Patents Issued in May 1, 2007
  • Patent number: 7210321
    Abstract: The centreline runout (a) and out of roundness (b) of a shaft (100) is measured by measuring the distance between the central longitudinal axis (102) of the shaft (100) and each of a plurality of angularly spaced measurement points (103) located on the outer surface of the shaft in a measurement plane (18) using a measuring device (10). The position of the centroid (104) of the shaft at the measurement plane (18) is calculated along with the distance between the centroid (104) and the shaft central longitudinal axis (102), providing a centreline runout measurement (a). The distance between each measurement point (103) and the centroid (104) is calculated with these distances being used to calculate an out of round measurement (b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Dana Australia Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Ian M. George
  • Patent number: 7210322
    Abstract: A method and a device for easily setting a processing condition from a dent rate of a product by giving an arbitrary dent producing condition and a shotblast processing condition in a shotblasting process. The method calculates a processing time, a projection amount and a projection material speed for enabling a target dent rate to be set, from the number of dents in a predetermined dent unit area and time. The method comprises the steps of: calculating a dent unit area from a projection material hardness, a projection material particle size, a projection material speed and the hardness of a processed product; calculating the number of dents required to attain a predetermined target dent rate; and calculating a processing time from the number of dents, a projection amount, a projection material density and the projection material particle size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Sintokogio, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kyoichi Iwata
  • Patent number: 7210323
    Abstract: A forming apparatus and method for minimizing wrinkling in the forming of a three-dimensional component from a two-dimensional blank. The forming apparatus includes vertically opposed sets of tools or binders. A first tool or binder apparatus has first and second sets of opposed sides having contoured binder surfaces. A second tool or binder apparatus is mounted in vertically opposed relation to the first binder apparatus, and includes first and second sets of opposed tool or binder segments that have contoured binder surfaces thereon that are complementary in shape to the respective binder surfaces of the first and second sets of opposed sides of the first binder apparatus. One of the first and second sets of opposed binder segments of the second binder apparatus have substantially similar contours and the other have different contours. One of the first and second sets of opposed binder segments of the second binder apparatus is elevated and movable with respect to the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Gary A. Kruger, Mark G. Konopnicki, Chongmin Kim, John Norman Johnson
  • Patent number: 7210324
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for producing a profiled sheet, in which the sheet is provided with a corrugation which runs obliquely with respect to the edges of the sheet and has a substantially constant angle of inclination. At least one edge region of the sheet is deformed by means of a ram-like deformation tool (6) which is alternately brought into contact with the edge region and removed from the edge region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Linde Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Peter Bender, Harald Ranke
  • Patent number: 7210325
    Abstract: A tube partial thread forming apparatus and method is disclosed. A tube is placed on the apparatus around internal die sections, which are separated by a mandrel to cause the internal die sections to engage the tube. stripper pieces are moved into engagement around the outer surface of the tube to secure and support the tube. External die sections extend through the stripper pieces and engage the tube and form partial threads thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Aries Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd M. Brieschke, David G. Copeman
  • Patent number: 7210326
    Abstract: A work transfer apparatus for transferring a work within a press or between presses is provided which includes at least one lift beam which is provided in parallel with a work transfer direction and which is movable up and down, and which is provided substantially centrally in a work transfer path and outside of a press working area. A carrier is provided at the lift beam and is movable along a longitudinal direction of the lift beam. A guide is provided on the carrier, and a sub-carrier is movable along the guide in a carrier moving direction by a linear motor which moves the sub-carrier in the carrier moving direction. A work holding unit which is capable of holding the work is provided at the sub-carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventor: Kiichirou Kawamoto
  • Patent number: 7210327
    Abstract: A compression assembly hand tool for attaching a connector to a cable by axially compressing the connector has a reduced actuation force to operate the tool. Increased leverage is achieved through the use of a long swing arm link having one end connected via a first pivot directly to the tool body and the other end connected via a second pivot to a handle. The handle is connected to drive a plunger via a third pivot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Capewell Components Company, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew J Tarpill, Tadeusz Zagula
  • Patent number: 7210328
    Abstract: A metal sheet folding device, particularly a folding press, comprising a table beam stationarily arranged on a machine frame, and a press beam arranged on the machine frame in guide arrangements with a driving device. The press beam is adjustable in relation to the table beam. Furthermore, provision is made for a sheet depositing/positioning device for at least one metal sheet plate or at least one workpiece for intermediately positioning the latter for carrying out a gripping operation with the gripping device of a handling system. The device is supported on the machine frame preferably on the table beam and adjustable in a linear guide arrangement in the direction of the longitudinal expanse of the table beam over at least part of the length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Trumpf Maschinen Austria GmbH & Co. KG.
    Inventor: Johann Strasser
  • Patent number: 7210329
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the threshold value of screens which enable an evaluation of a sound coupling during the ultrasound testing of a series of spot welding joints of a selected type. Initially, a geometrical minimal thickness dMin is established for the spot welding joints. At least one echo of the front surface (entrance echo) is received in addition to one echo of the first reflection on a rear wall of the spot welding joint (first rear wall echo) and at least one further (n-th) rear wall echo. The propagation time tMin of the ultra sound pulse is defined for the path to the front surface to the rear wall and back to the front surface at a minimal thickness dMin and a propagation time tT for the total thickness. A first screen (B1) is set for the signal of the rear wall echo, starting at a moment in time t1S=tE+tMin?tSA and ending at a moment in time t1T=tE+tT+tSE, whereby tSA and tSE are additional small security measures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Agfa NDT GmbH
    Inventors: Paul Buschke, Bernd Kirchner
  • Patent number: 7210330
    Abstract: A characterizer for determining the shape of a probe tip for an atomic force microscope and methods of fabricating and using the characterizer. The characterizer includes a micromachined crystalline structure with opposed edges separated by a width suitable for characterizing a dimension of the probe tip. At least one of the opposed edges overhangs an undercut region of the micromachined crystalline structure by an overhang distance that is greater than one third of the width. The probe tip is scanned across the edges of the characterizer for shape determination. The characterizer is formed by serially deep reactive ion etching and anisotropic etching (100) single crystal silicon. The opposed edges may be oxidation sharpened for use in profiling an end or side of the probe tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Veeco Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Ami Chand, Nihat Okulan
  • Patent number: 7210331
    Abstract: A detecting element is described, in particular a gas sensor for detecting the concentration of a gas component in a measuring gas, including a sensor element which is exposable to the measuring gas and has a connecting end section which is contacted by connecting cables and is exposed to a reference gas atmosphere. The end section is accommodated in a protective sleeve having a radial opening over which a gas-permeable diaphragm covering the at least one radial opening is provided, the diaphragm, in turn, being engaged by a clamping sleeve having at least one radial opening. To avoid the axial penetration of liquids between the clamping sleeve and the diaphragm, which would cause the detecting element to malfunction, the clamping sleeve is caulked axially above and below the radial openings. Both caulking zones are designed in such a way that the diaphragm is compressed with increasing force from the inner caulking edges facing each other to the outer caulking edges facing away from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Weyl, Bernhard Wild, Rainer Maier, Michael Liebler, Peter Dettling, Lars Berger
  • Patent number: 7210332
    Abstract: A sensor and methods for making and using the same in which a mechanical resonator is employed, comprising a resonator portion for resonating in a fluid without the substantial generation of acoustic waves; and an electrical connection between the resonator portion for oscillating and a source of an input signal; wherein the portion for resonating, the electrical connection or both includes a base material and a performance-tuning material that is different from the base material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Symyx Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Oleg Kolosov, Leonid Matsiev, David Padowitz
  • Patent number: 7210333
    Abstract: A humidity-sensitive porous layer (13) of a humidity-sensitive element section (3) of a humidity sensor (1) is formed of a crystalline phase oxide grains such as Al2O3—SnO2—TiO2 and of a glass phase such as silicate glass covering the crystalline phase. The glass phase contains an alkali metal oxide and/or alkaline earth metal oxide such as Li2O. The humidity sensitive porous layer (13) assumes a skeletal structure that is formed of crystalline phase oxide grains covered or coated with the glass phase. A heater (17) of the humidity sensor is controlled to heat the humidity-sensitive element section (3) at a temperature ranging from 500° C. to 800° C. so as to clean off the humidity-sensitive element section while an internal combustion engine is running and exhausting fouling substances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroki Fujita, Koichi Fujita, Satoshi Sugaya, Kenji Kato, Ryuji Inoue, Noboru Ishida
  • Patent number: 7210334
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining the fineness index of mineral fibers, designed to deliver the micronaire value of fibers. The apparatus includes a device for measuring the fineness index provided with at least a first orifice connected to a measurement cell configured to hold a specimen of a plurality of fiber and provided with a second orifice connected to a device for measuring a differential pressure, on either side of the specimen. The device measuring the differential pressure is configured to be connected to a device for producing a fluid flow. The device for measuring the fineness index also includes at least one flowmeter for measuring the volume flow rate of the fluid passing through the cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Isover
    Inventors: Alex Seghers, Gilles Boyer
  • Patent number: 7210335
    Abstract: A sample chamber includes a movable upper chamber. The movable upper chamber includes a center bore opening to a bottom of the chamber, at least one port for introduction of gas under pressure to the center bore, and a first annular seal around the center bore. A stationary lower seat opposing the upper chamber has a center bore aligned with the upper chamber, and includes an exhaust and a second annular seal around the center bore. A test material is placed between the upper chamber and the lower seat. An actuator moves the upper chamber. When the upper chamber is moved down with the first annular seal in contact with an upper surface of a sample of the material and the second annular seal in contact with a lower surface of the sample, gas introduced to the upper chamber goes through the upper chamber and out through the exhaust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Porous Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Krishna M. Gupta, Akshaya Jena, William Wilson
  • Patent number: 7210336
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for evacuating gas from the soil surrounding a leaking gas conduit utilizes non-sparking and static dissipating components to reduce the risk of an explosion. The evacuation of gas from probes in boreholes in the vicinity of the leak is induced solely by a downstream blower where air is mixed with the gas and the gas/air mixture monitored to maintain the gas concentration below potentially explosive levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: M-B-W Incorporated
    Inventor: Marcus D. Chapman
  • Patent number: 7210337
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for detecting leaks in a MEMS sensor package, and in particular, a MEMS sensor package that includes an oscillating structure or element that has a Quality (Q) value. The method and apparatus may include measuring the Q value of the MEMS sensor at a first time, applying a pressure to the outside of the MEMS sensor package, and measuring the Q value of the MEMS sensor at a second time after pressure has been applied for a period of time. A change in the measured Q values between the first time and the second time may be determined, which may then be correlated to a leak rate for the particular MEMS sensor package. In some cases, a leak rate of 2×10?13 He atm.cc/s or less may be detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Mark J. Jarrett
  • Patent number: 7210338
    Abstract: A valve testing device and method for determining whether a fluid control valve, such as an automatic transmission valve, is operating acceptably. The device and method of the present invention passes pressurized fluid through the valve and to a flow measuring means where the flow rate of fluid through the valve can be measured. Because contamination within such a valve can contribute to unacceptable flow rate measurements, the device and method of the present invention can also pass purge fluid through the valve in a direction that is opposite to the normal flow of working fluid through the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael Baird, Jared Bridenstine, Michael Cromes
  • Patent number: 7210339
    Abstract: Adhesive compositions and a method for selecting adhesive compositions are disclosed herein. Preferred adhesives generally have small domains and/or a homogeneous domain distribution. The method of selecting adhesives is based on size and distribution of the domains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Lewtas, Antonie Jan Bons, Johan Stuyver
  • Patent number: 7210340
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a front-wing cantilever for the conductive probe of electrical scanning probe microscopes, wherein two symmetrical front wings are installed to extend from two lateral sides of the front end of the cantilever so that those two front wings are positioned on two lateral sides of the conductive tip. The front-wing structure of the cantilever can effectively inhibit the optical perturbation in the electrical scanning probe microscopes and obviously promote the analysis accuracy thereof. The front-wing structure can provide the scanned region with an effective dark field lest the optical absorption appears in the scanned region of semiconductor specimen and inhibit the optical perturbation occurs during the measurement and analysis of the differential capacitance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: National Applied Research Laboratories
    Inventor: Mao-Nan Chang
  • Patent number: 7210341
    Abstract: A device for calculating a quantity of fuel in a fuel tank for a fuel cell vehicle is provided. The device includes a first quantity determining system that provides a first quantity value representing said quantity of fuel in said fuel tank based on a physical condition associated with said fuel in said fuel tank, a second quantity determining system that provides a second quantity value representing said quantity of fuel in said fuel tank, and an error correction system that generates an error value based upon the first quantity value and the second quantity value. A method for calculating a quantity of fuel in a fuel tank for a fuel cell vehicle is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toru Fuse
  • Patent number: 7210342
    Abstract: A process to analyze fluid entrained in well boreholes. The process includes gathering trap gas samples from return of drilling mud at multiple depths. The process also includes the steps of subjecting the samples to mass spectrometry in order to determine mass to charge ratios data of hydrocarbons and analyzing the mass to charge ratios data in relation to depth or time. Samples from at least one other source may also be gathered and analyzed chosen from the group consisting of mud fluid analysis, cuttings backgrounds analysis and cuttings crush analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Fluid Inclusion Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Michael Sterner, Donald Lewis Hall, Wells Shentwu
  • Patent number: 7210343
    Abstract: The present invention provides a downhole sample tank and a plurality of micro sample chambers. The micro sample chambers can have at least one window for introduction of visible, near-infrared (NIR), mid-infrared (MIR) and other electromagnetic energy into the tank for samples collected in the micro sample chamber downhole from an earth boring or well bore. The window is made of sapphire or another material capable of allowing electromagnetic energy to pass through the window. The entire micro sample chamber can be made of sapphire or another material capable of allowing electromagnetic energy to pass another material enabling visual inspection or analysis of the sample inside the micro sample chamber. The micro sample chamber enables immediate testing of the sample on location at the surface to determine the quality of the sample in the main sample tank or to enable comprehensive testing of the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael Shammai, Robert Gordon, Francisco Galvan Sanchez
  • Patent number: 7210344
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining at least one downhole formation property is disclosed. The apparatus includes a probe and a pretest piston positionable in fluid communication with the formation, and a series of flowlines pressure gauges, and valves configured to selectively draw into the apparatus for measurement of one of formation fluid and mud; The method includes performing a first pretest to determine an estimated formation parameter; using the first pretest to design a second pretest and generate refined formation parameters whereby formation properties may be estimated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Follini, Julian Pop
  • Patent number: 7210345
    Abstract: A forced harmonic vibration master gear for use in a device for detecting imperfections in a production gear includes a gear body having a plurality of gear teeth. Each of the plurality of gear teeth has a graduation of material added thereto extending from a form diameter of each tooth to an end of the tooth to decrease the pressure angle of the tooth. The forced harmonic master gear when used to test an unacceptable production gear, induces in the unacceptable production gear, when rotating, a vibrational force that is at least 50 percent greater than a vibrational force exhibited by the unacceptable production gear when a standard master gear is used to test the unacceptable production gear, in at least one band of 70 Hz to 150 Hz, 151 Hz to 300 Hz, 301 Hz to 550 Hz, 551 Hz to 1250 Hz and 1251 Hz to 2000 Hz.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Enoch Narh
  • Patent number: 7210346
    Abstract: A modular sensing apparatus includes a sensing diaphragm that accommodates a particular pressure range. A pressure port can be connected to the sensing diaphragm to provide pressure data thereof. Additionally, the modular sensing apparatus includes a connector and a temperature sensor pre-selected by a user, such that the connector is attached to a pressure port. An integrated circuit can be configured to provide a desired output for respective pressure and temperature from the sensing diaphragm and the temperatures sensor and to provide error corrections thereof. The sensing diaphragm, the temperature sensor, the integrated circuit and the connector are electrically connected utilizing flexible circuitry to form the modular sensing apparatus assembled to at least one requirement of the user in order to provide simultaneous and application independent pressure and temperature sensing data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: William S. Hoover, Ian N. Bentley, Louis J. Panagotopulos
  • Patent number: 7210347
    Abstract: The invention relates to gyroscopes having a vibrating structure that is micromachined in a silicon substrate. A novel vibrating structure is described, which has two moving masses 14 and 14?, connected by a vibration energy coupling structure (transverse arms 26, 26?, longitudinal arms 22, 22?, and a short transverse link 24 between the longitudinal links 22, 22?). The moving masses are also suspended from U-shaped flexure arms (13), having one branch end connected to the mass and another end connected to a fixed anchoring point 18. The flexure arms are not inserted between the coupling structure and the mass, but are independent of the coupling structure. The masses are excited so as to vibrate in their plane by electrostatic forces applied by interdigitated combs 11. The Coriolis forces make them vibrate perpendicular to the plane, and this vibration is detected by electrodes forming part of the moving masses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Thales
    Inventors: Liviu Nicu, Claude Rougeot, Jérôme Inglese, Bertrand Leverrier, Pierre-Olivier Lefort
  • Patent number: 7210348
    Abstract: A semiconductor dynamic quantity sensor includes moving parts displaceable in a predetermined direction over a supporting substrate and a beam portion for connecting said supporting substrate and said moving parts. The beam portion includes beams arranged in parallel and connected together at first end portions by a connecting portion. The beams bend in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of said beams. Outer side beams have an equal length and are fixed at other end portions to said supporting substrate. The moving parts are connected to the other end portion of another beam. The outer side beams and connecting portion have a parameter (A/B)/(T/L) equal to at least 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: DENSO Corporation
    Inventor: Masatoshi Tokunaga
  • Patent number: 7210349
    Abstract: The present invention provides a drive circuit of an oscillation gyro including two piezoelectric elements formed in an oscillator, which includes an adding circuit for supplying a drive signal to one side faces of the two piezoelectric elements and adding signals obtained from the other side faces opposed to the one side faces of the piezoelectric elements, and an oscillation circuit adapted to be fed back with an addition output signal obtained by the adding circuit, wherein a sine wave signal obtained as an oscillation output of the oscillation circuit is supplied to the one side faces of the two piezoelectric elements as the drive signal. Thus, the drive circuit of the oscillation gyro which obtains the stable output with the simple configuration can be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuo Kurihara, Yoshinori Satoh, Toshiyuki Kawamura, Toru Matsunaga
  • Patent number: 7210350
    Abstract: A vibrating gyro element includes in the same plane a base portion; a pair of vibrating arms for detection extended out of the base portion on both sides in a straight line shape; a pair of connecting arms extended-out from the base portion onto both sides in directions perpendicular to the vibrating arms for detection; a pair of vibrating arms for driving each extended-out from the tip portion of each of the connecting arms to both sides perpendicularly to this tip portion; four beams extended out of the base portion; and a support portion connected to the tip of each of the beams; wherein each of the beams is once extended out of the base portion in a direction approximately perpendicular to the extending-out direction of the vibrating arm for driving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Seiichiro Ogura
  • Patent number: 7210351
    Abstract: A micro accelerometer including a plurality of proof masses is provided to detect the acceleration of the first axis, the second axis and the third axis. The disclosed micro accelerometer has the advantages of close loop control, mechanical decoupling, and not relying on high aspect ratio manufacturing technology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignees: Chung Shan Institute of Science and Technology, Neostones Micro Fabrication Corporation
    Inventors: Yuan Lo, Kye-Chyn Ho, Lung-Yung Lin, Deng-Horng Tsai, Schiu Sche
  • Patent number: 7210352
    Abstract: A teeter-totter apparatus uses a curved beam to generate a differential output which may be indicative of an acceleration applied to the apparatus. The curved-beam teeter-totter apparatus can be combined with an x-axis and y-axis accelerometer, to produce a tri-axis accelerometer which is sensitive to an acceleration applied in any direction. Damping plates may be added to the accelerometers to reduce unwanted motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Innovative Micro Technology
    Inventors: John S. Foster, Paul J. Rubel
  • Patent number: 7210353
    Abstract: A system and method for obtaining hearing ability related data from a subject outputs tones or sounds and monitors the subject's responses to the tones or sounds. An error condition is detected based on the responses, and corrective instructions are automatically delivered based on the error condition detected. The hearing evaluation is resumed by outputting tones or sounds, and the steps of outputting, monitoring, detecting, automatically delivering and resuming are iterated until evaluation of the subject's hearing has been completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Diagnostic Group, LLC
    Inventors: Leroy Braun, Jack Foreman
  • Patent number: 7210354
    Abstract: The invention provides a sensing system for sensing process conditions within an ultrasonic process tank that includes process liquid, the liquid being subjected to ultrasound produced by transducers coupled to a generator. The sensing system includes an enclosure for housing a sample liquid, the enclosure passing ultrasonic energy from the process liquid to the sample liquid, the sample liquid being responsive to the ultrasonic energy, and at least one sensing device within the sample liquid, the sensing device generating signals indicative of characteristics of the sample liquid. The sample liquid includes materials adapted to produce chemiluminescence in response to the ultrasonic energy. The at least one sensing device includes a photo sensor for sensing the produced chemiluminescence and generating signals in response to the produced chemiluminescence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Inventor: William L. Puskas
  • Patent number: 7210355
    Abstract: A supersonic sensor head for a supersonic non-destructive test apparatus is disclosed. The supersonic sensor head includes a supersonic vibrator for transmitting and receiving supersonic waves, a holder having a base end and an opening end, and a soft gel material contact medium provided in the holder between the vibrator and a test object. The holder is coaxial with the vibrator so that the base end of the holder is in contact with a free end of the vibrator. By way of the contact medium, the supersonic vibrator indirectly contacts the test object. When a contact part of the contact medium is pressed against the test object, the vibrator comes into close contact with the contact medium, and the contact medium comes into close contact with the test object. The opening end of the holder restricts the deformation of the contact part of the contact medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shinya Kawabata
  • Patent number: 7210356
    Abstract: A portable physical agents directive (PAD) dosimeter system may be provided. The portable PAD dosimeter system may include a housing and at least one accelerometer configured to generate electrical signals corresponding to a vibration exposure of an operator of a work machine. The portable PAD dosimeter system may also include a controller disposed in the housing configured to process the electrical signals and to determine whether the vibration exposure is above a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventor: James R. Bernhagen
  • Patent number: 7210357
    Abstract: A pressure sensor includes a sensor chip having a pressure receiving surface formed on one surface of the sensor chip, a first case having one end portion at which the sensor chip is provided, a second case attached to the one end portion of the first case to cover the sensor chip. The second case is provided with a pressure introducing passage for introducing the pressure to the sensor chip, and a wiring board is provided at the one end portion of the first case to have a surface facing toward the pressure introducing passage. In the pressure sensor, the sensor chip is electrically connected with the surface of the wiring board through bumps by a flip-chip bonding such that the pressure receiving surface faces the surface of the wiring board, and an insulating member is provided to seal a connection portion of the bumps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Masaaki Tanaka, Tiaki Mizuno, Hiromi Ariyoshi
  • Patent number: 7210358
    Abstract: A force sensor assembly includes a force sensor, a first support member, a threaded portion, an opening made in the first support member, a nut, a restricting member and a spacer. The nut is screwed onto the threaded portion which is inserted through the opening. The restricting member is provided between the force sensor and the nut. The spacer, which is provided between the force sensor and the nut, is deformable in a direction of its thickness. The shape of the spacer is adapted to avoid interference with the restricting member. Before the nut is tightened onto the threaded portion, a summation of thickness for the first support member and the spacer is adapted to be not less than a height of the restricting member. The nut is tightened up with a predetermined fastening torque until the spacer deforms so that the nut strikes the restricting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tatsuya Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 7210359
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining an initial flow rate in a conduit is disclosed. A known change is made to the flow to be measured, resulting changes (or values corresponding to these changes), or relative changes in the flow to be measured are monitored and the initial flow in the conduit is calculated from the value of the known change and monitored changes. Devices to practice the method include catheters having one or two sensors and one or two sites for introducing the volume change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Transonic Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Nikolai M. Krivitski, Cornelis J. Drost
  • Patent number: 7210360
    Abstract: An apparatus measures relative displacement between a first end and a second end of a shaft. The first and second ends being centered on a shaft axis. The apparatus includes first and second ferromagnetic plates. The first ferromagnetic plate has a first side and a second side and is connected to the first end. The first ferromagnetic plate is centered on the shaft axis and has a plurality of ferromagnetic teeth extending from the first side and in a first direction parallel to the shaft. The second ferromagnetic plate has a first side and a second side and is connected to the second end. The second ferromagnetic plate is centered on the shaft axis. The first and second ferromagnetic plates form a gap. The apparatus further includes a plurality of magnets having a magnetic field and a sensing device. The magnets are coupled to the first side of the second ferromagnetic plate. The sensing device is disposed within the gap for sensing a magnetic flux of the magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thaddeus Schroeder, Shaotang Chen, Avoki M Omekanda, Thomas W Nehl, Bruno Lequesne, Mohammad S Islam
  • Patent number: 7210361
    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: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Inventor: Hsin Fa Kang
  • Patent number: 7210362
    Abstract: Disclosed is a diaphragm type load detection sensor, comprising: a mounting portion attached to a installation plate; a strain generation portion provided on the mounting portion and having a load applied portion formed at the center thereof to which a load to be detected is applied; and a strain gauge provided on the strain generation portion. According to the present invention said strain gauge has sensing elements evenly provided on substantially whole periphery thereof and positioned at the predetermined distances from the center axis of the load applied portion of the strain generation portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Tanita Corporation
    Inventor: Takao Tsutaya
  • Patent number: 7210363
    Abstract: A filter housing assembly for exhaust applications and method of testing the same is provided. In one embodiment, the filter housing assembly includes a housing having a filter receiving aperture, a first air flow port configured to couple the housing to an exhaust system and a second air flow port sized to deliver a flow capable of providing at least 75 feet per minute of air flow through the filter receiving aperture. A filter element is sealingly disposed in the filter receiving aperture of the housing. A cap is provided that operably seals the second air flow port when not in use. In another embodiment, a method for testing a filter housing assembly for exhaust applications includes providing air through a filter element disposed in the housing in a direction opposite an operational air flow direction, leak testing the filter element from a roomside of the filter element, and, flowing air through the filter element after leak testing in the operational direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Camfil Farr, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas C. Morse, Mark Huza
  • Patent number: 7210364
    Abstract: The specification discloses a robot for inspection adapted to travel virtually unlimited distances through small-diameter enclosed spaces such as conduits or ducts, preferably using a fluid-driven screw-drive propulsion system. The robot preferably includes a drive module having a plurality of wheels inclined at an angle greater than zero degrees and less than ninety degrees to the longitudinal axis of the pipe, a driver module having a plurality of wheels aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pipe, and a power module. The driver module is preferably connected to the drive module such that the drive and driver modules are capable of providing the locomotive motion of the robot. The power module preferably provides the power to the drive and driver modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Inventors: Fathi Hassan Ghorbel, James Bruster Dabney, J. Ryan Steger, Cliff Avery Thomas, Demetri Polychronis Spanos, Nathan Christopher Lowry, Betty Wingyi Seto
  • Patent number: 7210365
    Abstract: A guide section (1) for guiding a slide for a power tool along a longitudinal axis (A) with a separate axial toothed rack (3) for longitudinal advance of the slide having the toothed rack (3) arranged in an outwardly open receiving groove (4), with outwardly oriented toothing (5). The toothed rack (3) in cross-section forms at least two opposing sides (6a, 6b) laterally undercut relative to the toothing, in which the groove edges (7) of the receiving groove (4) are at least partially inserted and secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Rudolf Reitberger
  • Patent number: 7210366
    Abstract: A full support mainshaft and fifth gear design that solves the problem of fifth gear failure on NV4500 transmissions. The first embodiment comprises a sleeve that is installed over the smooth support surface of a factory mainshaft. The second embodiment is a mainshaft comprising a support shoulder, splined area, and threaded area. The sleeve of the first embodiment and support shoulder of the second embodiment are slightly greater in diameter than the splined area on the mainshaft. The inside of the gear of the present invention has both a smooth bore area and a splined area. The gear is press fit onto the mainshaft, and in the first embodiment, a spring washer, flat nut and clamp-style nut are installed on the mainshaft after the gear. In the second embodiment, a spring washer, first flat nut, tanged washer, second flat nut and lipped nut are used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: 4×4 Tech Incorporated
    Inventor: Daniel Guarino
  • Patent number: 7210367
    Abstract: Since the first-speed-ratio counter gear is carried by the first countershaft, the second countershaft carries other counter gears which transmit the relatively small drive torque, such as the forth-speed-ratio counter gear, the second-speed-ratio counter gear and the sixth-speed-ratio counter gear. Thus, there can be provided the twin-clutch transmission with two countershafts disposed coaxially which can surely obtain the advantage of making the transmission for transmitting the sufficiently large drive torque compact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Hitoshi Akutagawa
  • Patent number: 7210368
    Abstract: The toothed rack steering gear has an adjusting nut and a housing. An opening with internal thread of the housing is adapted to the adjusting nut and receives the adjusting nut in the assembled state. In the housing at least one recess is provided in direct proximity of the opening. A retainer is provided; it has a ring shaped body and at least one finger. The finger protrudes from this ring shaped body and can engage into the recess. The retainer has a back surface and the adjusting nut has a front surface. In the assembled state both are in contact. A connecting device is provided and secures the connection between the back surface and the front surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Automotive Components Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Frank Odenthal, Frank Peter Engels, Dirk Sickert
  • Patent number: 7210369
    Abstract: In a ball screw drive comprising a spindle nut (2) that can be disposed on a spindle (1), said spindle nut (2) comprising on an inner periphery, a ball groove (3) that is arranged along a helix and defines a load-bearing channel (6) for balls (5), an external deflector (7) comprising a return channel (8) for the balls (5) being arranged on an outer periphery of the spindle nut (2), said external deflector (7) comprising two ball openings (E1, E2), each of which is connected to an end of the load-bearing channel (6) to deflect the balls (5) from one end of the load-bearing channel (6) to the other end of the load-bearing channel (6), the external deflector (7) extends from one of the two ball openings (E1) to the other of the two ball openings (E2) at least approximately over one full winding about an axis of rotation of the spindle nut (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: INA-Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Gunter Hartig, Jurgen Osterlanger, Dieter Adler, Manfred Kraus, Ralf Mayer
  • Patent number: 7210370
    Abstract: A shifting device (4) is provided for an automatic transmission and has an additional manual shifting function. The device includes a selector lever (6), which is mounted pivotably on a gear shift lever (10) such that different, automatically shiftable gears can be preset in a first shift gate (1) and individual, manually shiftable gears can be preset in a second shift gate (2). A housing (5) is provided, in which the gear shift gate (10) is mounted with the selector lever (6) pivotably in such a way that shifting between a predetermined gear (“D”) of the first shift gate (1) and a neutral position (“M”) of the second shift gate (2) is made possible. The further shifting from the predetermined gear (“D”) of the first shift gate (1) into at least one other gear (“3”) of the first shift gate is prevented by a lock, which is overcome by the actuation of an actuating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: ZF Lemförder Metallwaren AG
    Inventors: Andreas Giefer, Jörg Meyer