Patents Issued in May 8, 2007
  • Patent number: 7213437
    Abstract: In a first forming step, a metal sheet placed on, and held by a provisional horizontal flat forming portion of a first forming die part is bent along a provisional bend forming portion of the first forming die part to execute bent-forming such that two arch parts of the metal sheet, having respective protuberances oriented in directions opposite from each other, with protuberance surfaces being butted against a provisional inclined flat forming portion of a second forming die part, and a provisional inclined flat forming portion of the first forming die part, respectively, are coupled with each other, thereby obtaining a provisional formed member comprising a provisional inclined flat portion without any warpage, formed continuously from a provisional horizontal flat portion via a provisional bend, and a flange portion formed continuously from the provisional inclined flat portion so as to form a target angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho (Kobe Steel, Ltd.)
    Inventors: Akira Osumi, Jiro Iwaya, Takayuki Yamano
  • Patent number: 7213438
    Abstract: A bending tool (3) for bending workpieces (4) has at least one part with which an upward bend can be made in the workpiece (4) by an abutment of part of the bending tool acting on it along a line of force of the tool. At least one part of the bending tool has workpiece abutment segments (6, 7) which can be adjusted to different functional positions in relation to one another in the direction of the line of force and overlap one another with mutual separation along the line of force in the direction of the line of force. Adjacent segments are coupled and guided in their movement towards and away from each other. The bending tool may have an actuator to effect the relative movement of the segment and the actuator may be operated by the numeric control for the bending machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Trumpf Werkzeugmachinen GmbH+ Co. KG
    Inventor: Marc Klinkhammer
  • Patent number: 7213439
    Abstract: A thermally controlled stage is connected within one arm of a bridge of a capillary bridge viscometer so that the bridge can be balanced in situ to provide accurate measurement signals. The thermally controlled stage includes a tuning capillary tubing portion that is wrapped around a thermally conductive core. A resistance heater or a Peltier thermoelectric device is located in close proximity to the capillary tubing portion. The heater or Peltier device and the capillary tubing portion are located within a thermally insulated housing. The heater or Peltier device varies the temperature of the capillary tubing portion to cause a corresponding change in the flow impedance of the tuning capillary tubing portion of the arm of the bridge in which the thermally controlled stage is connected. The temperature of the tuning capillary tubing portion is monitored and adjusted until any pressure differential across the bridge is eliminated, whereby to trim in the balance of the bridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Wyatt Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Steven P. Trainoff
  • Patent number: 7213440
    Abstract: A leak test arrangement having a leak calibration device is disclosed. The calibration device is connected into communication with the leak test arrangement and provides a controlled source (sink) of fluid at a predetermined amount. The calibration includes a substantially sealed volume of fluid in fluid communication with the test arrangement and a control arrangement for heating and/or cooling the volume to produce the source (sink) of the calibrator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Intertech Development
    Inventors: Jacques Hoffmann, David J. Balke, Peter Davey
  • Patent number: 7213441
    Abstract: An inspection device inspects a humidity sensor having a sensor portion and a circuit portion, which are integrated into one chip. The inspection device includes: an inspection chamber for accommodating a wafer, in which a plurality of humidity sensors are disposed as a sensor chip in a wafer state; a probe for contacting an electrode pad of the circuit portion; a tester electrically connected to the probe for inspecting electric properties of the humidity sensor; and a temperature-humidity control portion for controlling a temperature and a humidity in the inspection chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignees: Denso Corporation, Nippon Soken, Inc.
    Inventors: Toshikazu Itakura, Toshiki Isogai
  • Patent number: 7213442
    Abstract: Method of arranging transducers, including non-coplanar interferometer antennas on the outer surface of an aircraft, to minimize phase ambiguities when determining the direction of arrival of a signal received by an array of the transducers and emitted by a source remote from the array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Wayne C. Workman
  • Patent number: 7213443
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process and to an apparatus for providing gas for isotopic ratio analysis. According to the invention, a gas is generated from an eluate of a liquid chromatograph (LC). Subsequently, the gas is separated from the eluate. Finally, the gas is fed to an instrument (IRMS) for isotopic ratio analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: University of Bern
    Inventors: Andreas Hilkert, Reinhold Pesch
  • Patent number: 7213444
    Abstract: An optoacoustic sensor for detecting one or more target gases includes a body featuring halves containing measurement cells. Each measurement cell is in communication with a light source and a microphone as well as the ambient atmosphere. Evaluation and control electronics are in communication with the light sources and the microphones sequentially illuminate the first and second light sources so that a measurement signal due to optoacoustic pressure variations from a target gas is generated by the microphone of the illuminated or gas active cell and a compensation signal is generated by the microphone of the non-illuminated or gas inactive cell. The compensation signal is subtracted from the measurement signal by the evaluation and control electronics to provide a sensor output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Carthago International Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Mourad Baraket, Urs Gerber, Olivier Ruffiner, Mauro Feltre
  • Patent number: 7213445
    Abstract: A technique for determining particulate density in a fluid monitors the changes in the speed of sound. Since the speed of sound is intimately related to the composites of the air mixture and since the speed of sound of clean air at any temperature and humidity can be calculated exactly, it is possible to estimate the density of any foreign particulates in the air by observing changes in the speed of sound. Formulations are derived that correlate the change in the speed of sound of the air mixture to their density fluctuations, thus allowing people to estimate the mass density of foreign particulates under any temperature and humidity. Alternatively, the change in density of the air mixture can be detected, thereby indicating the presence of contaminants and a possible alarm, even if the contaminants are not yet identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Wayne State University
    Inventors: Sean F. Wu, Ravinder S. Beniwal
  • Patent number: 7213446
    Abstract: A method of selecting a bituminous emulsion with enhanced performance for paving is provided. This method includes selecting polymer modified bitumen with a penetration value of about 25 to 450 dmm at 25° C. and selecting one or more emulsifiers comprised of at least about 5% by mass of a cationic nitrogenous compound selected from compounds having a carbonyl carbon atom bonded to a nitrogen atom, compounds having a carbon atom double bonded to a nitrogen atom, or combinations thereof based on the total mass of the selected emulsifier. Each selected emulsifier is reacted with a carboxylic acid to create one or more carboxylate salts. Each carboxylate salt created from a different proposed emulsifier separately is mixed with the bitumen to form one or more proposed bituminous emulsions. The coalescence of each proposed bituminous emulsion is measured using a rheology test, and a bituminous emulsion of the composition described above is chosen for paving a surface based on its coalescence properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: SemMaterials, L.P.
    Inventor: James Barnat
  • Patent number: 7213447
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting characteristics of a microelectronic substrate. The microelectronic substrate can have a first surface with first topographical features, such as roughness elements, and a second surface facing opposite from the first surface and having second topographical features, such as protruding conductive structures. In one embodiment, the apparatus can include a support member configured to carry the microelectronic substrate with a first portion of the first surface exposed and a second portion of the second surface exposed. The apparatus can further include a topographical feature detector positioned proximate to support member and aligned with the first portion of the first surface of the microelectronic substrate to detect characteristics, such as a roughness, of the first surface while the microelectronic substrate is carried by the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Chee Peng Neo, Cher Khng Victor Tan, Kian Seng Ho, Hock Chuan Tan
  • Patent number: 7213448
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for estimating the power capability of the primary power source of a hybrid vehicle. The method preferably includes calculating a first indicator based on a broadcast estimate from the primary power source of a hybrid vehicle. A second indicator is obtained by calculating the difference between the value of a torque command and the amount of torque reportedly delivered in response to the torque command. A third indicator is calculated based on a plurality of system dynamic equations. The first, second and third indicators are then combined to obtain an estimate of the power capability of the primary power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Steven C. Huseman, Cristina T. Ledezma
  • Patent number: 7213449
    Abstract: A chassis dynamometer for use with a test vehicle such as a snowmobile is provided. First and second spaced apart rolls support the test vehicle. A belt is arranged around the first and second rolls and rotationally couples the rolls to one another. The belt includes an outer surface on a test side of the belt for supporting the test vehicle. The belt reduces slipping of the track on the dynamometer. The belt receives inputs from the test vehicle. A processor quantifies the inputs from the test vehicle. A platform is arranged between the first and second rolls beneath the belt to maintain engagement of the track with the belt. The platform includes a load cell for detecting a longitudinal load imparted to the platform by the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignees: AVL North America Inc., AVL Zoellner GmbH
    Inventors: Ken Barnes, Juergen Neugebauer
  • Patent number: 7213450
    Abstract: A sealing valve 28 that controls a communication state between a fuel tank 10 and a canister 26 is provided. During stop of an internal combustion engine, the sealing valve 28 is generally closed, and the canister 26 is opened to the atmosphere. The sealing valve 28 is opened when the internal combustion engine is stopped, and differential pressure exceeding a valve opening determination value is generated between tank internal pressure and atmospheric pressure. A change in the tank internal pressure generated between before and after the sealing valve 28 is opened is detected. When the change in the tank internal pressure is below a predetermined determination value, closing failure of the sealing valve is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takuji Matsubara, Toru Kidokoro, Yoshihiko Hyodo
  • Patent number: 7213451
    Abstract: Methodology for characterizing non-uniformity forces at a tire spindle, such as low and high speed radial force variations and high speed tangential force variations include the steps of measuring radial run out and radial or tangential force variations at high and/or low speeds. From such measurements, the contribution of a predetermined type of stiffness variation (e.g. radial, tangential, extensional, bending) to respective radial and/or tangential force variations can be determined. Signature analysis statistical methods may also be utilized to characterize such tire non-uniform forces for different steps and reference physical angles of a tire construction process. Based on the characterization of such tire non-uniform forces, additional process steps may further correspond to tire grading and/or sorting processes, physical tire modification processes and tire manufacturing processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Michelin Rechercheqet Technique, S.A.
    Inventors: Fang Zhu, Julien Matthieu Flament
  • Patent number: 7213452
    Abstract: A device monitors a physical variable, in particular the tire pressure, of a wheel fitted on a vehicle. The device can be mounted on the wheel and contains an electrical energy source, a sensor for determining the physical variable to be monitored, a transmitter for transmitting a radio message which contains data supplied by the sensor, and an operations detector for generating an operation signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Gregor Kuchler
  • Patent number: 7213453
    Abstract: A method of judging a vehicle loading condition includes detecting rotational speeds of wheels mounted on a vehicle, calculating a judging value of tire pressures based on the difference of the sum of rotational speeds of two pairs of wheels located at the opposing corners of the vehicle and detecting an acceleration to a lateral direction of the vehicle. The loading state of the vehicle is judged by the change of a primary coefficient based on an approximated relation between the acceleration to a lateral direction and the judging value of the tire pressures. A tire deflation warning system detects the stop of the vehicle, and the air pressure of four wheels is judged not to be decreased if the loading condition of a vehicle is changed more than a fixed value before and after a vehicle stop. The tire deflation warning system can prevent a deflation alarm for a vehicle with a heavy load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinichi Matsuura
  • Patent number: 7213454
    Abstract: A method of calculating a system level air data parameter for an aircraft, for example aircraft angle-of-attack (AOA) and/or angle-of-sideslip (AOS), includes measuring a plurality of local static pressures pi. Next, a plurality of non-dimensional pressure ratios are each generated as a function of one of the plurality of local static pressures pi, a predicted system static pressure Pspredicted, and a predicted impact pressure qc predicted. Then, the system level air data parameter is calculated as a function of the generated plurality of non-dimensional pressure ratios. Air data systems having air data computers configured to implement the method are also disclosed. The air data systems can be Flush Air Data Systems (FADS), or other types of air data systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Rosemount Aerospace Inc.
    Inventors: Travis Jon Schauer, Derrick David Hongerholt, Dennis James Cronin
  • Patent number: 7213455
    Abstract: A thermal type gas flow measuring instrument measures gas flow with high precision by accurately correcting changes in radiation heat characteristics of a heating resistor due to contamination. The instrument comprises a second heating resistor 30 whose resistance value, which changes if contaminated, is calculated by measuring the terminal voltage thereof by calculating means 32, and the calculated value is compared with a temperature detected by a temperature detecting element 31. Based on the result of comparison, the level of contamination of the second heating resistor 30 is determined. The second heating resistor 30 and the first heating resistor 3 are disposed in similar environments such that their levels of contamination can be considered equal. Based on the level of contamination calculated from the result of comparison, a correction value is calculated and the output of the first heating resistor 3 is corrected in accordance with the correction value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chihiro Kobayashi, Shinya Igarashi
  • Patent number: 7213456
    Abstract: A device for measuring the level of a fluid in a container by means of a sound guide tube and an ultrasonic transducer disposed inside the container mounted in a fluid feeding device within the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Mathias Rollwage, Klaus Marx, Peter Traub, Stefan Muelders
  • Patent number: 7213457
    Abstract: A solid state illuminator and display are provided for bi-colored ported water level gauges suitable for use in high pressure steam drums or similar water/steam devices to facilitate making an accurate determination of water level in such devices. The illuminator includes an array of bi-colored solid state light emitting diodes (LEDs), as the light source, and a precision lens to focus the light provided from the LEDs through a gauge body and onto the view screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Fossil Power Systems Inc.
    Inventors: David Kalix, John Spencer
  • Patent number: 7213458
    Abstract: Devices and methods for reducing quadrature motion in a MEMS-type gyroscope are disclosed. A MEMS-type gyroscope in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention can include one or more proof masses configured to oscillate in a drive plane above a sense electrode for measuring Coriolis forces exerted on the one or more proof masses resulting from motion of the gyroscope about an input axis. One or more quad steering voltage members can be positioned adjacent each of the one or more proof masses and activated to electrostatically attract the proof masses toward the sense electrodes to reduce quadrature motion of the proof masses. A levitation force can be induced in certain embodiments to further reduce quadrature motion of the proof masses, if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Mark W. Weber, Robert B. Smith
  • Patent number: 7213459
    Abstract: An inspection system for inspecting a three-dimensional volume. The inspection system comprises at least one sensor coupled to a rolling object, the sensor being disposed on a non-contact outer region of the rolling object and at a pre-determined distance from a center of the rolling object. The sensor is configured to generate a signal representative of a condition of a region on the three dimensional volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Anandraj Sengupta
  • Patent number: 7213460
    Abstract: A receiver of an ultrasonic sensor includes reception elements, each of which has a shape of a flat rectangular plate. The reception elements are arranged one-dimensionally on a plane so that the reception surfaces face the same direction and that the reception elements are aligned with small intervals in the width direction thereof while longitudinal ends of the reception elements at a certain side are aligned in a straight line. The widths and the thicknesses of the reception elements are even, while the longitudes of the reception elements are uneven. The both longitudinal ends of the reception elements are fixed to prohibit the vibration of the ends. The longitudes are designed so that the primary resonance frequencies of the reception elements are uneven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Tomoki Itoh, Makiko Sugiura
  • Patent number: 7213461
    Abstract: Apparatus for applying torsional vibration to a rotating machine is provided. In one exemplary embodiment the apparatus includes a permanent magnet machine (12) connected to the rotating machine (22) and configured to generate a three-phase AC output voltage. A converter (36) may be coupled to receive the three-phase AC output voltage from the permanent magnet machine to supply a DC load current. An electrical load (44) (or exciter) may be coupled to the converter to receive the load current. An oscillator (42) is connected to the converter to provide an oscillation signal for modulating the load current from the converter. Modulated load current causes variable loading of the permanent magnet machine thereby creating an oscillatory torque in the permanent magnet machine (12). The oscillatory torque causes torsional vibration in the rotating machine. Various components of the apparatus for applying torsional vibration may be part of a field-deployed power generating system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Power Generation, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph David Hurley, Peter Jon Clayton
  • Patent number: 7213462
    Abstract: A humidity sensor includes a resin molding body having a wall portion as a barrage, a chip having at least a humidity sensing function and fixed to a portion of the resin molding body inside the wall portion, and a terminal conductor insert-molded in the resin molding body and partially leaded to an exterior of the resin molding body. Here, the terminal conductor is electrically connected to the chip inside the wall portion of the resin molding body. In the humidity sensor, a protecting material having a humidity sensing property is filled in the wall portion and covers an entire electric connecting portion of the chip and the terminal conductor. The structure of the humidity sensor can be suitably used for a composite sensor including a chip having a humidity sensing function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshifumi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 7213463
    Abstract: A pressure sensor includes a sensor chip, a pressure receiving diaphragm, a connector case, and a case. A pressure sensing chamber is provide in the connector case and filled with oil. The sensor chip is arranged in the chamber and the diaphragm is fixed to the connector case such that it has contact with the oil and seals the chamber. An O-ring and a welding ring are placed around an edge of the diaphragm and the chamber between the diaphragm and the connector case. The diaphragm is fixed to the connector case via the O-ring and the welding ring and fixed. An inner portion of the welding ring is formed such that it can be placed between the sensor chip, wires, and the diaphragm in the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: DENSO Corporation
    Inventor: Takeshi Otsuka
  • Patent number: 7213464
    Abstract: A compliant balloon having an outer reflective surface which is positioned next to a transparent window which has an opaque element thereon, the reflection of the opaque element from the outer reflective surface of the balloon being visible when the outer reflective surface is not forced very near or against said opaque element on said transparent window, but prevented when said front reflective surface is forced very near or against the opaque element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Inventor: Jon E. Traudt
  • Patent number: 7213465
    Abstract: A micromechanical sensor, and a method for manufacturing a micromechanical sensor, featuring, in addition to a sensor element, at least a part of an evaluation circuit. In this context, the micromechanical sensor contains at least a first structural element made of a first material. The first structural element houses at least one sensor region and a part of an evaluation circuit, at least one sensor element being located in the sensor region. Moreover, at least one first and one second side are to be distinguished from one another in the first structural element. The first side of the first structural element features at least the sensor element, while the second side of the first structural element features at least a part of the evaluation circuit. At least parts of the sensor region and/or of the evaluation circuit are formed from the first material by micromechanical processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Hubert Benzel, Frank Schaefer, Christoph Schelling
  • Patent number: 7213466
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for in vitro testing of catamenial tampon-and-applicator systems are disclosed. The apparatus comprises an in vitro receptacle for accepting tampons deployed during the testing procedure. The in vitro receptacle comprises a sleeve with a tampon-deflecting zone, representing an in vivo vaginal channel with a frontal area of a cervix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Thomas Ward Osborn, III, Diana Lynne Gann, Jeanne Marie Hughes
  • Patent number: 7213467
    Abstract: An electromagnetic flow meter is configured as an insert for insertion into an in-situ housing connected in a flow line. This can enable a body previously installed for use with an insert of a mechanical flow meter to be adapted for use with an insert of an electromagnetic flow meter without having to disconnect the body from a mains supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Elster Metering Limited
    Inventors: Roger Turner, John Emmerson, David Lincoln, Craig Howarth, Wu Jin, Steven Gray, Michael Evans
  • Patent number: 7213468
    Abstract: An ultrasonic apparatus measures the concentration and flow rate of a sample gas by calculating a possible propagation time range on the basis of the gas temperature, determining whether or not the phases at which two first trigger signals, respectively generated on the basis of forward and backward waveforms of the ultrasonic waves, coincide with each other, processing the zero-cross signals so that the phases coincide with each other, obtaining reference zero-cross time instant by calculating mean value of the forward and backward zero-cross time instants, obtaining an ultrasonic reception point by subtracting an integral multiple of the cycle of the ultrasonic waves so that the results of the subtraction falls into a possible propagation time range and estimating the ultrasonic propagation time on the basis of the ultrasonic reception point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Teijin Pharma Limited
    Inventor: Naotoshi Fujimoto
  • Patent number: 7213469
    Abstract: A transducer has at least one at least temporarily vibrating flow tube of predeterminable lumen for conducting a fluid. The flow tube communicates with a connected pipe via an inlet tube section (103), ending in an inlet end, and an outlet tube section, ending in an outlet end, and in operation performs flexural vibrations about an axis of vibration joining the inlet and outlet ends. The flow tube has at least one arcuate tube section of predeterminable three-dimensional shape which adjoins a straight tube segment on the inlet side and a straight tube segment on the outlet side. At least one stiffening element is fixed directly on or in close proximity to the arcuate tube segment to stabilize the three-dimensional shape. By means of the at least one stiffening element, the cross sensitivity of the transducer is greatly reduced, so that cross talks from pressure to mass flow signals are minimized and the accuracy of the transducer is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AG
    Inventors: Alfred Wenger, Martin Anklin
  • Patent number: 7213470
    Abstract: Coriolis mass flowmeter with a measuring pipe (2) vibrating in coupled flexural and torsional modes, characterized in that an attachment (20) which is formed rotationally symmetrically with respect to an axis of rotational symmetry and can be made to undergo torsional oscillations of the same frequency, but opposite phase, in relation to the torsional oscillating modes of the measuring pipe (2) is mechanically connected to the measuring pipe (2) and the axis of rotational symmetry of the attachment runs parallel to the straight line (8) (central axis) defined by the center points (4a, 6a) of the cross-sectional areas (4, 6) of the inlet and outlet of the measured section or coincides with this line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: ABB Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Jorg Gebhardt, Frank Kassubek, Rene Friedrichs, Wolfgang Waldi, Steffen Keller, Jorg Herwig, Lothar Deppe, Kuno Hug, Armin Gasch
  • Patent number: 7213472
    Abstract: A connector (3) is suggested, which is capable of connecting a fluid line (28) to a fluid technology device. A connection channel runs between a device connection (24) and a line connection (25) in the connector (3). The connector (3) is equipped with a volume flow detection device (2) that has a mass flow sensor device (54), using which the volume flow through the connection channel (26) may be determined using a bypass channel (48).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Festo AG & Co.
    Inventor: Volker Nestle
  • Patent number: 7213473
    Abstract: An apparatus that couples automated injection with flow feedback to provide nanoliter accuracy in controlling microliter volumes. The apparatus comprises generally a source of hydraulic fluid pressure, a fluid isolator joined to the outlet of the hydraulic pressure source and a flow sensor to provide pressure-driven analyte metering. For operation generally and particularly in microfluidic systems the hydraulic pressure source is typically an electrokinetic (EK) pump that incorporates gasless electrodes. The apparatus is capable of metering sub-microliter volumes at flowrates of 1–100 ?L/min into microsystem load pressures of up to 1000–50 psi, respectively. Flowrates can be specified within 0.5 ?L/min and volumes as small as 80 nL can be metered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Sandia National Laboratories
    Inventors: Bruce P. Mosier, Robert W. Crocker, Kamlesh D. Patel, Cindy K. Harnett
  • Patent number: 7213474
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in sampling material on-line in a process system, comprising a sample collector (1) for receiving a sample of material, an elongate shaft (10) defining a passageway (14) carrying a measurement probe (11) for taking measurements from a colelcted sample, a pressurised fluid supply (31) connected to the passageway for delivering a pressurised fluid through the passageway to the sample collector for displacing the collected sample and a nozzle (33) provided at the distal end of the measurement probe (11) for distributing the pressurised fluid to the sample collector for displacing the collected sample from the sample collector (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: AstraZeneca AB
    Inventors: Lennart Björk, Staffan Folestad, Mats Johansson, Anders Klevensparr, Ingela Niklasson Björn
  • Patent number: 7213475
    Abstract: This invention concerns the measurement of particle size of particles entrained in a gas. The apparatus (5) includes an acoustic sensor (10) used to monitor the acoustic signals produced by collisions of pneumatically conveyed particles with the sensor (10). Signal processing electronics and software (15) are used to determine, for each impact, the peak height of the acoustic signal. The particle size is calculated from the peak height distribution and either the signal (pulse) duration distribution or the airstream (impact) velocity, according to Hertzian Impact Theory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Common Wealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation
    Inventor: Peter John Coghill
  • Patent number: 7213476
    Abstract: A multi-stage differential mobility analyzer (MDMA) for aerosol measurements includes a first electrode or grid including at least one inlet or injection slit for receiving an aerosol including charged particles for analysis. A second electrode or grid is spaced apart from the first electrode. The second electrode has at least one sampling outlet disposed at a plurality different distances along its length. A volume between the first and the second electrode or grid between the inlet or injection slit and a distal one of the plurality of sampling outlets forms a classifying region, the first and second electrodes for charging to suitable potentials to create an electric field within the classifying region. At least one inlet or injection slit in the second electrode receives a sheath gas flow into an upstream end of the classifying region, wherein each sampling outlet functions as an independent DMA stage and classifies different size ranges of charged particles based on electric mobility simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Meng-Dawn Cheng, Da-Ren Chen
  • Patent number: 7213477
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) tests different products (15). The apparatus (10) includes an environmental chamber (20) for providing thermal shock to the products (15), a conveyor (40) for transporting the products (15) through the environmental chamber (20), a fixture (100) movable with the products (15) through the environmental chamber (15), and an interface (300) removably mounted on the fixture (100). The fixture (100) has a means (60, 80) for electric stimulation and monitoring of the products (15) during transport of the products (15) through the environmental chamber (20). The interface (300) is constructed to test one of the different products. The interface (300) provides a mechanical and electrical connection between the fixture (100) and the product being tested. The interface (300) is tailored for stimulating and monitoring the product being tested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: TRW Automotive U.S. LLC
    Inventor: Edward A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7213478
    Abstract: A method of automatically configuring an Advanced Process Control (APC) system for a semiconductor manufacturing environment in which an auto-configuration script is generated for executing an auto-configuration program. The auto-configuration script activates default values for input to the auto-configuration program. The auto-configuration script is executed to generate an enabled parameter file output from the auto-configuration program. The enabled parameter file identifies parameters for statistical process control (SPC) chart generation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Satoshi Harada, Edward C. Hume, III, James E Willis, Kevin Andrew Chamness, Hieu A Lam, Hongyu Yue, David Fatke
  • Patent number: 7213479
    Abstract: A vibratory mechanism includes vibratory shafts, which are stored within a roll and are arranged symmetrically across a rotation axis of the roll, fixed eccentric weights fixed to respective vibratory shafts, rotatable eccentric weights rotatably attached to respective vibratory shafts, a rotation controller controlling a range of movement of the rotatable eccentric weights, and an eccentric moment controller which changes an eccentric moment around the vibratory shaft depending on the rotation direction of the vibratory shafts, whereby the vibration state of the roll is switchable between standard vibration and horizontal vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Sakai Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Akira Mitsui
  • Patent number: 7213480
    Abstract: A motor vehicle transmission having two intermediate shafts, which can alternately be driven via disengageable primary gearwheels, and drive a main shaft, via gearwheels on the respective main shaft and intermediate shaft, which gearwheels engage with one another in pairs. Mounted on an input shaft are two lockable and disconnectable drive gearwheels, one of which directly drives the primary gearwheels in a first rotational direction, whilst the other of which, via an intermediate gearwheel, drives the primary gearwheels in an opposite direction. The realization produces a transmission having an equal number of forward and reverse gears, which can be shifted without interruption of torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment Holding Sweden AB
    Inventor: Sven-Ake Carlsson
  • Patent number: 7213481
    Abstract: An activating device for a cover has: a shaft unit having a rotary shaft; an arm unit which is coupled to the cover and the rotary shaft; and an actuator which drives the rotary shaft. The actuator has: a motor having a first output portion; a first reducer having an input portion and an output portion; and a second reducer having an input portion and an output portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: TS Corporation
    Inventors: Kouji Watanabe, Toshihiro Yudate
  • Patent number: 7213482
    Abstract: An electro-mechanical actuator is provided that minimizes back drive effort by de-coupling the internal drive train of the actuator from the actuator output using a clutch. The clutch facilitates transfer of power to an output gear stage when the actuator motor is energized, but disengages the output gear stage when the actuator motor is de-energized. When the actuator output is manually operated, the clutch disengages the output gear stage, thereby reducing the number of gears that must be back driven by the manual actuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Stoneridge Control Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry Minasian, William H. Fort
  • Patent number: 7213483
    Abstract: In association with a solenoidal coil 10 being energized to unlock a shift lever, a first movable core 9 and a second movable core 11 magnetically stick together so as to rotationally move in unison from an original position in which the first movable core 9 engages with the second movable core 11. Because the first movable core 9 and the second movable core 11 stick together before unlocking the shift lever, it is possible to avoid the first movable core 9 from hitting the second movable core 11 so as to eliminate an operational noise which would otherwise be produced by hitting the first movable core 9 against the second movable core 11. A lock plate 7 and a link plate 8 are rotatably provided around a rotational center 6 in relative to the solenoidal coil 10. This prevents the lock plate 7 and the link plate 8 from moving rotationally in unison with the solenoidal coil 10, thus enabling the lock plate 7 and the link plate 8 to a smooth and quick rotational movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Hamanako Denso Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsunori Inoguchi, Masanori Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7213484
    Abstract: Disclosed here is a steering column apparatus that enables a single operation lever provided apart from the steering wheel and to be used for clamping/unclamping each of the telescopic mechanism and the tilting mechanism independently, as well as for keeping at least one of the telescopic mechanism and the tilting mechanism unclamped after it is unclamped even after the driver takes his/her hand off the operation lever. This makes it possible for the driver to use both hands to adjust at least either the position in the front-rear direction or tilting angle of the steering wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignees: NSK Ltd., NSK Steering Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Naoki Sawada
  • Patent number: 7213485
    Abstract: A bicycle assistive handlebar structure installed at the anterior extent of a front fork stem, stem clamp mount that serves as a means of conjoinment. The stem clamp mount consists of a concave section and a threaded hole that provides for the fastening of bolts inserted via four through-holes. Furthermore, a vertical coupling passage is disposed through the installation crown, thereby providing for the horizontal arrangement of a handlebar in a connective mounting shank. The two sides of a transverse rod provides for the fitting into position of insertion sleeves, and an elongated hole provides for the stationary seating into the connective mounting shank elongated hole. Radial splines are respectively fabricated along the outer sides of the joint mount and the inner sides of an assistive handlebar. As such, the present invention provides the rider variable adjustment operation over upper and lower height, forward and backward distance, and rotative direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Inventor: Yuan-Hsin Huang
  • Patent number: 7213486
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle steering wheel comprising a hub, a steering wheel rim, and at least one spoke having at least one spoke section. An vibration-decoupling means is provided on the spoke which acts in all directions and at least largely isolates the steering wheel rim in terms of vibrations from the at least one section of the spoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co, KG
    Inventor: Christian Lorenz
  • Patent number: 7213487
    Abstract: An actuator has a motor and a wave gear reduction drive in which a wave generator is coaxially connected to an output shaft protruding forward from a front surface thereof. A shaft portion of the output shaft coaxially extends through inside a cylindrical trunk in the flexible internal gear of the wave gear reduction drive, and a magnetic encoder for detecting the rotation of the output shaft is mounted on the shaft portion. Since the dead space inside the cylindrical trunk is used as the space for disposing the magnetic encoder, an entire length can be reduced in comparison with an actuator in which the motor, the wave gear reduction drive, and the encoder are arranged in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Harmonic Drive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Tanioka, Kiyoto Kobayashi