may have a constriction to prevent the key ring sliding along its length, therefore preventing the key becoming accidentally engaged in the slot in someone's pocket. A second slot is provided, crossing the elongate slot and perpendicular to it, to accommodate the part of the key ring nearest to the key. In addition to its use to turn a key, the elongate slot may also be used to engage with the ring pull on a can, and the tool body used to lever the ring pull, opening the can.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2002Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Inventor: Stephen N. Matthews
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Patent number: 7171832Abstract: A door lock device has a lock mechanism configured to allow and not allow opening of a door in an unlocked state and a locked state respectively, and an input shaft configured to switch the lock mechanism between these states when a force is applied to the input shaft. An output shaft is to be engaged with the input shaft so as to transmit the force to the input shaft. The door lock device also has a positioning mechanism configured to hold the input shaft at a position until the output shaft has been engaged with the input shaft and to allow rotation of the input shaft when the engagement has been completed.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masaaki Umino
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Patent number: 7171833Abstract: The cylinder lock has a housing, a fixed hollow cylinder, a rotatable hollow cylinder and a locking bar. The locking bar has a mounting portion with planes, shoulders and a resilient element mounted around the mounting portion. The rotatable hollow cylinder has a non-circular mounting hole corresponding to and held slidably the mounting portion of the locking bar to enable synchronous rotation and relative sliding movement of the rotatable hollow cylinder and the locking bar to make the cylinder lock active. By the modification of the locking bar and the rotatable hollow cylinder, the structure of the cylinder lock is effectively simplified and the fabrication of the cylinder lock is easy.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2006Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Inventor: Kun-Yu Wu
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Patent number: 7171834Abstract: A method and apparatus for bending tubes particularly suited for bending thin-walled tubing into a tight radius bend. An external sleeve is used during the bending process which maintains the tube cross sectional area and tube wall thickness, thereby eliminating the need for a wiper die or an internal mandrel. In one embodiment the sleeve is split along its longitudinal axis.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Inventor: Ross G. Robinson
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Patent number: 7171835Abstract: A bending apparatus which can bend pipes and obtain as small curvature as possible without flattening or buckling easily occurring in the bending region. The bending apparatus comprises a bending die for a pipe, a clamping die which rotates together with the bending die while clamping the pipe, a pressure die which hold down the pipe, and a metal core which is inserted into the pipe and maintains the shape of the bending region, wherein the metal core is a spherical metal core rotatably supported by an arch shaped arm on the leading end of a core holder.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2005Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Sanoh Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kazuhiko Nakazato
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Patent number: 7171836Abstract: A notching, shearing, and hemming tool constructed with a table which receives the roofing panel, at least two notching devices (notchers), a pan shear pivotally mounted on the table, and a hemming tool pivotally mounted on the table. To prepare a finished end piece of roofing panel, the roofing panel is placed in a panel alignment section at a first end of the tool. Each of the notching devices is movable, so that the relative position of the two notchers is variable. After notching, the roofing panel is moved to the pan shear, which is set at the proper angle by movement of a lever mechanism connected to the notchers. The roofing panel is sheared along a center line of the notched area. This cut leaves a tongue of the flat pan of the roofing panel exposed on each cut piece. Following the shearing operation, the user is left with two cut panels, each having an exposed tongue section an inch-and-a-half long extending from the pan section.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2005Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Swenson ShearInventor: Brent Neudorf
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Patent number: 7171837Abstract: A hollow stepped article is formed from a solid blank to reduce the material cost, and cracking is prevented in a stepped portion of large diameter when a portion of the blank is deformed by its radial expansion.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Kubota Iron Works Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shigeaki Yamanaka, Takeshi Kazama, Masahiro Dohi
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Patent number: 7171838Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing a thin walled tubular product with thickened flange. A first stage metalworking (drawing) of a circular plate material A is done by using a first die set 22 having a conical die 24 and a drawing punch 26 is done in a manner that the end of the blank plate is remained on the conical surface 24-1 of the die, so that a semi-finished tubular product A1 with a inclined flange A1-1 is obtained. Then, a second stage metalworking (drawing) of the semi-finished tubular product A1 is done by a second die set 32 having a shaping punch 34 and a restraint die 36. The semi-finished tubular product A1 is held by the restraint die 36 and the shaping punch 34 is introduced into the semi-finished tubular product A1 for effecting a wall thickness reduction under ironing principle while forming a stepped portion.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Inventor: Seiji Shiokawa
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Patent number: 7171839Abstract: A method of progressive die stamping manufacturing a biopsy forceps jaw comprising the steps of cutting a sheet of metal into a strip. The strip of metal may then be punched with a series of guide holes. A shape larger than a pattern of the biopsy forceps jaw may then be defined in the strip of metal. An actuating hole may be punched into the shape. A concave shaped cup portion of the biopsy forceps jaw may be drawn. The pattern of the biopsy forceps jaw may then be cut to expose a cutting edge and exposed edges of the pattern. The cutting edge can be coined to provide a hardened, sharp, cutting edge. The exposed edges may be chamfered and then the pattern may be folded and shaped to form a biopsy forceps jaw cup and an arm positioned relative to the biopsy forceps jaw cup. A pivot hole may then be punched into the arm. The biopsy forceps jaw may then go through a calibration so that the cutting edge is in a plane perpendicular to a plane of the arm. The jaw cup may then be cut off of the strip of metal.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Inventor: Jacek Krzyzanowski
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Patent number: 7171840Abstract: A metal container with thread capable of preventing such a defect that the strength of a lower end of a mouth part and an upper end of a shoulder part of a container main body is non-resistant to a pressing force in radial and axial directions, and a part of the container may be collapsed or buckled during a capping operation where content is filled into the container and cap is fitted to the container automatically by a machine, characterized in that at least one or more inwardly curving smooth annular recessed parts (4) and at least one or more outwardly curving smooth annular projected parts (5) are formed in an area ranging from the lower end (2a) of the mouth part (2) of the container main body to around the upper end (3a) of a tapered shoulder part increasing gradually in radial direction.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2005Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Takeuchi Press Industries Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshinori Kanou, Masanori Tanaka, Takayoshi Sawada
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Patent number: 7171841Abstract: A device and method of making same. The device or hydrogen detector has a non-conducting substrate with a metal film capable of absorbing hydrogen to form a stable metal hydride. The metal film is being on the threshold of percolation and is connected to mechanism for sensing a change in electrical resistance in response to the presence of hydrogen in contact with the metal film which causes an increase in conductivity.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: UChicago Argonne, LLCInventors: Tao Xu, Michael P. Zach, Zhili Xiao
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Patent number: 7171842Abstract: A breath alcohol measuring device is provided with a pressure sensor (2) for detecting a signal representative of the breathing air flow and with an electrochemical sensor (1) for detecting a signal representative of the alcohol content in the breathing air and with evaluating means for processing the signals and for determining the breath alcohol concentration. Such a breath alcohol measuring device has a simple design and high measuring accuracy. The pressure sensor (1) and the electrochemical sensor (2) are connected for this purpose with a delta-sigma analog-digital converter (8), which converts the sensor signals directly into digital measured values for determining the alcohol concentration. The pre-amplifiers needed hitherto become unnecessary as a result, which has a number of advantages.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2005Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Dräger Safety AG & Co., KGaAInventors: Burkhard Stock, Theodor Kater
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Patent number: 7171843Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of an electronically controlled humidity chamber with temperature controls: to determine, by vapor desorption, high capillary pressures of core samples; to produce core samples with a high capillary pressure for testing electrical properties; and, using a curve of high capillary pressures from vapor desorption data, to transform a curve of high capillary pressures determined from high pressure mercury injection.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Inventors: Patrick M. Laswell, Kent E. Newsham
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Patent number: 7171844Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the mass of a substance includes a sensor having a membrane layer, the membrane for receiving the substance thereon, an oscillator device for driving the membrane at a reference resonant frequency, a frequency detection device for determining a change in the reference resonant frequency caused by the presence of the substance on the membrane, and a mass determining device for determining the mass of the substance, the change in the reference resonant frequency being indicative of the mass of the substance.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2006Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.Inventors: Brian T. Cunningham, John R. Williams
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Patent number: 7171845Abstract: A slider-disk interface tester for measuring the friction force at the interface uses a “negative-pitch” slider in contact with a rotating disk. The tester includes a base that supports a motor for rotating the disk and an actuator for supporting the slider and moving it to a desired radial location on the disk surface. The slider is connected to the actuator by a rigid arm and a suspension like the suspension used in disk drives. When the disk is rotating, the negative-pitch slider has its upstream or leading portion in contact with the disk surface and its downstream or trailing portion not in contact with the disk surface. A contact pad is located at the leading portion of the slider and is in contact with the disk surface. The tester includes a friction-force sensor and associated measurement circuitry, such as strain gauge, piezoelectric and temperature sensors, and is located at one of several locations on the rigid arm, suspension or slider.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2005Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands B.V.Inventors: Charles Mathew Mate, Robert N. Payne
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Patent number: 7171846Abstract: An in-cylinder pressure detection device which is capable of ensuring stable detection accuracy irrespective of tightening torque applied in mounting the in-cylinder pressure detection device and thermal expansion of component parts of the same. A housing 21 has a top wall 22a and a bottom wall 22b opposed to each other, and is screwed into the body of an internal combustion engine. An inner member 24 extends through the housing 21 such that one end thereof projects into a cylinder C, and has a flange part 24b accommodated in the housing 21. A first piezoelectric element 11c is accommodated in the housing 21 and sandwiched between the bottom wall 22b and the flange part 24b in a preloaded state, for outputting a first detection signal q1 according to the in-cylinder pressure transmitted via the inner member 24.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2005Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignees: NGK Sparkplug Co. Ltd., Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hideki Sakamoto, Satoshi Yamaguchi, Yuuichi Shimasaki, Makoto Kobayashi, Masaki Ueno, Mamoru Hasegawa
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Patent number: 7171847Abstract: A method for measuring the injection rate of an injection valve for liquids, preferably for liquid fuel, in which the injection valve injects the liquid into a liquid-filled measurement volume, the measurement volume being closed off on all sides and a pressure sensor being located in the measurement volume. From the measured pressure values or by a separate measurement, the speed of sound is determined and thus the injection quantity or the course over time of the injection rate is calculated. The apparatus includes a measurement volume, an injection valve, which protrudes with at least one injection opening into the measurement volume, and a pressure sensor, which is located in the pressure node of the first natural pressure oscillation of the measurement volume.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2003Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Ulrich Kuhn
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Patent number: 7171848Abstract: A system and method for detecting changes in tire status in real time, e.g., changes in tire pressure or changes that might indicate an imminent tread separation or other failure, using magnetic sidewall torsion (SWT) signatures for tires. A measured magnetic signature of a tire is compared to a stored magnetic signature that describes the tire in an undamaged state or otherwise acceptable state. If the measured magnetic signature deviates too much from the stored signature, or if a change in tire pressure is detected, the system and method can further provide an associated warning to the driver and/or provide an input to a vehicle control system, which would automatically take action to correct or at least mitigate the effects of the failing tire, e.g., by decelerating the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2003Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Continental Tire North America, Inc.Inventors: James Michael Giustino, Alan Roger Bichler, Marius Goslar, Robert Yen Liu, Thomas Becherer
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Patent number: 7171849Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor module in a flexible housing with integrated transmission means. A possible application of such a flexible sensor module would be the use as transponder-based tire pressure measuring system. Here, the complete module could be vulcanized into the tire, and the data could be transmitted by means of a standardized receiver unit. The transmission may herein be made by radio or inductively, for example.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2003Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventor: Michael Kandler
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Patent number: 7171850Abstract: A magnifying device for tire pressure gage reading includes a holding element slidably and removably mounted on a main body of a tire pressure gage, a connecting arm connected at an end to and extending slantingly outward from the holding element, and a magnifying element connected to the other end of the connecting arm opposite to the holding element to align with a reading shown on the tire pressure gage. With the help of the magnifying device, a user may easily and clearly view a magnified image of the reading shown on the tire pressure gage. And, the tire pressure gage is provided with an attaching device, with which a user may conveniently carry the gage or attach the gage to a fixed point.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Inventor: Tien-Tsai Huang
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Patent number: 7171851Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for measuring subterranean strain. The methods and apparatus use fluid expansion principles to compensate for temperature variations and increase the accuracy of the strain measurements. The methods and apparatus contemplate the use of multiple fluid chambers according to some embodiments in order to remove temperature dependence from stress or strain measurements.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: Masahiro Kamata
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Patent number: 7171852Abstract: A tracking assembly and method for tracking the operation of a rotary gas meter that has a driven member includes a connecting member, a gear assembly and a mechanical counter. The connecting member is adapted to be coupled to the driven member. The gear assembly is adapted to be coupled between the connecting member and the mechanical counter. The mechanical counter is used to count a value that is directly proportional to the number of rotations of the driven member when the connecting member is coupled to the driven member. The value provided by the mechanical counter is multiplied by a conversion factor such that the associated volume of gas displaced by the gas meter can be determined.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2005Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Romet LimitedInventors: Andrew Smich, John Z. Michalak
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Patent number: 7171853Abstract: An MHD sensor/actuator is provided for generating torque as well as sensing angular displacements around a sense/torque axis. A column of conductive liquid which rotates within a circumferential channel having an inner circumferential surface and outer circumferential surface provides an inertial proof mass, the relative motion of which within the channel generates a torque or represents a sensed displacement about the common axis of the circumferential channel. According to certain embodiments, a cylindrical column of magnets are located coaxially with the circumferential channel to produce a radially oriented magnetic field which is perpendicular to the common axis. According to other embodiments, a magnetic ring is provided coaxially with the circumferential channel to produce a magnetic field in the direction of the common axis.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2005Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Applied Technology AssociatesInventor: Darren R. Laughlin
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Patent number: 7171854Abstract: A nondestructive inspection apparatus using a guided wave having waveform forming part that form a transmission waveform; a transmitting element for generating a guided wave within an object under inspection; a receiving element for receiving a reflection wave of the guided wave from an inspection region of the object under inspection; an analyzing element for outputting inspection information which is acquired based upon the reception waveform of the reflection wave received by the receiving element; and a display for displaying the inspection information.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Yoshiaki Nagashima, Masahiro Koike, Tetsuya Matsui
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Patent number: 7171855Abstract: A pressure sensor is provided incorporating a first chamber having a first flexible membrane exposed to fluid pressure and configured to deflect in response to changes in the fluid pressure and temperature within the first chamber, a second chamber having a second flexible membrane sealed from the fluid pressure and configured to deflect in response to changes in temperature within the second chamber, and associated circuitry for comparing the deflection of the first and second membranes to sense the fluid pressure.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2006Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventors: Kia Silverbrook, Samuel George Mallinson
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Patent number: 7171856Abstract: A pressure sensor includes a case having a concave portion, a sensing portion disposed in the concave portion to output an electrical signal proportional to an applied pressure, a circuit portion disposed in the concave portion and connected to the sensing portion and a conductive diaphragm fixed to the case to cover the concave portion. A conductive member surrounds the sensing portion and the circuit portion to provide an electrical shield. The diaphragm is used as a part of the conductive member.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2005Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Haruhisa Koike, Hironobu Baba, Nobuo Segawa
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Patent number: 7171857Abstract: One aspect is a pressure transducer package comprising a housing, a diaphragm, a support disposed in the housing and a sensing element disposed in the housing between the diaphragm and the support so that the pressure from the environment acts on the diaphragm to compress the sensing element. The sensing element comprises at least one substrate having a coefficient of thermal expansion greater than 4 ppm/k. In another aspect, the sensing element comprises at least one substrate formed of a first material and an epitaxial layer of a second material having a lower coefficient of thermal expansion. In a further aspect, the support abuts the housing at a spherically-shaped interface to compensate for misalignment between the support and the sensing element to ensure that the sensing element is evenly loaded.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Dynisco InstrumentsInventor: Leo Barron
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Patent number: 7171858Abstract: A semiconductor pressure sensor is intended to achieve reduction in size and cost by decreasing the number of terminals and the number of pads. In the semiconductor pressure sensor, in a first mode in which correction data is input to a memory, a voltage input change-over switch and an input/output change-over switch are operated by an input signal from a switch change-over terminal in such a manner that a voltage input terminal and an input/output terminal are connected to a digital circuit, whereas in a second mode in which an electric signal corrected and amplified is output, the voltage input change-over switch is connected to a semiconductor sensor chip by means of an input signal from the switch change-over terminal, and the input/output terminal is connected to a correction and amplification circuit.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2005Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masao Kanatani, Masaaki Taruya, Hiroshi Nakamura
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Patent number: 7171859Abstract: A process meter for measuring at least one physical process variable of a medium stored in a container or flowing in a line, comprising: a transducer including a sensor arrangement providing measurement signals (s1, s2), the sensor arrangement having: at least a first sensor providing at least a first measurement signal (s1) in response to the physical process variable being measured, particularly to changes in the process variable, and at least a first temperature sensor mounted in the transducer for locally sensing a first temperature, T1, in the transducer, and by means of the at least one temperature sensor, at least a first temperature measurement signal (?1) representing the first temperature, T1, in the transducer; and meter electronics which, using at least the first measurement signal (s1) and a first correction value (K1) for the at least first measurement signal (s1), derive at least one measured value (X) currently representing the physical variable, wherein: during operation, the meter electronicType: GrantFiled: December 12, 2005Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AGInventors: Wolfgang Drahm, Alfred Rieder
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Patent number: 7171860Abstract: A description is given of a Coriolis mass flowmeter, with a measuring pipe oscillating in coupled flexural and torsional modes. Mechanically connected to the measuring pipe is an attachment which is formed rotationally symmetrically with respect to an axis of rotational symmetry and can be induced to undergo the torsional oscillations of the measuring pipe. The attachment is a multipart body comprising hollow profile rails and/or beams with a closed hollow cross section. The axis of rotational symmetry of the attachment runs parallel to the straight line (8) (central axis) defined by the centre points (4a, 6a) of the cross-sectional areas (4, 6) of the inlet and outlet of the measured section, or coincide with this line.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: ABB Patent GmbHInventors: Jorg Gebhardt, Frank Kassubek, Rene Friedrichs, Wolfgang Waldi, Kuno Hug
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Patent number: 7171861Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring device for detecting loads, especially torque, bending moment, and axial force applied to rotating components such as shafts, spindles, and/or pins with which changes if length caused by load are measured and determined in a non-contact manner with aid of at least one resistance strain gauge fixed on the component. For a non-contact feeding of supply energy for the resistance strain gauge and a likewise non-contact transmission of measured values to an evaluation device, an electronic rotor mechanism is provided which is arranged in one or several protective ring(s) (1) that encompasses the resistance strain gauge. For improving accuracy of the measurement and the informative capacity of the measuring results of the measuring device, the protective ring(s) (1) is (are) so arranged on the component that they are supported on one side or are formed deformable with respect to the component.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2002Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: SMS Demag AGInventors: Jerry Mackel, Martin Fieweger
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Patent number: 7171862Abstract: The disclosed apparatus and methods allow collection of concentrated samples of content in shipping packages without unsealing the package by forcing airflow via existing hidden gaps or, if necessary, creating one by a small incision. The air is injected into the hidden gaps by either probe or socket device to disturb and agitate contents inside the package, causing the contents to loosen and blending particulates on the surface into the air stream. Airborne particles are channeled into a detection device, where the particulates are concentrated. Display and warning apparatus receive and record the analysis results from the detection device. If the analysis finds that predetermined selection and sensitivity criteria for target hazard or contraband material are met, then the warning apparatus initiates the appropriate alert protocols.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2005Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Inventor: Sung Hoon Yoon
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Patent number: 7171863Abstract: A transfer unit for transferring members such as reaction vessels having an upper end opening or dispensing tips or the like includes at least one arm pivotally movable about a shaft and a holder mounted on the arm for detachably supporting the member to be transferred. The holder is provided with a rod portion having a distal end adapted to be fitted in the upper end opening of the member to be transferred, a rod holding portion slidably and elastically supporting the rod portion and a guide portion surrounding the rod portion thereabout and sliding along the axis of the rod portion to release the fitting of the member from the distal end of the rod portion. The guide portion is formed with at least two elongated apertures extending in parallel with the axis of the rod portion, and the rod portion is provided with protrusions fixed thereto and extending through the elongated apertures to regulate the movement of the guide portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2002Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Olympus CorporationInventors: Tomoaki Tamura, Takayuki Mizutani
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Patent number: 7171864Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for controlling writing instruments, in particular ball-point pens, on paper, which consists in guiding the writing instrument relative to the paper plane in a repeated movement and displacing the paper in forward direction. The movement are thus coordinated so that the line obtained forms a meandering pattern which consists in rectilinear trajectories. The invention also concerns the device for implementing said method.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Societe BICInventors: David Schmitz, legal representative, Anne Schmitz, legal representative, Friedrich Schachter, deceased
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Patent number: 7171865Abstract: A device for determining at least one parameter of a medium which flows in a conduit has a fluid conduit part having a wall which forms a fluid conduit passage and has an insertion opening, a plug sensor having a sensor element, an insertion portion which is inserted through the insertion opening of the wall into the fluid conduit passage, an electrical connection portion which is not inserted into the fluid conduit passage, and a stop surface which abuts against a stop surface of the fluid conduit part, and mounting means for mounting the plug sensor on the fluid conduit part, the mounting means including a holding part which is pushed substantially perpendicular to an insertion direction of the plug sensor onto a connecting pipe of the fluid conduit part which surrounds the insertion opening, the holding part having at least one first portion abutting against a supporting surface of the connecting pipe and at least one second portion applying a pretensioning force to a securing surface of the plug sensor whType: GrantFiled: May 11, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Gerhard Hueftle, Hans Beyrich, Bernd Kuenzl
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Patent number: 7171866Abstract: A vibration generator comprises two unbalance shafts, which are positively coupled in a contra-rotative manner and whose relative phrase position can be shifted by a phase shifting device. Each of the unbalance shafts supports a main unbalance mass and a partial unbalance mass that can move in relation thereto. The position of the partial unbalance masses on the respective unbalance shafts can be actively altered within a large range by adjusting devices. The resulting vibration vector generated by the vibration generator can set in a diverse manner with regard to direction and magnitude.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2001Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Wacker Construction Equipment AGInventors: Wolfgang Fervers, Martin Schreck, Franz Riedl
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Patent number: 7171867Abstract: A transmission system is provided utilizing multiple sets of clutch friction elements, each engaged to transfer torque from a torque input, such as an engine, to different gear ratios. The sets of clutch friction elements are operated simultaneously to provide a blended, gear ratio to a drivetrain. By varying the engagement of the clutch elements, and thus the proportion of the torque transferred to the gear ratio associated with each set of friction elements, an intermediate, effective gear ratio is developed. This effective gear ratio can be increased or decreased in response to external stimuli, such as vehicle and/or engine sensors, by modifying the degree of engagement of each set of clutch friction elements, and thus the proportion of torque transferred by each set of elements to its associated gear ratio.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.Inventors: Paul T. McCrary, Karl-Heinz Bauer
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Patent number: 7171868Abstract: A bearing assembly which spaces bearing elements in an unequal relationship from one bearing element pocket to the next. The spacing minimizes the likelihood that the bearing elements will rest in the exact same location on an inner and outer race to reduce the potential for false brinelling. The net result is a decreased depth of false brinelling in any one location and an increased bearing life.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Sikorsky Aircraft CorporationInventors: Kenneth J. Buckman, Michael F. Mullen
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Patent number: 7171869Abstract: A left foot accelerator apparatus comprises a shaft housing secured to the top surface of one end of an anchor plate, a shaft rotatably supported within the shaft housing and a left foot pedal moveably mounted to the shaft between a left end of the shaft and the shaft housing, the shaft operatively connecting the left foot pedal to an existing accelerator pedal in a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2003Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Inventors: Rebecca A. Marquis, Kim Buchanan
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Patent number: 7171870Abstract: In a system in which a large motor, to be energized from a power grid, is connected to drive a main fluid drive through a main impeller shaft that has a main impeller shaft gear mounted on it, a relatively small start-up motor is provided, driving a start-up fluid drive. A start-up gear is connected to be driven by the start-up fluid drive and selectively to drive the main impeller shaft gear, and to be disengaged from the main impeller shaft gear. In operation, the small motor is first started, with the start-up gear engaging the main impeller shaft gear, and brought up to a speed at which the large motor begins to rotate at close to synchronous speed with the electrical frequency of the grid, at which point the large motor is connected to the grid.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Inventor: Melbourne F. Giberson
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Patent number: 7171871Abstract: A bit for removing a broken fastener comprises a tip from which extend two or more notches separated by scraping surfaces formed from two-sided frusto-conically-shaped regions. The scraping surfaces are bounded on one side by a cutting edge and on the other side by a non-cutting edge and are configured to cut into the fastener when the bit is rotated in a direction opposite to the fastener's direction of engagement. Specific embodiments include configurations where the cutting edges extend at different angles with respect to the bit axis and where the scraping surfaces comprise a plurality of serrations.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2005Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Eazypower CorporationInventor: Burton Kozak
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Patent number: 7171872Abstract: An adjustable mechanical screwdriver, having a receiving housing, gear housing and a deflection bevel gear. A small structural size is achieved because the driveshaft protrudes with a bearing shoulder at the drive bevel gear in a direction of the bearing shaft, which is inserted into and rotatably seated in a bearing bore of the bearing shaft. The gear housing having the deflection bevel gear and the power take-off shaft with the power take-off bevel gear is pivotable on the bearing shaft. The receiving housing receives the bearing shaft so that it cannot be rotated.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2006Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Inventor: Siegfried Keusch
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Patent number: 7171873Abstract: A power ratchet wrench assembly having a tensionless head wherein operation of the ratchet mechanism does not require a tensioning means for applying a frictional force against the ratchet mechanism to inhibit rotational movement of the ratchet mechanism. In one embodiment, the invention provides a first gear, a second gear, and a ratchet mechanism having a drive body; wherein the drive body is alternately: coupled to the first gear and ratcheting with the second gear, and coupled to the second gear and ratcheting with the first gear.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2006Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: NMTC, Inc.Inventor: John Horvath
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Patent number: 7171874Abstract: A socket storage arrangement for a socket wrench includes a handle having an accommodating chamber formed therein. A pending platform includes a semi-cylindrical long rod seat body which is removably insertable into the accommodating chamber. The seat body is formed with a plurality of separated slot seats each having a different dimension for respectively accommodating a different sized socket. The seat body further includes a plurality of projecting pivoting pieces, each being formed on a side wall of a respective slot seat. Each projecting pivoting piece projects radially into the accommodating chamber, and presses against a respective socket received within the respective slot seat, to retain the socket within the slot seat.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2005Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Inventor: Chin-Chen Huang
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Patent number: 7171875Abstract: A wrench includes a handle, a head having a pivotal portion pivotably connected to an end of the handle, and a retaining mechanism. The pivotal portion of the head includes two end portions and an intermediate portion between the end portions. The intermediate portion includes an arcuate outer surface section that has teeth to be releasably engaged with the retaining mechanism, allowing the head to be pivotally moved to a desired position relative to the handle and retaining the head in the desired position. Thus, the thickness of the respective end portion of the pivotal portion of the head is not reduced, preventing damage to the torque-bearing section in the respective end portion of the pivotal portion during operation.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2003Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Inventor: Bobby Hu
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Patent number: 7171876Abstract: A wrench combination includes a handle with an ear defining an aperture and an annular groove around the aperture. A wrench includes an annular head, an ear extending from the annular head and an annular gear put in the annular head. A washer is put in the annular groove defined in the ear of the handle. A washer is put in the annular groove defined in the ear of the wrench. Each washer includes an aperture, first and second pairs of contact locations at opposite positions of the aperture on a first side. Each washer also includes a central contact location intermediate each pair of contact locations and two lateral contact locations on an opposite second side. The central contact locations are located intermediate the two lateral contact locations. A joint includes a first pair of ears for sandwiching the ear of the handle and a second pair of ears for sandwiching the ear of the wrench.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Inventor: Terence Chen
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Patent number: 7171877Abstract: A compression tool enables efficient handling, compression, and installation of a compressible component. The compression tool includes a first handle having a proximal end and a working end, wherein the working end has a first engaging member. The tool further includes a second handle pivotally attached to the first handle and having a proximal end and a working end. The working end also includes a second engaging member. The first and second engaging members are maintained in opposed alignment. Furthermore, the first and second engaging members have an orifice defined by an engageable flange portion configured to engage the compressible component.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2005Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Detroit Diesel CorporationInventor: James Richard Mosey