Patents Issued in March 1, 2007
  • Publication number: 20070044544
    Abstract: By digitizing the UFM signal without using a lock-in amplifier, substantially all of the information initially contained in the UFM output signal may be maintained and may then be used for further data processing. Consequently, any type of model or evaluation algorithm may be used without being restricted to a very narrow bandwidth, as is the case in lock-in based techniques. The digitizing is performed on a real-time basis, wherein a complete UFM curve is digitized and stored for each scan position. In this way, quantitative meaningful values for specific surface-related characteristics with a nanometer resolution may be obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Dmytro Chumakov, Holm Geisler, Ehrenfried Zschech
  • Publication number: 20070044545
    Abstract: A device having an oscillator such as a sensor for use in an atomic force microscope. A pair of co-axial members interconnect support structure and the oscillator for torsionally suspending the oscillator. The co-axial members are portions of a layer of silicon nitride or other material that is connected to the oscillator and support structure, which are composed of silicon or other material. A process for making a device which includes an oscillator, which includes depositing on silicon or other first material a layer of silicon nitride or other second material, forming in the first material a support structure and the oscillator, including applying an etchant which is selective for the first material to etch all the way through the first material and leave the second material substantially unetched to thereby form the at least one flexible hinge of the second material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Arthur Beyder, Frederick Sachs
  • Publication number: 20070044546
    Abstract: A vehicle testing system includes a wheel plate constructed and arranged to support a vehicle wheel. A linear electromagnetic actuator has a moving magnet mechanically coupled to the wheel plate constructed and arranged to impart a controlled substantially vertical force to the wheel plate. A spring may be mechanically coupled to the wheel plate to support at least a portion of a static mass of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: James Parison
  • Publication number: 20070044547
    Abstract: A sensor probe (116) includes a probe tip (205) having a probe centerline (207). A pressure tube (209) fluidly connects the probe tip (205) with a pressure sensor (115). A pipe (107) having a centerline (201) is connected to the sensor probe (116). The pipe centerline (201) and the probe centerline (207) form an acute angle such that the probe tip (205) points in a downstream direction of the pipe (107).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: Guoqing Zhang
  • Publication number: 20070044548
    Abstract: A rotation angle sensing device calculates an average value of calculation values of time necessary for rotation of each one of sections provided by equally dividing one rotation of a crankshaft. The device calculates an average value of the average values of the entire sections to calculate an entire section average value. The device calculates ratios of the average values of the respective sections to the entire section average value. The device eliminates an influence of rotation fluctuation of the crankshaft from the ratios by using reference ratios, which are calculated as ratios of the average values of the respective sections to the entire section average value in the case where there is no structural error. Thus, the device calculates learning values for compensating for the structural error.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Koji Ishizuka, Kenichiro Nakata
  • Publication number: 20070044549
    Abstract: A leak detecting system for a transpiration purge system including a fuel tank 1 and a canister 13 includes a jet pump 8, which leads the atmosphere into the fuel tank 1 using a return flow of excess fuel of fuel pumped to an internal combustion engine, internal pressure measuring means 15, and fuel volume detecting means 18. After supplying the air from pressurizing means for a predetermined time, the leak detecting system judges that a leak is present when a holding pressure measurement value in a state in which the transpiration purge system is closed is lower than a decompression calculation value calculated from a pressurization measurement value, an air volume, and a leak hole diameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Hiroshi Yoshioka, Tateki Mitani
  • Publication number: 20070044550
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for checking the gastightness of a motor vehicle tank ventilation system consisting essentially of a fuel tank (2), an adsorption filter (4), a ventilation line (5) with a pressure sensor (6), a fresh air line (7) with an adsorption filter check valve (AAV), and a regeneration line (10) with a tank ventilation valve (TEV) to the internal combustion engine (9). To compensate for the outgassing of fuel, the total diagnosis time tD is formed from the negative pressure buildup time t1 and the negative pressure decay time t2 as a measure of the tightness of the tank ventilation system (1) and is compared to a corresponding diagnosis time threshold tDS.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: Audi AG
    Inventor: Armin Kohler
  • Publication number: 20070044551
    Abstract: Vehicles equipped with air brake systems and onboard vehicle management computers are programmed to develop both a prognosis and diagnosis of problems in the supporting, compressed air supply system from monitoring compressed air supply tank pressure. Variance of measured pressure from established norms correlated with the frequency and duration of charging cycles as well as brake pedal position provides indication of the likely source of present and future problems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: Kenneth Fogelstrom
  • Publication number: 20070044552
    Abstract: A tire pressure detector includes an electrically conductive housing having a housing body and a protruding annular body; a cover having a sleeve portion connected to the protruding annular body, an airtight chamber defined by the cover and the housing for receiving a battery device, a PCB and a first electrically conductive resilient member, the housing body or the cover being disposed with an air intake mouth; and the PCB having a pressure and temperature detecting device. The air intake mouth guides air inside the tire to flow into the airtight chamber. The pressure and temperature detecting device detects the pressure and temperature of the air inside the tire and transmits data to the microprocessor for processing. The microprocessor controls the transmitter to transmit a signal. A receiver disposed near a driver's seat receives and processes the signal and then displays the tire pressure and temperature value on a display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: Teng-Wen Huang
  • Publication number: 20070044553
    Abstract: A system for planning wardrobe and activities includes a weather sensing unit configured to wirelessly transmit weather conditions, a weather condition display module configured to receive the transmitted weather conditions, and a reflective surface integrally coupled to the weather condition display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: Jeffrey Gillette
  • Publication number: 20070044554
    Abstract: A method of thermally coupling a flow tube or like component to a thermal sensor comprises bonding the component to the thermal sensor such that thermally conductive portions formed on the component are thermally coupled to corresponding sensing/heating elements disposed on the thermal sensor. The method can be employed to form a capillary mass flow sensor system. Thermally conductive portions, such as metal bands, can be formed on the outer surface of a capillary tube for bonding with corresponding resistive heat sensing and heating elements disposed on the substrate of a micro mass flow sensor. Bonding metal pads can be formed on the sensor surface preparatory to solder bonding the tube metal bands to the resistive sensing and heating elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Robert Higashi, Ernest Satren
  • Publication number: 20070044555
    Abstract: A device according to the invention for performing vibration measurements on a test part that has a rotor, especially a transmission, includes a base structure, on which a fastening device for the test part is arranged, and a vibration measuring device for measuring vibrations caused by a rotation of the rotor of the test part. According to the invention, a balancing device is provided, arranged on the base structure or at least partially integrated into the base structure, for identifying and/or eliminating an imbalance in the rotor. The device of the invention thus enables both a balancing of the rotor and the performance of vibration measurements on the rotor, using a single device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Klaus-Joachim Busch, Joakim Kuhl, Andreas Eicke
  • Publication number: 20070044556
    Abstract: An accelerator sensor of the present invention comprises a semiconductor substrate having a main front surface and a main rear surface, a first groove portion being formed along a front surface pattern, in the main front surface, a second groove portion being formed along a rear surface pattern, in the main rear surface, a through-hole being formed because of connection between at least parts of the first groove portion and the second groove portion and at least one groove width variation portion being formed in at least one of inner walls of the first groove portion. An offset of the rear surface pattern to the front surface pattern can be inspected easily by existence of the groove width variation portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: Yoshihide Tasaki
  • Publication number: 20070044557
    Abstract: According to the present invention, a package for an acceleration sensor, includes an acceleration sensor which is proved with a first terminal; a package base; an adhesive layer provided on the package base; and a spacer provided between the adhesive layer and the acceleration sensor. The spacer comprises a second terminal, which is electrically coupled to the first terminal of the acceleration sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Kengo Takemasa, Fumihiko Ooka
  • Publication number: 20070044558
    Abstract: An angular velocity mount arrangement includes an angular velocity sensor and a mount member. The angular velocity sensor includes an oscillator, an angular velocity sensing element, a package, and a plurality of lead frames. The angular velocity sensing element senses an angular velocity based on an oscillation of the oscillator in a first axis direction. The mount member is arranged relative to the angular velocity sensor in a second axis direction, which is generally orthogonal to the first axis direction. The angular velocity sensor is mounted to the mount member through the plurality of lead frames. At least one extending segment is a middle segment of each of the plurality of lead frames and extends toward the mount member in the second axis direction. The at least one extending segment of each of the plurality of lead frames is able to oscillate in the first axis direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tameharu Ohta
  • Publication number: 20070044559
    Abstract: An inspection device uses sound waves or ultrasound waves to generate images of the interior of structures under test, with particular application to heterogeneous materials, such as concrete. Images of the interior of the structure under test are created by repeatedly combining signals from transmitters and receivers at a plurality of different locations to reduce the effect of random scattering from the grain particles in the heterogeneous material. The device includes means for efficiently managing the movement of transducers between different test locations so that tests can be done quickly and consequently at low-cost and with means to process echo-signals to create images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: David Andrews
  • Publication number: 20070044560
    Abstract: A method is described to register structural features in an acoustic conducting material, such as the sheet material of a pipe, a duct, container or the like, where instrumentation fitted at the surface of the material, is used to emit and receive signals in/through the solid material and also to register changes in the received signals as a consequence of changes in the material structure. The method is characterised in that a sensor, or several sensors mutually spaced apart, is (are) arranged to be in contact with the surface of the material, and the sensor(s) is (are) arranged to emit and receive signals to provide an acoustic network with information about the structure of the material, and that the received acoustic signals are compared to previous acoustic signals to ascertain the existence of structural changes in the solid material, and any occurrences of defects in the solid material, and also the position of such defects. A system to carry out the method is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2004
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Geir Instanes, Dag Aldal
  • Publication number: 20070044561
    Abstract: Since ultrasonic velocities in anisotropic media can change by a factor of 3 or more depending on the direction of propagation, accounting for these changes is extremely important. Also many anisotropic materials are made up of multiple layers of varying orientation, hence the need to account for refraction at ply boundaries. In the present invention, an algorithm is used to calculate these velocities and travel times and properly account for refraction phenomena. Specifically a multilayer SAFT algorithm has been developed that will calculate the time shift, shift and sum A-scan waveforms in layered anisotropic media at any given depth, ply orientation, and number of plies. The algorithm showed an improvement in signal to noise ratio with synthetic data as was expected. This algorithm can be used as a replacement for homogenizing material properties in layered media and will calculate time shifts with increased accuracy since exact material properties are used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Cody Engstrand, Ronald Kline
  • Publication number: 20070044562
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for inspecting a structure are provided which use a sensor holder constructed from rapid prototyping, such as stereolithography, and which is configured to support a plurality of inspection sensors typically arranged in an ordered matrix array and possibly with one or more additional inspection sensors aligned for inspection of difficult to inspect features of a structure such as radius corner or edge features. Rapid prototype integrated matrix array inspection apparatus, systems, and methods provide fast and efficient methods of constructing custom inspection devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: Dennis Sarr
  • Publication number: 20070044563
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for inspecting a structure are provided which use a sensor holder constructed from rapid prototyping, such as stereolithography, and which is configured to support one or more linear inspection sensors. Rapid prototype integrated linear ultrasonic transducer inspection apparatus, systems, and methods provide fast and efficient methods of constructing custom inspection devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Dennis Sarr, Hien Bui
  • Publication number: 20070044564
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for inspecting a structure are provided which use a sensor holder, which is configured to support one or more curved linear inspection sensors and may be constructed from rapid prototyping, such as stereolithography. Integrated curved linear ultrasonic transducer inspection apparatus, systems, and methods provide fast and efficient methods of constructing custom inspection devices and inspecting otherwise difficult-to-inspect curved radius features of structures, such as a corner of a hat stringer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Hien Bui, Dennis Sarr
  • Publication number: 20070044565
    Abstract: To provide a piezoelectric vibrator, an oscillator, an electronic part, an electronic apparatus, a method of fabricating a piezoelectric vibrator and a method of fabricating an electronic part capable of swiftly and easily providing a plurality of electrodes for applying a voltage to a piezoelectric vibrating piece while maintaining airtightness at inside of a hermetically sealed vessel, there is provided a piezoelectric vibrator including a hermetically sealed vessel 2 constituted by overlapping a lid member 6 and a base member 7 in a plate-like shape, a piezoelectric vibrating piece 3 provided at inside of the hermetically sealed vessel 2, a lead-out electrode 16 provided at an overlapping face 6a of the lid member 6, electrically connected to the piezoelectric vibrating piece 3 by way of a connecting portion, and extending the connecting portion 15 to an edge portion of the overlapping face 6a of the lid member 6, an external electrode 27 electrically connected to the lead-out electrode 16 from a side face
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Aratake
  • Publication number: 20070044566
    Abstract: A rail stress monitoring system is disclosed. This system includes a sensor module that further includes a sensing device that is adapted to be mountable directly on a length of rail. The sensing device further includes a generally flat metal shim and at least one, and typically two or more, sensors mounted on one side of the shim. The sensors are typically strain gauges, which are mounted on the shim in a specific, predetermined configuration. At least one data acquisition module is in electrical communication with the sensing device and a data processing module receives and processes information gathered by data acquisition module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: Salient Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Harold Harrison
  • Publication number: 20070044567
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring a force and a position at a linear actuating mechanism (20). In one illustrative embodiment, a change in an electrical characteristic of a first coil system (1, 3a, 6) for measuring a position of the linear actuating mechanism, wherein the change in the electrical characteristic is caused by moving of a first measurement member (6) in the first coil system (1, 3a, 6), and a change in an electrical characteristic of a second coil system (2, 3b, 5) for measuring a force acting at the linear actuating mechanism (20), wherein the change in the electrical characteristic is caused by moving of a second measurement member (5) in the second coil system (2, 3b, 5), are detected. The movement of the first measurement member (6) is generated by a positional change of a linear shaft member of the linear actuating mechanism (20), and the movement of the second measurement member (5) is generated by a force-displacement conversion via a deformation member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: Honeywell Technologies Sarl
    Inventors: Petr Gratz, Milos Hanus, Pavel Pangrac, Dieter Bayer, Volker Ebert
  • Publication number: 20070044568
    Abstract: A non-contacting strain measurement method and system employs a laser light source for irradiating a test piece to provide a spectral pattern in spaced relationship from the test piece. The pattern is viewed while the test piece is placed under tension by a plurality of video cameras.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: Koichi Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20070044569
    Abstract: A bond strength tester unit is provided for testing adhesive bond strength of a nutplate or the like attached to a substrate, such as by adhesive bonded attachment to a blind side of the substrate in substantial alignment with a substrate opening. The nutplate may be constructed according to U.S. Pat. No. 5,013,391, and carries a fastener element such as a threaded nut or the like for subsequent connection with a mating fastener element such as a threaded bolt or the like passed through the substrate opening. The tester unit includes a tool tip having a reaction head for engaging the substrate, in combination with an actuator pin for applying a test force of selected magnitude against the adhesively bonded nutplate. In the event of inadequate bond strength, the actuator pin will separate the nutplate from the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: PHYSICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Charles Hutter
  • Publication number: 20070044570
    Abstract: A magnetoinductive flowmeter and a method for operating same utilizing a measuring tube through which flows an electrically conductive medium, as well as two measuring electrodes and a magnet with two field coils positioned parallel to each other on mutually opposite sides of the measuring tube. The measuring electrodes are so positioned that their connecting line extends along an essentially perpendicular vector relative to the direction of flow and to the magnetic field as well as through the cross-sectional center of the measuring tube. For normal flow-measuring operation, the two field coils are so energized that an essentially homogeneous magnetic field is generated, permeating the medium flowing through the measuring tube, while for determining the flow rate the voltage present between the two measuring electrodes is collected at one or both measuring electrodes and measured against a reference potential.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Helmut Brockhaus, Boudewijn Poortmann, Wilhelm Florin, Arnould Willigen
  • Publication number: 20070044571
    Abstract: A clamp on apparatus 10,110 is provided that measures the speed of sound or acoustic disturbances propagating in a fluid or mixture having entrained gas/air to determine the gas volume fraction of the flow 12 propagating through a pipe 14. The apparatus includes an array of pressure sensors clamped onto the exterior of the pipe and disposed axially along the length of the pipe. The apparatus measures the speed of sound propagating through the fluid to determine the gas volume fraction of the mixture using adaptive array processing techniques to define an acoustic ridge in the k-? plane. The slope of the acoustic ridge 61 defines the speed of sound propagating through the fluid in the pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Daniel Gysling, Douglas Loose
  • Publication number: 20070044572
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring velocity of a fluid passing through a pipe is provided. The apparatus includes a spatial array of sensors having at least two sensors disposed at different axial locations along the pipe, wherein the sensors provide at least one signal indicative of a stochastic parameter associated with a characteristic of the fluid, wherein the characteristic includes at least one of unsteady temperature, density, consistency, transparency, conductivity, capacitance, resistivity, and inductance. A signal processor is also provided, wherein the signal processor is configured to receive the at least one signal and determine the velocity of the fluid using the at least one signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Michael Davis, Timothy Bailey, Mark Fernald, Alan Kersey, Christian O'Keefe
  • Publication number: 20070044573
    Abstract: A rectifying module is arranged on an upstream side of a flow passage containing a flow velocity sensor. The rectifying module includes mesh members each having a plurality of circular small holes and ring-shaped spacers, wherein the mesh members and the spacers are alternately stacked in an axial direction and integrally joined to one another by means of thermal diffusion bonding. The mesh members have identical structures, in which the plurality of small holes are arranged concentrically at angles of separation of 60 degrees in the circumferential direction about the center of a reference small hole. The small holes are formed over the entire surface of the mesh member continuous with adjoining other small holes. The small holes of one mesh member and another mesh member adjacent thereto in the axial direction are arranged so as to have a phase angle difference of 90 degrees in the circumferential direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: SMC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shogo Kurisaki, Koichi Katsumata
  • Publication number: 20070044574
    Abstract: Cost is reduced by simplifying piping work and reducing the number of parts. At the same time, the degree of freedom in the arrangement of piping is raised by making the mounting posture of the piping variable. A pipe assembly unit with built-in sensors 1 is fabricated by integrating a main pipe 2 and multiple branch pipes 3, 3, . . . which branch from the main pipe 2 and by building, in the multiple branch pipes 3, 3, . . . , a flow sensor 4 which detects the flow rate of a fluid flowing through a conduit 31 of each of the branch pipes 3, and the use of a conventional seal construction using a nipple in connections between the main pipe 2 and the branch pipes 3 is abolished. A pipe adapter 73 having legs 734 is detachably attached to opening ends of the main pipe 2 and the legs 734 are fixed to an installation surface A by changing the orientation of the pipe adapter 73, whereby the mounting posture of the pipe assembly unit 1 is made variable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: TOFLO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takahiro Kawamoto, Takayuki Tajima
  • Publication number: 20070044575
    Abstract: A coriolis mass flow pick-up is disclosed, which can be inserted into a pipeline and has a fluid to be measured flowing through it during operation. The pick-up includes a single measuring pipe, which has an inlet end and an outlet end, an exciter arrangement, which causes the measuring pipe to carry out at least first bending oscillations, and at least two sensors for sensing movement of the measuring pipe. At least two elongate connection parts, which extend freely essentially parallel to the measuring pipe and whose central axes are displaced from the axis of the measuring pipe, are connected on the input side and the output side to the measuring pipe. The connection parts carry out second bending oscillations in the event of an oscillating measuring pipe, with the result that, by the second bending oscillations of the connection parts being superimposed by the oscillations of the measuring pipe, bending forces and torsional moments at the inlet and outlet ends of the measuring pipe are compensated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: ABB Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Kassubek, Jorg Gebhardt, Rene Friedrichs, Wolfgang Waldi, Steffen Keller, Kuno Hug
  • Publication number: 20070044576
    Abstract: A gauge calibrated to measure the torque output from a positive displacement hydraulic motor correlates the differential pressure of the motor to the torque of the drive output of the motor and displays the result in units of torque (ft.lbs). Methods for indicating torque and kits for torque gauges are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Leonidas Stephenson, Garris Cox
  • Publication number: 20070044577
    Abstract: A gas sampler includes an impact disc for removing larger particles from a gas flow drawn by a pump and a filter for capturing smaller particles, also positioned in the flow path. The sampler is conveniently dissembled and reassembled to remove and replace the impact disc and the filter. Particles removed, especially on the filter, may be observed or analyzed. The impact disc may be coated with an oil or other viscous substance to enhance its ability to retain larger particles. The flow path may be entirely annular after striking the impact disc—that is, around the outside of the impact disc but a portion of the flow path may proceed directly through a central aperture in the impact disc after striking it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Saulius Trakumas, Donald Smith, Charles Nachreiner, Peter Hall
  • Publication number: 20070044578
    Abstract: A sampling device for collecting samples of airborne substances. The sampling device includes a housing that has an end that can be connected to a vacuum source and another end that can be connected to a sample cassette. An adjustable opening is located in the housing. The adjustable opening operates to adjust the airflow rate through the housing. A rotameter is mounted in the housing. The rotameter measures the airflow rate through the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: John Jones
  • Publication number: 20070044579
    Abstract: Since a conventional pollen sensor performs detection in an optical manner, there has been a problem that long time is required for the measurement. Further, it has also been a problem that a light source or a detector is required to be used, and the device has become larger. Correspondingly, it is an object to provide a compact sensor with which particles floating in the air can be easily detected. A sensor having a microstructure which detects a detection object by contact is used. A microstructure has an opening to be a detection hole corresponding to the size of a detection object, and a pair of electrodes having a bridge structure are provided thereabove or thereunder so as to partially contact with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: SEMICONDUCTOR ENERGY LABORATORY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Mayumi YAMAGUCHI, Konami IZUMI, Fuminori TATEISHI
  • Publication number: 20070044580
    Abstract: The resolution of a differential mobility analyzer (DMA) and the range of valid mobility values for the charged particles that it can detect are increased. The DMA makes use of a flat configuration and a purely two-dimensional operating model in which shims are used for improved adjustment and precision of the parallel faces that make up the analysis area. The analyzer uses a closed and pressurized aerodynamic tunnel to establish a cross flow with a very high Reynolds number.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Emilio Arcas, Angel Jimenez
  • Publication number: 20070044581
    Abstract: An inspection device for performing nondestructive testing on a test subject includes a manually controlled inspection cart. The inspection device also includes a nondestructive testing platform and a computer coupled to the inspection cart. The computer is operable to control the movement of the nondestructive testing device when the inspection device is within a predetermined distance from the test subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: David Wilcox, Timothy Duffy
  • Publication number: 20070044582
    Abstract: A working vehicle is constructed such that rotation power of an engine (E) is transmitted to drive wheels (3F, 3R) via a main speed-changing device (1) and an auxiliary speed-changing device (2) and that shift positions of the auxiliary speed-changing device (2) are switchable by shift operation of a shift lever (5). Further, the shift lever (5) is switchable between an operation position (P1) for working and an operation position (P2) for road traveling. At the operation position (P1) for working, shift positions can be switched, by combination of the main speed-changing device (1) and the auxiliary speed-changing device (2), between a large number of positions from a low-speed range to a high-speed range. At the operation position (P2) for road traveling, shift positions of the main speed-changing device (1) can be smoothly switched, in conjunction with operation of an accelerator pedal (8) or a throttle lever (17), only within a high-speed range suitable for road traveling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Kouki Ono, Mitsuhiko Ikeda
  • Publication number: 20070044583
    Abstract: A shift range switching apparatus includes an automatic transmission that includes a shift range switching device having a control rod for switching an actual shift range corresponding to rotation angle of the control rod. The shift range switching apparatus further includes an electric actuator that includes an output shaft connecting with the control rod. The electric actuator switches the actual shift range by rotating the control rod via the output shaft. The shift range switching apparatus further includes an assembly regulating device that allows the electric actuator to be detachable from and attachable to the automatic transmission when the actual shift range of the shift range switching device is set at a specific shift range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicants: DENSO CORPORATION, NIPPON SOKEN, INC.
    Inventors: Masashi Hori, Kiyoshi Kimura, Shigeru Yoshiyama, Taku Itoh
  • Publication number: 20070044584
    Abstract: A park/reverse inhibiting apparatus is disposed within a transmission control mechanism to inhibit movement of a cam plate selected from a forward or neutral position to a reverse position or park position when the vehicle speed is above a predetermined value. The inhibiting apparatus will also prevent movement from the reverse position to the park position depending upon the vehicle speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: Scott Wittkopp
  • Publication number: 20070044585
    Abstract: A miter gear transmission includes a driving shaft, an idler cluster and a driven shaft. The idler cluster includes two cone-shaped gear sets, each having a proximate end with a gear having a largest number of teeth and a distal end with a gear having a smallest number of teeth. Gears with a decreasing number of teeth are located between the proximate and distal ends. The two gear sets are joined at their proximate ends. The idler cluster is suspended in bearings at a 45 degree angle between the driving and driven shafts with first and second spur gears slidably engaged to the shafts. Two actuator moves the spur gears along the shafts to engage the gear teeth of each of gears of the gear sets. By moving the spur gears to engage different gears, different gear ratios are achieved. A cable loop shifter moves the actuators along the shafts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: Edmund Wallasch
  • Publication number: 20070044586
    Abstract: A bicycle light attachment assembly includes a bracket, a lamp and a clamping member. The lamp is coupled to the bracket and the clamping member is pivotally coupled to the bracket. The clamping member and the bracket are arranged to clamp onto a brake mechanism supporting member on a bicycle frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Noriyasu Ishikawa
  • Publication number: 20070044587
    Abstract: A differential includes a case with which a gear set is received and the gear set includes a spiral gear. Two output shafts extend through the case so as to be connected to two wheels. An input shaft is connected to the differential and has a bevel gear which is engaged with the spiral gear and drives the spiral gear so as to reduce the noise during operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: Shine Far Metal Industry Co., LTD.
    Inventor: Jih-Kuei Cho
  • Publication number: 20070044588
    Abstract: A ceramic sintered product which comprises a first hard phase containing a nitride of titanium, a second hard phase containing at least one of alumina and zirconia, and a binding phase containing nickel; and a method for producing the ceramic sintered product. The ceramic sintered product is lightweight and exhibits good abrasion resistance in a wet atmosphere, and further can be produced at a low cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: KYOCERA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenichi Hamamura, Saburou Nagano
  • Publication number: 20070044589
    Abstract: A solution jet type fabrication apparatus for fabricating a wiring pattern or a device, the solution jet type fabrication apparatus including a jet head for ejecting a droplet of a solution containing fine particles onto a substrate, so as to form a pattern, by vaporizing a volatile ingredient of the solution, and allowing a solid component to remain on the substrate, wherein the substrate has no liquid absorbing property, wherein the jet head includes a nozzle from which the droplet is ejected, the nozzle being formed from a material that has a greater hardness than that of the fine particles in the solution, wherein the nozzle has a size that is equal to or less than ?20 ?m, the nozzle satisfying a relation of 0.0001?Dp/Do?0.01, where Dp represents the diameter of each of the fine particles and Do represents the diameter of the nozzle, wherein each of the fine particles has a size that is equal to or less than the roughness of a surface of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: Takuro Sekiya
  • Publication number: 20070044590
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for producing metal nanoparticles, in which a metallic compound is first dissolved in a solvent to obtain a metal ionic solution, then the metal ionic solution is uniformly distributed on the carrier, and finally electrons provided from an electron source are shot at the carrier for reducing the metal ions to the metal nanoparticles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Fuh-Sheng Shieu, Yi-Hao Pai, Hong-Jen Lin
  • Publication number: 20070044591
    Abstract: A method for producing mesoporous nanoscale iron-containing metal particles includes the steps of: adding dropwise a reducing agent into an iron salt containing aqueous solution under a condition that the molar ratio of the reducing agent to the iron salt ranges from 6 to 10 times the stoichiometric ratio of the reducing agent to the iron salt to produce mesoporous nanoscale iron-containing metal particles; separating the mesoporous nanoscale iron-containing metal particles from the aqueous solution; and drying the mesoporous nanoscale iron-containing metal particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Gordon Yang, Chih-Hsiung Hung, Der-Guang Chang
  • Publication number: 20070044592
    Abstract: An apparatus for engaging a tubular member. The apparatus comprises an assembly having a driving device containing a first driving rack and a second driving rack, a first driven device containing a first driven rack, and a second driven device containing a second driven rack. The apparatus further includes a first gear member operatively associated with the first driving rack and the first driven rack, and a second gear member operatively associated with the second driving rack and the second driven rack. A driver cylinder is included that is operatively connected to the driving device, with the driver cylinder moveable from a retracted position to an extended position, and wherein the movement of the driving device causes movement of the first driven device and the second driven device in order to engage the driving device, the first driven device and the second driven device with the tubular member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: Lawrence Childress
  • Publication number: 20070044593
    Abstract: Open-end ratcheting socket wrench, unidirectional in rotation, reversible by flipping the wrench body to its other side. The socket has a slot on one side to fit over the cable, tubing, or pipe being worked on. There are three pawls so a minimum of two are in contact with ratchet gear at all times since one will be disengaged with the gear when the open face is adjacent to the pawl. The intended use of the tool is to loosen or tighten a fitting attached to a cable, tubing, or pipe especially in a recessed area without having to reposition the wrench onto the fitting using a ratcheting action. The socket is then backed away from the work piece, the slot in the socket realigned with the slot in the body and the wrench and socket removed from the cable, tubing, or pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: Scott Murdoch