Patents Issued in March 29, 2007
  • Publication number: 20070068235
    Abstract: A torque sensor system and method. An automotive engine is located opposite a torque converter, such that a shaft extends from the engine and interacts with the torque converter. A target is located between the engine and torque converter. One or more torque sensors can be integrated with one or more position sensors for detecting a position associated with the shaft, wherein the torque sensor(s) and the position sensor(s) are integrated into a single torque sensor package to thereby provide enhanced sensing of the target in association with a rotation of shaft during an actuation of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Inventors: Scott Bunyer, Steven Magee, Fred Hintz, Richard Andrews, Gary O' Brien, James Liu, James Cook, Stephen Shiffer
  • Publication number: 20070068236
    Abstract: A partial flow sampling system includes a system inlet for receiving an exhaust sample flow from a sample inlet probe and transfer line. The system further includes a dilution air control system for controlling a dilution air flow rate, and a mixer. The mixer receives and mixes the exhaust sample flow and the dilution air flow to produce a mixture flow. A total flow control system controls the mixture flow rate. An orifice flow meter installed at the system inlet measures the exhaust sample flow rate in. real-time. This provides accurate sample flow measurements over a wide range of dilution ratios and sample ratios.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Inventors: Qiang Wei, Ichiro Asano
  • Publication number: 20070068237
    Abstract: A method for estimating a force exerted by a first body onto a second body including the steps of providing a motor having at least one detectable motor signal, wherein the motor is adapted to advance the first body into engagement with the second body, determining a first value for the motor signal prior to the first body engaging the second body, determining a second value for the motor signal after the first body engages the second body, and generating a force value based upon a comparison of the second value to the first value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Inventor: Jon Zumberge
  • Publication number: 20070068238
    Abstract: A central tire inflation system for an agricultural implement that is linked to a work vehicle for movement in a field. The central tire inflation system includes a database of soil conditions corresponding to location, an implement load sensor, a location determiner, a processor, and tire inflation controller. The processor determines the proper inflation of implement tires based on factors including the soil conditions and implement load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Inventor: Keith Wendte
  • Publication number: 20070068239
    Abstract: The tire pressure gauge has a body, a controller and a cap. The body has a valve stem connector that attaches to a valve stem of a tire to sample internal air pressure of the tire. The controller is mounted inside the body and comprises a microprocessor, a pressure sensor, an alarm unit and a pressure indicator. The microprocessor stores a preset pressure value. The pressure sensor senses the tire's internal air pressure sampled by the valve stem connector, generates an electronic signal indicating the sensed pressure and sends the electronic signal to the microprocessor. The microprocessor compares the electronic signal to the preset pressure value. If the electronic signal is lower than the preset pressure value, the microprocessor activates the alarm unit that produces an audible warning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Inventor: Kuo-Liang Chen
  • Publication number: 20070068240
    Abstract: A remote tire pressure monitoring system includes a tire monitor, a receiver, a transmitter, and a controller. The tire monitor is configured to operate in a power saving mode, in which it senses inflation pressure of a tire, determines a change in the inflation pressure of the tire, and transmits a pressure transmitting signal only when the determined change in the inflation pressure is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold. The controller is operatively connected with the receiver and the transmitter. The controller works to determine, upon receipt of the pressure transmitting signal by the receiver, the inflation pressure of the tire based on the pressure transmitting signal. The controller also works to control, in response to receipt of the pressure transmitting signal by the receiver, the transmitter to transmit the acknowledge signal to inform the tire monitor that the receiver has certainly received the pressure transmitting signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Nobuya Watabe
  • Publication number: 20070068241
    Abstract: The volume measuring device (9) is a linear solenoid-based piston-type device designed to measure the separate gaseous (12) and non-gaseous (11) volumes of a di-phasic mixture within a vessel (10). The invention is attached to a vessel containing the materials as illustrated in FIG. 9, and effects a small change in volume of the gaseous fraction of material in the vessel. During each solenoid piston (5) stroke the invention takes a continual series of measurements. By applying a technique derived from Boyle's Law and other algorithms the invention determines the volume of the gaseous fraction of material within the vessel. The volume of the non-gaseous fraction is determined by subtracting the gaseous volume from the known volume of the vessel. Significantly, there is no requirement for knowledge of the absolute pressure or temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2004
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Inventor: Narinngs Singh Bains
  • Publication number: 20070068242
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for performing elemental analysis of a formation fluid downhole. The present invention provides elemental analysis of a formation fluid downhole using breakdown spectroscopy. In one aspect of the invention, a method and apparatus are provided for performing laser induced breakdown on a formation fluid sample is provided. In another aspect of the invention a method and apparatus are provided for performing spark induced breakdown spectroscopy. Plasma is induced in a fluid under test downhole. Emissions from the plasma are analyzed to determine the elemental composition of the fluid under test. Emissions include but are not limited to light in the ultraviolet, visible, and near infrared regions of the spectrum. A spectrometer is provided for elemental analysis of a fluid downhole. Elemental analysis yields information about the fluid and the formation from which the fluid originated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Rocco DiFoggio
  • Publication number: 20070068243
    Abstract: A leaf spring load measuring device of the present invention comprises a weighing mechanism, a measuring mechanism, a metering mechanism, and a control mechanism. The weighing mechanism applies a load heavier than a working load to a leaf spring, thereby bending the leaf spring in its thickness direction, and maintains the resulting state for a predetermined hold time. The measuring mechanism measures a load value of the leaf spring in a manner such that the spring is subjected to a load within a range of the working load. The metering mechanism meters a displacement of the spring when the load value is measured. The control mechanism controls the weighing mechanism, the metering mechanism, and the measuring mechanism, and has a timer function to meter the hold time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Inventors: Eijiro Furuta, Koichi Fukushima
  • Publication number: 20070068244
    Abstract: A system for measuring ground reaction force and analyzing the performance of an athlete in which force sensors are located in the athletes shoe and a three dimensional accelerometer is located adjacent the athletes centre of gravity and the signals from the accelerometer and the force sensors are recorded and used to derive the three orthogonal components of the ground reaction force (GRF).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Applicant: M.B.T.l. Limited
    Inventors: Daniel Billing, Jason Hayes, Romesh Nagarajah
  • Publication number: 20070068245
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method allowing an electronic watch to automatically exit an altimeter mode including the following steps: (a) entry into altimeter mode by activating the watch altimeter module; (b) using a pressure sensor of the watch to measure at least one first pressure value used to calculate a first altitude value; (c) using the pressure sensor to measure at least one second pressure value used to calculate a second altitude value; (d) comparing the difference between said first and second pressure or altitude values to a determined pressure or altitude variation threshold using a variation detector of the altimeter module; (e) automatic exit from the altimeter mode when the result of the comparison is higher than the determined pressure or altitude variation threshold and stopping the display of altitude values by the analogue display means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Applicant: ETA SA MANUFACTURE HORLOGÈRE SUISSE
    Inventors: Fabien Blondeau, Loic Talbot, Claude-Alain Giauque
  • Publication number: 20070068246
    Abstract: A measuring passage includes: an inflow aperture opening onto a vicinity of an end portion of a surface of a main body portion that is perpendicular to a direction of flow of a main flow of a measured fluid so as to be facing upstream; and an outflow aperture opening onto an end surface of the main body portion in a direction of projection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Uramachi
  • Publication number: 20070068247
    Abstract: A storage tank having an inner vessel disposed within an outer vessel. A common-access tube or conduit is used to route the various fluid flow lines into the interior of the inner vessel. The common-access tube facilitates modular construction and assembly of the storage tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Inventors: Jader Da Silva, Rainer Immel
  • Publication number: 20070068248
    Abstract: A non-invasive method for measuring the level of filling material in a vessel and for detecting the presence of the filling material in the vessel at a predetermined set point level is based on monitoring the oscillation of the vessel's outside wall that follows an impact load applied to the external surface of the vessel's wall. The method may employ short range level measurement and long range level measurement procedures. The short-range level measurement utilizes the macro-dynamic properties of the oscillating space in the vicinity of the center of the impact. The long-range level measurement utilizes the properties of the transverse elastic waves propagating along the vessel's wall after the impact. The value of the measured level may be determined by a joint evaluation of the output of the short range level measurement procedure and the output of the long range level measurement procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Inventors: David Freger, Alexander Raykhman
  • Publication number: 20070068249
    Abstract: A liquid-amount detecting apparatus detects the amount of a liquid in containers. The liquid-amount detecting apparatus includes a liquid detecting circuit and a determining unit. The liquid detecting circuit includes electrode units disposed so as to be in contact with the liquid in the containers, which becomes electrically conductive when in contact with the liquid, an impedance, and an AC-signal source. An AC signal not containing a DC component is input from the AC-signal source to the electrode units through the source impedance, and a signal representing the status of electric connection of the electrode units is output. Furthermore, based on the output signal, a binary signal representing the presence or absence of electrical connection of the electrode units is output. The determining unit determines the presence or absence of the liquid at the electrode units based on the binary signal output from the liquid detecting circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Inventors: Takeo Eguchi, Kazuyasu Takenaka, Takumi Namekawa
  • Publication number: 20070068250
    Abstract: A measuring cup for allowing a user to determine the volume and/or level of contents within the measuring cup by looking from above. The measuring cup including a bottom wall, a generally circularly shaped upstanding encircling side wall having a bottom edge and an open upper end. The measuring cup further includes a plurality of steps formed integrally with an inner surface of the side wall, each of the plurality of steps being non-vertically aligned, horizontally spaced apart, and independently radially aligned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Inventor: Adam Krent
  • Publication number: 20070068251
    Abstract: A vibration gyro having a high accuracy, no vibration leak, and high S/N. The width of a detection leg of a resonator used in the vibration gyro is less than ? of the width of drive legs. The length of the detection leg is larger than the length of the drive legs. As a result, the distance between the detection electrodes is decreased by comparison with the conventional vibration gyro and, therefore, the detection signal is increased and S/N is raised. Furthermore, increasing the leg length brings the natural vibration frequency of out-of-plane vibration of the drive legs close to the natural vibration frequency of the detection leg, providing good coupling and reducing vibration leak to the support section. As a result, Q is increased and S/N is accordingly further increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Applicant: CITIZEN WATCH CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Izumi Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20070068252
    Abstract: A motion sensor which can easily and accurately detect bearing, attitude and acceleration in any of three-dimensional directions and a portable telephone using the same. The motion sensor comprises three magnetic sensing parts for detecting magnetic field strength in 3-axis directions orthogonal to one another, and three acceleration sensing parts for detecting accelerations in the 3-axis directions. Each of the acceleration sensing parts has a magnet body constituted to be able to displace depending on acceleration, and a magnet displacement detection head for detecting a displacement of the magnet body. The three magnetic sensing parts and the three magnet displacement detection heads are all made of the same type of magnetic detection elements which operate based on common operation principles. The three magnetic sensing parts and the three acceleration sensing parts are integrated into one modular package together with one electronic circuit for controlling these six magnetic detection elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Applicants: AICHI STEEL CORPORATION, Vodafone K.K.
    Inventors: Yoshinobu Honkura, Michiharu Yamamoto, Masaki Mori, Eiji Kako, Toshiro Matsumura, Jun Yamazaki, Hirohisa Kusuda, Yasuhiro Nishide, Daisuke Tsujino
  • Publication number: 20070068253
    Abstract: An ultrasonic probe used for inspecting a workpiece comprising a delay body and a transducer array having a plurality of transducer elements mounted on the delay body. The plurality of transducer elements of the transducer array are mounted on the curved outer surface of the delay body. The transducer elements in the array of elements are equidistant from a center of the radius of curvature of the delay body, so that sound waves simultaneously generated by two or more of the transducer elements arrive at the center of the radius, also referred to as the origin point, at the same time. For any delay body, there is a single origin point, since a curved body of constant radius can have but a single center.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2005
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: Thomas Carodiskey
  • Publication number: 20070068254
    Abstract: A measuring device for measuring an amount of a rinsing additive to be metered into a rinsing, washing or disinfecting process in a rinsing machine includes a measuring segment for conveying the rinsing additive. The measuring segment has a defined length and a defined diameter, and includes a first cylindrical widening at an upstream end therof. An ultrasound sensor is associated with the measuring segment for performing a measurement of at least one of a running time, an amplitude and a phase as a function of a flow rate of the rinsing additive so as to enable a determination of at least one of a type and an amount of the additive flowing through the measuring segment. A cap including a cylindrical indentation is received in the cylindrical widening so as to form an annular chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Applicant: Miele & Cie. KG
    Inventors: Marco Anstett, Reimund Pichler
  • Publication number: 20070068255
    Abstract: A three-dimensional array (10) of microphones (M) is used to determine the three-dimensional sound field above a surface element (?S) of a sound emitting surface (S), and the air-particle velocity (un) at the surface element (?S) is determined using Near-Field Acoustical Holography (NAH). A volume velocity sound source (11) is used to emit a volume velocity (Qv) in a listening position, and the array (10) of microphones (M) is used to determine the resulting three-dimensional sound field above the surface element (?S), and using NAH the resulting sound pressure at the surface element (?S) is determined. The acoustic transfer function (H) between the surface element (?S) and the listening position is assumed to be reciprocal and is determined as the ratio of the resulting sound pressure at the surface element (?S) to the volume velocity (Qv). The sound pressure in the listening position resulting from the surface element (?S) is determined as ?p=H.(un. ?S).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2004
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Applicant: Bruel & Kjaer Sound & Vibration Measurement A/S
    Inventor: Jorgen Hald
  • Publication number: 20070068256
    Abstract: Techniques are described for estimating the propagation velocity through a surface acoustic wave sensor. In particular, techniques which measure and exploit a proper segment of phase frequency response of the surface acoustic wave sensor are described for use as a basis of bacterial detection by the sensor. As described, use of velocity estimation based on a proper segment of phase frequency response has advantages over conventional techniques that use phase shift as the basis for detection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Inventors: Wenyuan Xu, John Huizinga
  • Publication number: 20070068257
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of determining the thickness of a surface layer of a part having a structure different from that of the material constituting the part beneath said layer. It consists in generating a beam of Rayleigh waves on the surface of the part at a first frequency, in measuring the wave propagation velocity, in repeating the operation several times with Rayleigh waves at different frequencies, in recording the wave propagation velocities and the corresponding wavelengths and in classifying them by increasing wavelengths. The thickness of said layer is defined by the wavelength above which a plateau in the variation of said velocity is observed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Applicants: SNECMA, ULTRA RS
    Inventors: Farid Belahcene, Jean-yves Chatellier, Pierre Cortesi, Christian Ducrocq
  • Publication number: 20070068258
    Abstract: Disclosed is a vibration sensing apparatus and a washing machine having the same. The vibration sensing apparatus includes a variable resistor having variable resistance values according to each displacement, a displacement transmission unit interposed between the variable resistor and a vibrating body for transmitting each displacement of the vibrating body to the variable resistor, and a vibration detector for detecting each vibration of the vibrating body based upon the changes in the resistance values of the variable resistor. The vibration generated while operating the washing machine can be sensed in real time to prevent collision and noise from being generated due to excessive vibration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Sang-Hoon Lee, Jae-Hyun Kim
  • Publication number: 20070068259
    Abstract: A method for selecting a style of clip-on imbalance correction weight for application to a vehicle wheel rim edge during a vehicle wheel imbalance correction procedure. A wheel rim edge or lip is scanned to establish a representation of the wheel rim edge profile or lip configuration. The established representation of the wheel rim edge profile or lip configuration is compared with a plurality of clip-on imbalance correction weight profiles and clip shapes to identify at least the best-fit match between the wheel rim edge profile or lip configuration and a clip-on imbalance correction weight in the set of available weight profiles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Applicant: HUNTER ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventor: Michael Douglas
  • Publication number: 20070068260
    Abstract: Disclosed is a pressure measuring system for a vacuum chamber, in particular, a pressure measuring system for a vacuum chamber using ultrasonic wave. In this regard, there is provided a pressure measuring system for a vacuum chamber using ultrasonic wave, comprising a vacuum chamber 10 formed with desired vacuum at the inside thereof; ultrasonic wave-emitting means mounted close to an outer peripheral surface of the vacuum chamber 10 for emitting an ultrasonic wave 62 to the inside of the vacuum chamber 10; ultrasonic wave-receiving means for receiving a reflection wave 64 reflected after the striking of the ultrasonic wave 62 emitted from the ultrasonic wave-emitting means to the vacuum chamber; reflection wave-detecting means for detecting the reflection wave 64 from the ultrasonic wave-receiving means; and amplitude-analyzing means for analyzing the amplitude of the reflection wave 64 detected by the reflection wave-detecting means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2006
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Applicant: Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science
    Inventors: Seung Hong, Yong Shin, Kwang Chung
  • Publication number: 20070068261
    Abstract: A pressure sensor having a diaphragm which is differently deformable or locally changeable by pressure differences is described. A construction advantageously usable even in poorly accessible spaces having high temperatures is obtained in that at least one functional section of the diaphragm has a material which has the properties of a black-body radiator or has an emissivity used for detection in the spectral radiation range corresponding to the temperature of the diaphragm under its conditions of use, and a radiation receiver unit, which detects at least a portion of the emitted radiation, having at least one infrared radiation sensor, is assigned to the diaphragm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2004
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Longchamp, Dominique Marchal
  • Publication number: 20070068262
    Abstract: A fiber optic differential pressure sensor. In a described embodiment, a differential pressure sensor system for use in a subterranean well includes a fluid property sensing housing having a flow passage formed therethrough. A differential pressure sensor has an optical fiber extending in a wall having a first side and a second side, each of the first and second sides being exposed to pressure in the flow passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Inventors: Neal Skinner, John Dennis, Donald Perkins
  • Publication number: 20070068263
    Abstract: A device for testing a pressure sensor having a pressure-sensitive region includes a fixture for a pressure sensor designed to receive the pressure sensor, a nozzle designed to generate a gas flow interacting with the pressure-sensitive region of the pressure sensor and positioned so close to the fixture such that the nozzle does not contact the pressure-sensitive region of the pressure sensor and a predefined portion of the pressure-sensitive region experiences an increased or decreased pressure relative to ambient pressure which is constant within a deviation of 10% relative to a pressure mean value, and a measurer designed to measure an electrical signal received by the pressure sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Inventors: Franz Reinwald, Stefan Zerlauth
  • Publication number: 20070068264
    Abstract: A pressure pickup comprises: A diaphragm seal module 1 having a diaphragm seal platform 10 and a separating diaphragm 11, which is secured to the diaphragm seal platform to form a pressure chamber; a temperature sensor 40 for registering a diaphragm seal temperature; a sensor module 2 having a pressure measuring cell 21; a pressure line 12 between the pressure chamber and the measuring cell 21, for loading the measuring cell with the pressure being measured; a housing 3, which is spaced from the diaphragm seal module 1 and has a housing chamber 30, in which an electronic circuit 31 is arranged, which has inputs for signals of the pressure measuring cell 21 and of the temperature sensor 40; wherein the pressure pickup further comprises a canal 5, which extends between the housing chamber and the temperature sensor, wherein at least one electric line 42 runs through the canal for coupling of the temperature sensor with the circuit 31, wherein the canal 5 and the housing chamber 30 form an enclosed volume, which
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2004
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Applicant: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Stefan Muth, Raimund Becher
  • Publication number: 20070068265
    Abstract: To accurately set a detection axis of a sensor even when the sensor is attached to an inclined surface, provided is: a sensor responsive to an operation to a predetermined detection axis. A sensor device accommodates this sensor 1 and is a lead provided for conduction between a terminal of this sensor device and a mounting board. A mold for fixing the sensor device to set the detection axis of the sensor and a bottom surface of the mold with a desired angle is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jun WATANABE
  • Publication number: 20070068266
    Abstract: A sensor and sensor module with small power consumption and high reliability are disclosed. The sensor includes a capacitor having a capacitance varying with a physical quantity, a capacitance-voltage conversion circuit for converting the capacitance of the capacitor into a voltage, and a control signal generation circuit for generating a plurality of control signals. The capacitor has a frequency-capacitance characteristic with a resonant frequency. In a measurement of the physical quantity, the capacitance of the capacitor is measured with one of the control signals having a first frequency which is much higher or much lower than the resonant frequency. In a self-diagnosis of the sensor, the capacitance of the capacitor is measured with another one of the control signals having a second frequency which is equal or close to the resonant frequency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Inventors: Tsukasa Fujimori, Natsuki Yokoyama, Hiroshi Fukuda, Yuko Hanaoka, Takashi Azuma
  • Publication number: 20070068267
    Abstract: A high temperature pressure sensing system (transducer) including: a pressure sensing piezoresistive sensor formed by a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) process; a SOI amplifier circuit operatively coupled to the piezoresistive sensor; a SOI gain controller circuit including a plurality of resistances that when selectively coupled to the amplifier adjust a gain of the amplifier; a plurality of off-chip contacts corresponding to the resistances, respectively, for electrically activating the corresponding resistances and using a metallization layer for the SOI sensor and SOI ASIC suitable for high temperature interconnections (bonding); wherein the piezoresistive sensor, amplifier circuit and gain control circuit are suitable for use in environments having a temperature greater than 175 degrees C. and reaching between 250° C. and 300° C., and wherein the entire transducer has a high immunity to nuclear radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Inventors: Anthony Kurtz, Wolf Landmann, Alexander Ned
  • Publication number: 20070068268
    Abstract: A package designed for monitoring fluid pressure in a manifold includes one or more pressure transducers and a microprocessor incorporated into a package to form a single, modular fluid pressure sensing device. The transducers may be arranged on one or more substrates to allow direct connection between the transducers and pressure ports in the manifold or be disposed on supports having support ports that couple with the pressure ports to carry fluid to the transducers. The package provides pressure-sensing capabilities without requiring reconfiguration of the manifold itself.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Applicant: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Dell'Eva, Timothy Green
  • Publication number: 20070068269
    Abstract: A system and method for pressure measurement may include the ability to readily produce a pressure measurement system. In one general aspect, pressure measurement may include a signal-converting circuit that includes a coupler, a signal biaser, and a signal span adjuster. The coupler is operable to receive a pressure-representative signal, and the signal biaser includes a thermally-insensitive voltage divider that facilitates biasing the pressure-representative signal. The signal span adjuster is coupled to the coupler and the signal biaser and includes a thermally-insensitive voltage divider that facilitates adjusting the span of the pressure-representative signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Inventors: David Lepine, Yoshikazu Kaneko
  • Publication number: 20070068270
    Abstract: An electronic gauge for measuring the maximum draw weight of a compound bow. The gauge comprises a bow engagement member configured to receive a bowstring of a compound bow. A force sensor is operatively coupled to the bow engagement member such that axial forces applied to the bow engagement member are applied to the force sensor. The force sensor is configured to generate an electrical signal representing the draw weights applied to the bow engagement member as the compound bow is pulled through at least a portion of a draw stroke. A processor is in electrical communication with the force sensor to determine a maximum draw weight of the compound bow based on the electrical signal generated by the force sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Inventors: Gary Coffey, Dustin Barmes, Gregory Barmes, Ying Chen Li
  • Publication number: 20070068271
    Abstract: The present invention presents a means for simultaneously testing the compressive strength and measuring the thermal energy dissipated by a given friction material during slip. The testing apparatus includes a rotatable flywheel that rotates a transmission reaction plate to simulate a typical reaction plate in a vehicle transmission assembly. A plurality of test samples selectively interact with the reaction plate while being elevated by hydraulically actuated cylinders. The thermal energy dissipated between the reaction plate and each test sample is measured for each test sample. A method for accomplishing the same for a bill-of-design reference is also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Inventors: Timothy Reinhart, Kerry Stadtfeld
  • Publication number: 20070068272
    Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for measuring portions of a body are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a disposable subassembly and a reusable subassembly releasably coupled to the disposable subassembly. The disposable subassembly includes a flexible member for positioning relative to the portion of the body. The reusable subassembly includes an encoder for detecting movement of the flexible member, a processor operably coupled to the encoder for receiving data corresponding to a dimension of the portion of the body, and an output device operably coupled to the processor for sending data to an external device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Inventor: Guy Houser
  • Publication number: 20070068273
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed comprising a suite of sensors for measuring instant static and dynamic pressure and the speed and acceleration of a vehicle, such as a bicycle. A microprocessor receives data from the sensors and calculates power expended by the rider or other power source by finding the total of all forces impinging upon the vehicle and rider, thereafter multiplying by the speed of the ground vehicle. In some embodiments accuracy is improved by calibration techniques, user input of data, or temperature compensation of certain factors. Other data, such as wind speed, distance traveled, altitude, or surface grade may be presented to the user. In one embodiment data is stored for later analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Applicant: VELOCOMP, LLP
    Inventor: Glen Cunningham
  • Publication number: 20070068274
    Abstract: Apparatus tests the durability of a peripheral artery medical device based upon anatomical loading conditions. A peripheral artery medical device is mounted to a support element, typically a hollow tube, having first and second end portions. End holding elements are mounted to a base and are secured to the first and second end portions. The apparatus further comprises means for applying a plurality of cycles of at least one of the following loading conditions to the medical device support element at the location of the peripheral artery medical device: torsion, tension/compression, bending and pinching. In some embodiments the apparatus comprises an environmental chamber housing at least the support element so to mimic the service temperature environment of the medical device. A method for testing the durability of a peripheral artery medical device based upon anatomical loading conditions is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Applicant: VASCULAR ARCHITECTS, INC., a Delaware Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan Olson, Peter Rosario, Donald Cabaluna, Guruswami Ravichandran, George Hermann, Marshall Tsuruda
  • Publication number: 20070068275
    Abstract: The apparatus for testing a fuselage structure (10) having longitudinal and circumferential curvature comprises an assembly of means (30, 40) for applying forces to the fuselage structure (10). It comprises support means (50) capable of supporting the fuselage structure (10) and the assembly of force-application means (30, 40). The assembly of force-application means (30, 40) is mounted between the support means (50) and the force-introduction means (70) interlocked with the fuselage structure (10), and is capable of applying collinear forces to the fuselage structure (10). Use in particular to perform tests on an airplane fuselage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Applicant: Airbus France
    Inventor: Cyrille Saves-Saint-Germes
  • Publication number: 20070068276
    Abstract: A pressure sensor is provided with a housing which has an opening portion for communicating an interior of the housing with an exterior, and a pressure detecting unit which has a detection surface for detecting a pressure applied thereto through the opening and is arranged in the housing. One of a perimeter of the detection surface and that of the opening portion has a protrusion portion which protrudes toward other of the perimeters. The other of the perimeters has a groove, into which a tip of the protrusion portion is inserted. A seal member is arranged between the groove and the protrusion portion, to seal therebetween and buffer stress caused by relative displacement between the housing and the pressure detecting unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Applicant: DENSO Corporation
    Inventors: Shingo Wanami, Kazushige Suematsu, Toshihito Nonaka, Minoru Fujioka, Taiki Katsu
  • Publication number: 20070068277
    Abstract: A method and device for testing a substantially cylindrical tool having an axis is performed by imparting a testing torque to the cylindrical tool. The tool is clamped in a vise. The tool has a driven end including a shank and a working end in opposed relation along the axis. The vise is configured to clamp the tool to prevent rotation of the tool about the axis. The shank is clamped in a chuck. The chuck has a adapter defining a void configured to engagingly receive a socket drive shaft. A torque wrench having a lever arm and a socket driver shaft is engaged by insertion of the socket drive shaft into the void. A torque is imparted to the cylindrical tool about its axis by suitably imparting a force on the lever arm. The quantum of torque imparted is measured based upon operation of the torque wrench.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Inventors: James Hammond, George Anderson, Brian Martinek
  • Publication number: 20070068278
    Abstract: A plurality of acoustic wave sensing devices can be provided, which are mechanically simulated for implementation upon a quartz wafer substrate. The quartz wafer substrate is appropriately etched to produce a quartz diaphragm from the quartz wafer substrate. A plurality of torque SAW sensing resonators can then be located upon the quartz wafer substrate, which is based upon previously mechanically simulated devices for implementation upon the substrate, together with a quartz cover to thereby produce a quartz torque sensor package from the quartz wafer substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Inventors: James Liu, Steven Magee
  • Publication number: 20070068279
    Abstract: A device for determining the position and a torque of a shaft, e.g., a steering control shaft of a steering system, includes: a first signal generation device on a first shaft section of the shaft, the first signal generation device emitting a first and second signal sequence to a first evaluation device; and a second shaft section on which a second signal generation device is arranged, which emits a third and fourth signal sequence to a second evaluation device. In order to arrange a device for determining the position and a torque of a shaft that allows reliable and precise determination of the position and the torque, the signals from the first and the second signal generation device are simultaneously recorded across the entire particular geometric extension of the signal generation devices by the first and/or the second evaluation device, and the position of the shaft is determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Inventor: Wolfgang Abele
  • Publication number: 20070068280
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a magnetoelastic torque sensor includes plating a magnetoelastic material to a magnetically inert substrate, and its endowment with uniaxial magnetic anisotropy through the creation within the transducer element of stress anisotropy. The plating of magnetostrictive material to the magnetically inert substrate provides a less expensive torque element that exhibits desired levels of accuracy and reliability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Applicant: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventor: David Cripe
  • Publication number: 20070068281
    Abstract: A device for measuring the tightness of a transmission belt comprises a hilt, an insertion tube, a frame, a retaining piece and an engaging piece. The hilt is provided with a transverse handle, a sleeve and a retractable axle having a section of a screw thread. The insertion tube, connected to the retractable axle by screwing has an inner passage with an upper screw-thread section and a lower screw-thread section. The insertion tube further includes surface graduations for inspection. The frame has a central through hole and two belt-passing slots respectively on two side arms thereof said frame. The retaining piece is connected to the bottom of the frame. The engaging piece is attached to the bottom terminal of the retractable axle. Thereby, a belt will be inserted through the belt-passing slots of the frame and brought into contact with the engaging piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Inventor: Hsin Kang
  • Publication number: 20070068282
    Abstract: A belt tension detecting apparatus and a child seat provided with the belt tension detecting apparatus. A tension indicator includes a roller arranged on a belt at a midsection in the direction of extension thereof, a case accommodating the roller so as to be capable of rotating in the belt retracting direction and in the belt withdrawing direction, and a spring which urges the roller in the belt retracting direction. The roller includes a slit through which the belt passes. When a tension equal to or larger than a predetermined value is applied to the belt, a different color portion is seen through a window to indicate that the roller is rotated in the belt withdrawing direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Applicant: TAKATA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Osamu Nakagawa, Masayuki Sakumoto, Hirokazu Kanbayashi, Hideki Kaneko
  • Publication number: 20070068283
    Abstract: A load cell for measuring extremely low level, anisotropic biaxial loads is disclosed. The system includes at least one load cell of a specific geometry and dimension which, when mounted, provides a rotationless system accurately transmitting both normal and shearing strains to strain gauges mounted thereon. More specifically, by shaping the load cell so as to concentrate the strains imposed thereon, detection of extremely minute loads, such as coefficients of friction, can be measured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Applicant: Cornell Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Gleghorn, Lawrence Bonassar
  • Publication number: 20070068284
    Abstract: A method and device for collecting airborne particulate samples comprising vacuum air intake tube(s) onto the distal end of each of which is connected a regulating nozzle that is covered by the well reservoir of a capture vessel. Ambient air is directed to impact the interior surfaces of a single or multi-reservoir capture vessel. Each such well reservoir may include additional collector media and can be fitted with a filter screen. A plurality of said intake tubes may also be assembled and automated for programmable sample times and duration through a manifold in order to service a standard well tray which provides for higher collection efficiencies. In situ pathogen detection is possible by inclusion of nucleic acid specific dyes or probes in the media and/or by attachment of an excitation light, radiation detector, or fluorometer device(s) focused on the internal surfaces of a semi-translucent well reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Inventors: Alonso Castro, Ricky Lopez, Murray Moore, Kathryn Creek, Perry Gray