Patents Issued in February 13, 2007
  • Patent number: 7174754
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, the present invention includes a key for engaging a locking mechanism for a port cover for use in a system integrated into a structure for injection of a material into one or more cavities in the structure. The locking mechanism is for removably securing a cover of the port cover to a base of the port cover that is coupled to the structure and includes one or more ports for injecting material into the one or more cavities in the structure. The key is adapted to engage with the locking mechanism, and orient the locking mechanism such that the locking mechanism engages with a projection of the base to removably secure one or more tabs of the cover in engagement with one or more corresponding slots of the base to removably secure the cover to the base to prevent unauthorized access to the one or more ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Centex Corporation
    Inventors: Jeryl E. Gahlhoff, Jr., Robert M. Swartz
  • Patent number: 7174755
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a mounting structure of a steering column locking device which makes it possible for the steering column locking device to be rotated upwards with respect to a steering column by an impact when part of a driver's body bumps against the steering column locking device in an accident, thereby minimizing injury to the driver. The mounting structure of the steering column locking device according to the present invention includes a connection housing which is mounted at a first end thereof to a steering column, with a coupling slot formed in a second end of the connection housing. The mounting structure of the steering column locking device further includes a coupling protrusion which is provided on the steering column locking device so that the coupling protrusion is movable inserted into the coupling slot of the connection housing, and a locking pin which is fitted into the coupling slot to support the coupling protrusion such that the coupling protrusion remains a stationary state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Huf Hulsbeck & Furst GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Sung-Ook Choi, Jin-Sang Chung
  • Patent number: 7174756
    Abstract: A padlock comprises: a casing; a shackle having a free first end and a second end, the second end being pivotally connected to the casing; a locking mechanism received within the casing and limiting the axial movement of the second end of the shackle; a latching tube received and operative to be moved within the casing; and a stop member driven by the latching tube so as to be moved between a first position where the first end of the shackle can be rotated by using the second end thereof as a center of rotation, and a second position where the stop member prevents the first end of the shackle from moving, and the shackle and the casing co-define a closed loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Sinox Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Renny Tse-Haw Ling, Chun-Sheng Wu
  • Patent number: 7174757
    Abstract: Disclosed is a lock cylinder and key set, which includes a lock cylinder, which has a keyway with two keyholes separated by a partition, and a key, which has two blades insertable into the two keyholes of the keyway for acting against respective pins in the lock cylinder to unlock the lock cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: Yuan-Cheng Tseng
  • Patent number: 7174758
    Abstract: A device for measuring the roll gap (7) between the working rollers (1a: 1b) of a cold or warm rolling stand for rolling out narrow or wide strips of metal, especially NE metal strips, by means of roll gap sensors (6) whose signals are transmitted to the servo-valves of the compressed oil control as a roll gap setpoint value for the piston cylinder units influencing said roll gap (7), and used to provide a roller gap measurement which is also suitable for such cases involving the lateral progression of said strip. In order to achieve said aim, the position or travel sensor (6) is provided in at least one bending cylinder (5a;5b) for the working cylinder (1a, 1b) for indirect reference measurement of the roll gap via the positively or negatively acting bending cylinders (5a; 5b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: SMS Demag Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Dirk Täuber, Dieter Daub, Hartmut Pawelski, Josef Zeppenfeld
  • Patent number: 7174759
    Abstract: The invention relates to a forming machine at least provided with a clamping device for clamping a hollow workpiece having at least one open end and a first forming tool which can be placed into contact with the outer surface of the workpiece and with which the workpiece can be deformed. The clamping device can be rotated about a first axis and moved with respect to this first axis. Thus, the forming machine can be of relatively straightforward design and operate at high rotational speeds, even when a tool head equipped with a relatively large number of rollers is being used. The invention further pertains to a method wherein the clamping device can be moved with respect to the said first axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: Johan Massee
  • Patent number: 7174760
    Abstract: A dual-directional pipe-bending machine bends a pipe in either direction and has a base, a transporting device and a pipe-bending assembly. The base has a bracket. The transporting device is mounted slidably on the bracket. The pipe is mounted on the transporting device. The pipe-bending assembly is mounted on the base and has a transversely moving bracket, a vertically moving bracket, a location-changing assembly, a rotating transmission device, a rotating bracket and two pipe-bending devices. The transversely and vertically moving brackets are mounted on the base. The location-changing assembly moves the transversely moving bracket and the vertically moving bracket. The rotating bracket connects to the vertically moving bracket. The rotating transmission device rotates the rotating bracket. The two pipe-bending devices are mounted on the rotating bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Ying Lin Machine Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ping-Kun Hu
  • Patent number: 7174761
    Abstract: When manufacturing a seamless pipe by carrying out elongation rolling and sizing on a mother tube for forming a seamless pipe, the occurrence of portions of thickness variation in the seamless pipe is suppressed by previously identifying the portions of wall thickness variation where the thickness varies in the circumferential direction of the seamless pipe, and carrying out elongation rolling so that the thickness of the portions of the mother tube corresponding to the portions of wall thickness variation of the seamless pipe are different in thickness at the completion of elongation rolling from that of other portions of the mother tube. As a result, local variations in wall thickness in the circumferential direction of a seamless pipe are prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Sumitomo Metal Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Iwamoto, Akihito Yamane, Tooru Egoshi, Kenichi Sasaki
  • Patent number: 7174762
    Abstract: A can end member has a center panel, a circumferential chuck wall, and a transition wall. The center panel is centered about a longitudinal axis and has a peripheral edge. The center panel also has a step portion located radially outwardly from the longitudinal axis. The step portion has an annular convex portion joined to an annular concave portion and displaces at least a portion of the center panel vertically in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. The curl defines an outer perimeter of the end member. The circumferential chuck wall extends downwardly from the curl to the transition wall. The transition wall connects the chuck wall with the peripheral edge of the center panel. The transition wall has a folded portion extending outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Rexam Beverage Can Company
    Inventors: Timothy Turner, Rajesh Gopalaswamy, Randall G. Forrest
  • Patent number: 7174763
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an irregularly shaped forging includes heating a billet to a predetermined temperature, placing the heated billet within the cavity of a die, advancing a punch into the cavity to begin to disperse the material into a plurality of radially extending extremities of the cavity and continuing to advance the punch into the die to force a portion of the material to enter predetermined clearance zones between the punch and the die to form an irregularly shaped forging having a plurality of axially extending flash portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason J. Lowe
  • Patent number: 7174764
    Abstract: Apparatus for and a method of expanding tubulars, and particularly tubulars or a string of tubulars that have one or more per orated portions and one or more non-perforated portions. In one embodiment, the apparatus (150) includes an inflatable element (e.g. a packer 152) that has a shaft (156) rotatably coupled thereto so that the shaft (156) can rotate relative to the inflatable element (152). An expansion cone (158) is threadedly engaged with a threaded portion (156t) of the shaft (156) so that it moves along the threaded portion (156t) upon rotation of the shaft (156) relative to the cone (158).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: E2 Tech Limited
    Inventors: Peter Oosterling, Colin Neil Morrison, Philip Michael Burge
  • Patent number: 7174765
    Abstract: A flange sleeve comprising at lest one flange formed thereon, having no gap at the joint or having a controllably adjusted width of the gap at the joint. The flange has two crowding recesses at least in the metal coating thereof in at least two points distributed over the flange in the direction of the periphery. According to the method for producing the flange sleeves, the edge of the flange is bent. At least two crowding recesses in at least two points distributed over the flange in the direction of the periphery are made at least in the metal coating thereof, the recesses preferably being made by bending the edge of the sleeve. The invention also relates to a bending tool and a bending device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul Wiesbaden GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Klaus Kirchhof, Konstantinos Valasiadis
  • Patent number: 7174766
    Abstract: A self-calibrating carbon dioxide sensor that includes a carbon dioxide detector and a carbon dioxide gas generator. In some embodiments, the carbon dioxide gas generator includes a heating element and a carbon dioxide gas releasing solid material in thermal communication with the heating element. The carbon dioxide gas releasing solid material releases carbon dioxide when heated by the heating element. Methods of calibrating a self-calibrating carbon dioxide sensor are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Eickhoff, Roland A. Wood
  • Patent number: 7174767
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for the analysis of particles in an aerosol includes providing an inlet for the aerosol, a sample collector which accumulates particles passing through the inlet, a sample conditioning system which can vary at least one condition relating to the collected sample, a controller which causes the sample conditioning system to operate at select conditions, a measuring device for determining at least one parameter relating to the accumulated particles. The controller monitors the parameter while the condition is varied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Sensors, Inc.
    Inventor: David R. Booker
  • Patent number: 7174768
    Abstract: A hydrogen sensor includes a hydrogen-absorbing material, a thermoelectric element, an electrical circuit for driving the thermoelectric element, a thermometer for the hydrogen-absorbing material, a temperature control circuit for maintaining the hydrogen-absorbing material at a constant temperature using the thermoelectric element, a unit for calculating the exothermic value of the hydrogen-absorbing material based on the electrical current flowing from the drive circuit, and a unit for calculating the hydrogen uptake of the hydrogen-absorbing material based on the exothermic value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignees: Alps Electric Co., Ltd., Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takuo Ito, Yasuichi Ono, Toshiaki Konno, Yoshio Nuiya
  • Patent number: 7174769
    Abstract: Apparatus for remote inspection of fluid containers, e.g., portable tanks or fluid pipelines, includes an electronic circuit in communication between each container (or at various locations along a pipeline) and a remote central station. The electronic circuit is adapted to issue a wireless signal to the remote central station upon detection of predetermined internal conditions, such as an out-of-range pressure condition of fluid contained within the volume of the container, or upon detection of predetermined external conditions, such as the lack of presence of the container in its installed position or the presence of an obstruction to viewing of or access to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: MIJA Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John McSheffrey, Jr., Brendan T. McSheffrey
  • Patent number: 7174770
    Abstract: A method and device for using a permeameter comprising a measuring head (2) opposite which the sheet or strip (1) is displaced step by step. The method and device can comprise a registration including the determination of the permeability profile of the strip (1) over a period T including two different successive permeability ranges, determination of a sinusoid from said profile, the of two extremes of said sinusoid, centering the measuring head (2) on the second extreme, and moving the strip step by step by T/2 and, at each step, performing a permeability measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Societe Nationale d'Exploitation Industrielle des Tabacs et Allumettes
    Inventor: Georges Cholet
  • Patent number: 7174771
    Abstract: A leak detection system capable of automatically detecting a leak in a pressurized piping system. A pressure decay test is utilized to test for leaks in the piping system. Disruption to users of the piping system is reduced by only performing the pressure decay test when there is no user demand on the piping system. Thus, a leakage test is performed by first determining whether there is user demand on the piping system and proceeding with a pressure decay test only if there is no user demand present. If user demand is initiated during the performance of a pressure decay test, the system detects the user demand and halts the pressure decay test until the user demand stops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Michigan Aqua Tech
    Inventor: Ralph W. Cooper
  • Patent number: 7174772
    Abstract: A leak testing control assembly for a leak testing system of a type that cooperates with a test part interface that is coupled with a test part. In a broad aspect the leak testing control assembly includes a working fluid generator for applying a working fluid having a fluidic pressure to a test part. A flow controller assembly is coupled to the working fluid generator. The flow controller assembly includes a flow controller element for controlling the flow rate of the working fluid. A pressure level measuring element is positioned relative to the test part for measuring the fluidic pressure. A control system is coupled to the flow controller assembly and the pressure level measuring element. A user interface is coupled to the control system for providing user interaction with the leak testing control assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: Giuseppe Sacca
  • Patent number: 7174773
    Abstract: A leak-testing technique and apparatus for differential pressure sensor arrays is provided. A reference pressure sensor array is provided, wherein a seal is disposed between the reference pressure sensor array and a target differential pressure sensor array. A probe socket is utilized to communicate with each individual sensor in the reference pressure sensor array. The target pressure sensor array and the reference pressure sensor array are sealed via a pressure plate and plunger assembly. The target pressure sensor array, seal, and reference pressure sensor array are exposed to a first pressure. The target differential pressure sensor array, seal, and reference pressure sensor array are then exposed to a second pressure. The probe socket verifies that all reference pressure sensors continue to output the first pressure. If the probe socket identifies a reference pressure sensor that reads the second pressure, then the corresponding target pressure sensor is identified as being defective because of leakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Hamid R. Borzabadi, Dennis M. Koglin
  • Patent number: 7174774
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting pooling of fluid in disposable or non-disposable absorbent articles is provided. The apparatus includes an object that has at least one surface area onto which pooling may occur. A fluid delivery apparatus is present and is used for introducing fluid onto the surface area of the object. Also, a sensor is present and is used for indicating the presence of pooling on the surface area of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Pau-Lin Pawar, Pete D. Honer, Frank F. Kromenaker, Michael J. Faulks
  • Patent number: 7174775
    Abstract: In a method of evaluating surface tension of a solid body surface, selection is made of at least three liquid samples having different surface tensions, and contact angles between the respective liquid samples and the solid body surface are measured. Thereby, a correlation between cosines (Y) of the contact angles and surface tensions (X) of the liquid samples is derived as a logarithmic function. Surface tension of the solid body surface is evaluated by the use of a value of X that is calculated by substituting 1 for Y in the correlation. When evaluated by the foregoing evaluation method, a magnetic disk has a surface where the value of X, when 1 is substituted for Y, is greater than 0 and no greater than 17 mN/m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignees: Hoya Corporation, Hoya Magnetics Singapore Pte. Ltd.
    Inventor: Masafumi Ishiyama
  • Patent number: 7174776
    Abstract: A vehicle component test method includes measuring first acceleration data at discrete locations on a first vehicle frame during an actual road test of a first vehicle and measuring second acceleration data at the discrete locations on a second vehicle frame of a second vehicle mounted on a test fixture. The second acceleration data is compared to the first acceleration data and an acceleration error is generated. The test fixture is adjusted based on the acceleration error until the acceleration error is within a predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignees: DaimlerChrysler Corporation, Defiance Testing & Engineering Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Mikhail Temkin, James W Tindall, David Santi, Lawrence Black
  • Patent number: 7174777
    Abstract: A method for controlling at least one actuator in a mass flow duct, which makes it possible to implement a predefined pressure upstream from the at least one actuator more rapidly. The flow resistance of the mass flow duct is modified by controlling the at least one actuator. A pressure upstream from the at least one actuator in the mass flow duct is predefined. A variable characterizing the flow resistance of the mass flow duct is determined as a function of the predefined pressure. The at least one actuator is controlled to set the related variable characterizing the flow resistance of the mass flow duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Reinhard Fischer, Bodo Becker, Martin Weiner, Guenther Vogt, André Wittmer
  • Patent number: 7174778
    Abstract: Control device for a motor vehicle, particularly for controlling a gearbox, with an electronic control circuit arranged on a support plate in a housing; for measurement of the hydraulic pressure, a measuring transducer is connected to a hydraulic unit of the gearbox by a pressure channel, wherein a spring element is formed in a region of the support plate and is a portion of the measuring transducer; the spring element is connected for force transmission via a connecting member to a diaphragm which sealingly spans the aperture of the pressure channel leading to the spring element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens AG Austria
    Inventors: Leopold Hellinger, Gerhard Neumann
  • Patent number: 7174779
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an aging method which can support an aging test for a catalyzed diesel particulate filter system through the post-injection of fuel according to a regeneration logic for a filter, thereby remarkably reducing the time and cost necessary for developing new diesel vehicles that meet regulations relevant to exhaust gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Choong-Il Kwon
  • Patent number: 7174780
    Abstract: When air pressure within a first container is less than a predetermined pressure, air is supplied into the first container through a first pipeline by a pressure application unit. Both the volume of the supplied air and a quantity of change in the air pressure within the first container due to the air supply are detected or calculated, and the volume of the liquid fuel within the first container is calculated from both the volume of the supplied air and the quantity of change in the air pressure. When the liquid fuel within a second container is less than a predetermined quantity, a predetermined quantity of liquid fuel is fed from the first container into the second container through a second pipeline by a feed unit, and the volume of the liquid fuel within the first container is calculated based on the number of times that the liquid fuel was fed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Shin Caterpillar Mitsubishi Ltd.
    Inventors: Eiji Akahane, Makoto Sakai, Kenji Takami
  • Patent number: 7174781
    Abstract: An accelerated weathering test apparatus of the type used to concentrate solar radiation upon test specimens including a fixture connected to a target board including a frame spaced from the target board a predetermined distance by a plurality of stand-offs and having at least one opening defined therein and a transparent element connected to the frame in alignment with each at least one opening in a covering orientation such that the solar radiation from a reflecting solar concentrator impinges upon the test specimens. The predetermined distance is configured such that the frame functions as an extension of a deflector and an operating temperature of the test specimens is shielded from external influences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Atlas Material Testing Technology, L.L.C.
    Inventor: David Robert Webb
  • Patent number: 7174782
    Abstract: A total air temperature sensor probe samples the air stream surrounding an aircraft in flight, and includes a duct carrying a fluid flow a portion of which is diverted to a primary chamber mounting a total air temperature sensor. A secondary chamber has a secondary sensor for sensing a different property of a sampled air stream. The secondary chamber is open to receive air flow from passageways in the total air temperature probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Rosemount Aerospace Inc.
    Inventor: Paul A. Ice
  • Patent number: 7174783
    Abstract: Apparatus for remote inspection of fluid containers, e.g., portable tanks, includes an electronic circuit in communication between each container (or at various locations along a pipeline) and a remote central station. The electronic circuit is adapted to issue a signal to the remote central station that includes information about predetermined internal and/or external conditions such as the level of liquid stored in the tank, a pressure condition of material stored in the tank, a lack of presence of the tank in an installed position, or the presence of an obstruction restricting access to the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: MIJA Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John J. McSheffrey, Jr., Brendan T. McSheffrey, James P. O′Shea
  • Patent number: 7174784
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a fluid level includes a housing with a level indicator adapted to display a measured fluid level. A float is associated with the level indicator and an elongated flexible member is provided with a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is attached to the float. The apparatus further includes a spool adapted to store at least a portion of the elongated flexible member, wherein the second end of the elongated flexible member is attached to the spool. A biasing member is adapted to urge the spool to automatically uptake portions of the elongated flexible member as the float travels towards the housing and adapted to allow the elongated flexible member to unwind from the spool as the float travels away from the housing. Additional apparatus include a housing with a level indicator having first and second level indicating gears and a first indexing device adapted to prevent its movement away from one of the indexing gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon P. Grote, James E. Kesterman, Eugene E. Schneider
  • Patent number: 7174785
    Abstract: An apparatus in one example comprises a vibrating beam, a first drive component, and a second drive component. The first drive component for a first time period oscillates the vibrating beam in a first direction to sense angular rate of the vibrating beam. The second drive component for a second time period oscillates the vibrating beam in a second direction to sense angular rate of the vibrating beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventor: Robert E. Stewart
  • Patent number: 7174786
    Abstract: A process is performed for testing the quality of a unit such as an electromotor, which has at least one mobile part, which is mobile within a given frequency range with varying frequencies and is capable of exciting the unit to oscillate. In the method, a frequency of the mobile part at least within a first interval of the frequency range is varied with a first rate of change. The frequency of the mobile part within at least a second interval of the frequency range is varied with a second rate of change. The second rate of change is lower than the first rate of change. The oscillation amplitude of the unit is recorded and the unit is assessed as useful or unusable by evaluation of the recorded oscillation amplitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Melz, Jan Micko, Zhiguo Wang
  • Patent number: 7174787
    Abstract: A system for inspecting a refractory furnace having an outer shell and an inner refractory brick lining includes a stress wave generator for generating stress waves that propagate through the outer shell and the refractory brick lining. A stress wave sensor senses reflected stress waves returning to the outer shell. A processing unit in communication with the stress wave sensor processes output generated by the stress wave sensor to generate data representing the condition of the refractory brick lining. In this manner, the location and geometry of anomalies within the refractory brick lining can be determined without requiring the refractory furnace to be shut down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Andec Manufacturing Ltd.
    Inventors: Afshin Sadri, Richard deWalle
  • Patent number: 7174788
    Abstract: A method of non-destructive evaluation (NDE) testing a component of an assembly is provided. The method includes positioning a transducer on a face of the component, transmitting ultrasonic waves into the component at a plurality of steering angles, receiving ultrasonic echoes, wherein each received echo is indicative of an acoustic impedance interface within the component, and analyzing the ultrasonic echoes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Gerald John Czerw, Laurie Diane Donovan
  • Patent number: 7174789
    Abstract: A system for sensing respiratory pressure includes a portable pressure transducer configured to be carried by or proximate to a respiratory conduit, such as a breathing circuit or a nasal canula. The portable pressure transducer may removably couple with a pneumotach, in the form of an airway adapter, disposed along the respiratory conduit. The pneumotach may include two pressure ports positioned at opposite sides of an obstruction, which partially blocks flow through a primary conduit of the pneumotach. Corresponding sample conduits of the portable pressure transducer removably couple with the pressure ports. The pressure ports may have sealing elements which are configured to seal against piercing members of the sample conduits upon introduction of the piercing members therethrough. Upon removal of the piercing members, the sealing elements substantially reseal. Methods for using the system are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: RIC Investments, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph A Orr, Scott A Kofoed, Kevin Durst
  • Patent number: 7174790
    Abstract: An object detecting device can prevent a seizure of an object between an opening and an opening-closing unit for opening and closing the opening. The object detecting device includes a pressure-sensitive sensor disposed at one of the opening and the opening-closing unit, and judging means for judging the contact of the object with the pressure-sensitive sensor on the basis of an output signal of the pressure-sensitive sensor. The pressure-sensitive sensor includes pressure-sensitive means for generating an output signal depending on deformation, and support means for supporting the pressure-sensitive means at the one of the opening and the opening-closing unit, the support means including a vibration damping portion for damping vibration propagated to the pressure-sensitive means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Ogino, Naofumi Nakatani, Koji Yoshino, Takeshi Nagai, Narutoshi Kanazawa, Masahiko Ito, Yuko Fujii
  • Patent number: 7174791
    Abstract: A fan powered by a controlled external energy source and a flow measurement device measure the airflow exiting or entering grilles/registers of an HVAC system without impeding the airflow being measured. A flow straightening element is preferably employed to overcome any effects of a non-uniform or swirled airflow profile on the fan. Preferably, the RPM of the fan is measured to determine the airflow. The RPM/flow calibration of the fan is insensitive to pressure differentials or the fan is a pressure-sensitive fan submitted to appropriate pressure differentials. Alternatively, the voltage or current supplied to the external energy source is used to determine the airflow. Finally, the pressure differential across the flow straightening element can be measured to determine airflow, eliminating the impact of pressure differential across the flow measurement device and fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Peter Modera, Robert Hageman, Brian Farmer
  • Patent number: 7174792
    Abstract: An improved multi-axis transducer includes a stack of ferroelectric layers and a plurality of common electrodes and addressing electrodes alternately disposed between the ferroelectric layers; each of the addressing electrodes including a number of sections electrically isolated from each other and forming a set with corresponding sections in other addressing electrodes; a common conductor is electrically connected to the common electrodes and a number of addressing conductors is, each one, electrically connected to a different set of the sections of the addressing electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Xinetics, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark A. Ealey
  • Patent number: 7174793
    Abstract: In a sensor sheet of the present invention, a large number of sensor cells, each having capacitance element electrodes corresponding to an X-axis direction, a Y-axis direction and a Z-axis direction and a displacement electrode arranged to form capacitance elements between the capacitance element electrodes and the displacement electrode, are arranged in matrix. This arrangement enables measurement of a distribution of three-dimensional components of the force applied from outside over the overall sensor sheet on the basis of the components of force detected in each of the large number of sensor cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Nitta Corporation
    Inventor: Hideo Morimoto
  • Patent number: 7174794
    Abstract: A coupling includes a first coupling member, a second coupling member, and a third coupling member being located in between the first coupling member and the second coupling member. The third coupling member has formed thereon a first pair of connecting elements diametrically opposed to one another and defining a first axis, and further has formed thereon a second pair of connecting elements diametrically opposed to one another and defining a second axis that is substantially perpendicular to the first axis. The first coupling member has formed thereon a third pair of connecting elements configured to conform to the first pair of connecting elements of the third coupling member. Formed on the second coupling member is a fourth pair of connecting elements configured to conform to the second pair of connecting elements of the third coupling member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Satoshi Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 7174795
    Abstract: An integrated torque and position sensor is set forth for measuring the relative rotational movement between an input and an output shaft and for measuring the final angle position of the output shaft. The integrated sensor includes a wheel that rotates with the shaft. An incremental sensing mechanism detects the incremental rotation of the shaft. In response to the shaft rotating to a predetermined angle, an actuation mechanism engages the wheel with a change gear for every new revolution in which the shaft passes. A segment sensing mechanism detects the segment in which the shaft is disposed. A method is set forth to calibrate and compensate the electrical outputs generated by the integrated torque and position sensor. The method produces common amplitudes and establishes a common angle with an expected phase angle shift for the electrical outputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Sainan Feng, Mohammad Islam, Matthew W. Mielke, Christian Ross, Tomy Sebastian, Eric Pattok, Ryan Pavlawk, Samuel El-Nashef, Alan C. Davis, Harley D. Burkhard
  • Patent number: 7174796
    Abstract: A tool is evaluated in response to a member of the tool being moved from a first position to a second position. In this evaluation, a first force is applied to the member. The first force is operable to move the member from the first position to the second position. In addition, a second force is sensed. This second force results from a resistance of the tool to the first force. Furthermore, it is determined whether the second force exceeds a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Paul G. Kostenick, Jr., Arlen R. Pumphrey, Albert H. Cha
  • Patent number: 7174797
    Abstract: A test facility is provided for testing materials under high temperature, pressure, and mechanical loads. The facility provides a physically scaled system that simulates conditions in hot sections of gas turbine engines. A test article is coated with a test material and exposed to a hot combusting flow in a test section housing. The article may be a pipe or conduit member oriented at any direction to the flow. A second cooler flow of fluid is channeled through the test article to create a sharp temperature gradient in the test article and through the test material. A liquid-cooled sleeve is disposed about the test article to create an annular channel of combusting flow over the test article. The downstream end of the second cooler flow is connected to the upstream end of the main hot flow at the combustion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Florida Turbine Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Brostmeyer, Jack Wilson, Todd A. Ebert
  • Patent number: 7174798
    Abstract: A combined liquid flow tube alignment and liquid sensing system includes flow tube mounting and alignment hardware including a clip for fastening the hardware to a substrate; and a sensor for sensing integrated with the liquid flow tube mounting and alignment hardware, wherein fluid flowing through a flow tube mounted and aligned by the flow tube The flow tube mounting and alignment hardware includes a clip with internal periphery edges sized to match the external periphery edges of at least one sensing element associated with the sensor. At least two posts located at outer members of the clip above and below the tube. Posts are sized to be located ideally within a system to position and retain the outer diameter of liquid flow tube with respect to internal periphery edges of the clip and subsequently, the sensing element both horizontally and vertically. A center flexing member associated with the clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Duane J. Sies, Richard W. Gehman, Michael G. Marchini
  • Patent number: 7174799
    Abstract: In a hydraulic tensioner, a deairing valve unit comprising a synthetic resin ball guide, a check ball a biasing spring, a ball seat, and a retaining disc, is press-fit into a hollow plunger, and disposed adjacent the protruding end of the plunger. The ball and seat of the deairing valve unit are arranged to block flow of oil out of the tensioner when the oil is under pressure, but open to allow air to flow out of the tensioner, through a vent in the protruding end of the plunger, after a negative pressure condition occurs inside the oil chamber of the tensioner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Osamu Yoshida, Hiroyuki Miyake
  • Patent number: 7174800
    Abstract: The invention relates to a speed change gear drive for a transmission that can miniaturize an engine by improving the layout of parts. In particular, the invention relates to a speed change gear drive in which a change spindle is supported by a transmission case and a shift drum supported by the transmission case so that the shift drum can be rotated is driven by the turning of a change arm fixed to the change spindle, a shift fork the position of which is changed by the rotation of the shift drum and a shift fork rod that supports this shift fork are provided, and the change spindle and the shift fork rod are overlapped when the body of an engine is viewed from the side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Kawakubo, Toru Gunji
  • Patent number: 7174801
    Abstract: In an automatic transmission apparatus (10) for a vehicle provided with a shift lever (20) manually changing a position of an automatic transmission (50), a torque detector (30) for detecting a changing operation force of the shift lever, and an assist force applying means (40) for applying a backup force to the manual operating force of the shift lever so as to transmit to the automatic transmission via a transmitting means (52–54), thereby changing to a desired position, a lever base (26) of the shift lever (20) is mounted to an input shaft (31a) of the rotation axis (31) of the torque detector (30), and an output gear (43) of the assist force applying means (40) is mounted to an output shaft (31b) of the rotation axis (31) of the torque detector (30), and the rotation axis of the shift lever (20), the rotation axis (31) of the torque detector (30) and the rotation axis of the assist force applying means (40) are arranged in a line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Calsonic Kansei Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Ogasawara, Takeshi Satoh, Daisuke Kondo, Takanori Mori
  • Patent number: 7174802
    Abstract: An automatic transmission shifter assembly for automotive vehicles includes a shift lever, a gate plate formed with a gate passage, and a slide block having an engagement recess to be engaged with the shift lever, wherein the slide block is adapted to be moved frontwardly and rearwardly in response to the manipulation of the shift lever. The shifter assembly is provided with a noise-reducing member made of a flexible material, and attached onto the shift lever to extend from a region allowing the noise-reduction member to be brought into contact with the gate passage to a region allowing the noise-reduction member to be engaged with the engagement recess. The shifter assembly can effectively suppress hitting noises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Delta Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Wakayama
  • Patent number: 7174803
    Abstract: A steering shaft for motor vehicles which comprises an inner and an outer shaft part. Each shaft part has a polygonal cross section. The shaft parts engage one another in telescoping fashion and are positively connected to one another by barrel-shaped rolls that are effective as rolling elements for the transmission of a torque. The running paths of the rolls are fashioned between vertices on the outer sides of the inner shaft part and the inner sides of the outer shaft part and are designed so that the running paths are fashioned as troughs of a concavity approximating to the convexity of the rolls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: DURA Automotive Systems Reiche GmbH
    Inventors: Carl Reiche, Burkhard Harhoff