Patents Issued in May 22, 2007
  • Patent number: 7219505
    Abstract: A system and humidity control method is provided for a multi-stage cooling system having two or more refrigerant circuits that balances humidity control and cooling demand. Each refrigerant circuit includes a compressor, a condenser and an evaporator. A hot gas reheat circuit having a hot gas reheat coil is connected to one of the refrigerant circuits and is placed in fluid communication with the output airflow from the evaporator of that refrigerant circuit to provide additional dehumidification to the air when humidity control is requested. The hot gas reheat circuit bypasses the condenser of the refrigerant circuit during humidity control. Humidity control is performed during cooling operations and ventilation operations. During a first stage cooling operation using only one refrigerant circuit and having a low cooling demand, the request for humidity control activates the hot gas reheat circuit for dehumidification and activates a second refrigerant circuit to provide cooling capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: York International Corporation
    Inventors: Nathan Andrew Weber, John Terry Knight, Stephen Blake Pickle
  • Patent number: 7219506
    Abstract: The temperature of the air exiting an evaporator and the relative humidity of the air entering and exiting the evaporator can be calculated by using existing sensors in a vapor compression system. The temperature of the air exiting the evaporator is calculated by using the detected temperature of the air entering the evaporator, the saturation temperature of the air, and a bypass factor. The relative humidity of the air entering and exiting the evaporator are then estimated using a psychrometric chart. By using the existing sensors to determine the temperature of the air exiting the evaporator and the relative humidity of the air entering and exiting the evaporator, the load requirement of the vapor compression system can be calculated without employing additional sensors. The system capacity of the vapor compression system can be matched to the load requirement to allow the effective use of electric power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Pengju Kang, Mohsen Farzad, Alan Finn, Payman Sadegh, Slaven Stricevic
  • Patent number: 7219507
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for controlling fan speed by approximating a nonlinear temperature control function activated within a given temperature control range. The temperature control range is divided into numerous linear segments each of which is associated with a sub-range of temperatures and may approximate a segment of the control function. Control coefficients may be determined for each of the linear segments. The controlled temperature is measured and used for determining a corresponding sub-range, and a linear segment. A control signal may be calculated according to the control coefficients of the segment determined by the measured temperature. The control signal is used for the activation of one or more fans, and is continuously determined for new measured temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Winbond Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Victor Flachs
  • Patent number: 7219508
    Abstract: An evaporator assembly for refrigerating a cold table comprises a housing, an evaporator coil, and at least one electric fan. The housing comprises a mounting portion that is configured and adapted to support the housing from a vertical wall of the cold table. The evaporator is inclined within the housing to reduce the occurrence of evaporator freeze-up. The evaporator assembly is configured to discharge air from the housing both upward and horizontally. Air is drawn into the housing from a space between the housing and the vertical wall of the cold table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Inventor: Michael J. Durbin
  • Patent number: 7219509
    Abstract: An ice making and dispensing system suitable for making and dispensing ice through the refrigerator compartment door of a bottom freezer refrigerator. The bottom freezer refrigerator includes an automatic ice maker in an insulated module positioned outside the freezer compartment. The insulated module can be mounted to the exterior of the refrigerator cabinet. An ice cube storage bin can be provided in the insulated compartment or on the inside of the refrigerator compartment door. A passage can connect the insulated module with the ice dispenser on the refrigerator compartment door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Jim J. Pastryk, Douglas D. LeClear, Nihat Cur, Marcus R. Fischer, Tushar Kulkarni, James C. L. Guarino, Jeffery J. Anselmino
  • Patent number: 7219510
    Abstract: The inert gas generating system includes a compressed air source, a cooling air source, and a separation module. The separation module includes first and second inlets and outlets. The first inlet is coupled to the compressed air source. The first outlet is coupled to the first inlet via a bundle of hollow fiber membranes. The second inlet is coupled to the cooling air source, and the second outlet is coupled to the second inlet via a space surrounding the bundle of hollow fiber membranes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Shaw Aero Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Philip E. Jones
  • Patent number: 7219511
    Abstract: An evaporator includes a downwind-side heat exchanging part and an upwind-side heat exchanging part. In the heat exchanging part, paths are formed by partitions. In the evaporator, the flowing direction of coolant flowing in the upwind-side path is opposite to the flowing direction of the coolant flowing in the downwind-side path opposing to the upwind-side path. The number of heat exchanging passages in the path where the coolant rises is smaller than the number of heat exchanging passages in the paths where the coolant downs. As a result, the evaporator enables an increasing of the quantity of coolant flowing in the paths. Thus, if superimposing the upwind-side heat exchanging part on the downwind-side heat exchanging part, then it is possible to reduce an area causing a rise in blowout temperature of the coolant due to its short supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Calsonic Kansai Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Inaba, Toru Kawamata
  • Patent number: 7219512
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing liquefied natural gas. A liquefaction plant may be coupled to a source of unpurified natural gas, such as a natural gas pipeline at a pressure letdown station. A portion of the gas is drawn off and split into a process stream and a cooling stream. The cooling stream passes through a turbo expander creating work output. A compressor is driven by the work output and compresses the process stream. The compressed process stream is cooled, such as by the expanded cooling stream. The cooled, compressed process stream is divided into first and second portions with the first portion being expanded to liquefy the natural gas. A gas-liquid separator separates the vapor from the liquid natural gas. The second portion of the cooled, compressed process stream is also expanded and used to cool the compressed process stream. Additional features and techniques may be integrated with the liquefaction process including a water clean-up cycle and a carbon dioxide (CO2) clean-up cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce M. Wilding, Dennis N. Bingham, Michael G. McKellar, Terry D. Turner, Kevin T. Raterman, Gary L. Palmer, Kerry M. Klingler, John J. Vranicar
  • Patent number: 7219513
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for separating and recovering ethane, propane and heavier components from a feed gas, e.g. raw natural gas or a refinery or petroleum plant gas stream or a petrochemical plant gas stream. These methods employ a common new concept which is the use of the turbo-expander shaft compressor to generate the reflux requirement for the cryogenic absorber or distillation columns. The power of the turbo-expander which is absorbed by the shaft compressor is always high enough so that reflux generation by a specific gas compression through the expander shaft compressor and subsequent cooling, condensation and sub-cooling can always be easily maintained. The present invention allows for higher cryogenic absorber pressure and a lower demethanizer/de-ethanizer column pressure thus eliminating the common cryogenic pump at absorber bottom. The present invention ultimately results in a lower residue compression and utilities consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Inventor: Hussein Mohamed Ismail Mostafa
  • Patent number: 7219514
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating air by cryogenic distillation. The energy of an air separation installation is increased by reducing the size of the exchangers, and therefore increasing the head losses and the temperature differences in the exchange line, and increasing the temperature difference at the main vaporizer. The size of the distillation column is reduced by minimizing the number of theoretical trays and the number of sections of packing or trays. The size of the refrigerating turbine is also reduced by increasing its intake temperature in order to reduce the output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Société Anonyme á Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance our l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procédés Georges Claude
    Inventors: Emmanuel Garnier, Frédéric Judas, Frédéric Staine
  • Patent number: 7219515
    Abstract: An earring assembly is described including an earring and an accessory. The earring includes a fastening mechanism and an ornamental portion. The accessory is removably attached with the earring and is configured to corresponding mate with the ornamental portion to enhance and compliment the ornamental appearance of the earring. The accessory is readily removed and replaced by a system of posts that engage catches and lock the accessory in position with the earring. The back of the ornamental portion has posts that mate with notches defined in the catches positioned on the accessory. The ornamental portion also includes a lip. The accessory further includes biasing means augmenting the system of posts and catches to ensure the secure positioning of the accessory against the lip of the ornamental portion of the earring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Inventor: John Ravenstein
  • Patent number: 7219516
    Abstract: A continuous heat set line for setting yarn, having spaced-apart, elongate, tubular entrance and exit cooling chambers interconnected by an elongate intermediate steam heat-setting chamber communicating therewith. The entrance and exit cooling chambers and the intermediate heat-setting chamber collectively define a single longitudinally-extending axis along the combined length thereof. Sealing heads seal the entrance and exit cooling chambers and the intermediate heat-setting chamber to a degree sufficient to maintain a pressurized condition within the heat-setting chamber. A yarn conveyor extends through the pretreatment chamber for conveying the yarn through the entrance and exit cooling chambers and the heat-setting chamber. At least one piston and cylinder assembly moves sealing rolls into and out of position relative to each other, while independently-operating springs urge the rolls together sufficiently to effect a seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: BMB Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Todd Rhyne, Edward Dean Smith, Jr., Robert Cone Miller, Jr., Joseph Andrew Gottberg
  • Patent number: 7219517
    Abstract: A washing machine having a detergent supply device which is easily installed in a cabinet of the washing machine, and is not exposed to the outside of the cabinet. The detergent supply device includes a detergent container and a handle, and is seated in a reception chamber defined at an upper portion of the cabinet. Locking slots are formed on side mounting parts of the handle, and locking projections are provided on opposite sidewalls of the reception chamber, so as to have the locking projections be inserted into the locking slots where the handle is downwardly rotated. A cover is hinged to an upper portion of the reception chamber so as not to expose the detergent supply device to the outside. At least one hook is provided on a front end of the cover, and at least one hook hole is formed on a front portion of the reception chamber to engage with the hook, so as to have the cover openably cover the upper portion of the reception chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chang-Jae Maeng
  • Patent number: 7219518
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems, methods, devices and kits for sequentially dispensing laundry additive materials into the drum of an automatic washing machine as that machine is used to carry out a fabric laundering operation. To bring about such dispensing of additives, a lidded housing structure is placed within the drum of an automatic washing machine, a multi-compartmented insert, containing different laundry additives in each compartment, is placed within the lidded housing structure, the lid is closed and the machine is run through the several stages of its laundering cycle. Means are provided to open at least one compartment of the insert upon closing of the housing structure lid, thereby dispensing the contents of that opened compartment into the washing machine drum as wash additive materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Yousef Georges Aouad, Arthur Hampton Neergaard
  • Patent number: 7219519
    Abstract: A cylinder housing includes a longitudinal hole for receiving a cylinder of an auxiliary lock. An annular flange is formed on an end of an outer circumference of the cylinder housing, leaving an annular end portion on the end of the cylinder housing. The cylinder housing is mounted to an outer surface of a door having a bore-hole, with the end portion being in intimate contact with a circumferential surface delimiting the bore-hole of the door, and with the annular flange intimately abutting against the outer surface of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: I-Tek Metal Mfg. Co. Ltd
    Inventor: Mu-Lin Shen
  • Patent number: 7219520
    Abstract: An aspect of the present invention relates to a method and a forming machine for working a workpiece, for example by deforming it or fixing it in another workpiece, in which the workpiece is fitted over a mandrel, at least a part of the mandrel is expanded so as to fix the workpiece, the workpiece and at least one tool, such as a forming roller, are rotated about an axis relative to each other and the workpiece is worked by means of said tool. The mandrel includes a stop adapted to engage the workpiece to obtain a desired axial position on the mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Inventor: Johan Massee
  • Patent number: 7219521
    Abstract: A product handling system comprises a support structure defining a pair of stationary inverted first channels with downwardly facing open sides. At least one cylindrical drum is interposed between each of the first channels and an underlying receiver. The drums are rotatable about their axes, with their surfaces arranged to close the open sides of the respective first channels. The drum surfaces are interrupted by second channels, with the first and second channels and the drum axes being arranged in a parallel relationship. Successive product lengths are alternately delivered longitudinally into one and then the other of the first channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Morgan Construction Company
    Inventor: Michael Eldredge
  • Patent number: 7219522
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel aluminum tube of an oval cross section that has a wider range of applications and added values. A disk-shaped metal slug (21) is impact-extruded with the use of a die (14) and a punch (13) each having an optimally designed structure to form a metal tube (T) integrally including a mouth, a shoulder and a body of an oval cross section. A hem portion of the oval body of the tube (T) thus formed and hardened by the impact extrusion is once deformed into a circular shape, and then trimmed off by a turning operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Taisai Kako Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuji Maeda, Sigetomi Miyoshi, Takahiro Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 7219523
    Abstract: An extruder for making a curved workpiece has an extruder frame including a counterbeam extending transversely of an extrusion direction and formed with a recess that is throughgoing in the direction and a tool recessed in the recess and including a die having a downstream face spaced upstream in the direction from a downstream side of the counterbeam. A hot metal block is pressed against an upstream face of the die to extrude a strand in the direction from the downstream face of the die. Immediately downstream of the die a transverse external force is applied to the strand to bend it. The tool includes a pressure plate that extends completely through the counterbeam in the extrusion direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: SMS Eumuco GmbH
    Inventor: Uwe Muschalik
  • Patent number: 7219524
    Abstract: A high-pressure piping part includes a body structure forged in a closed space. The body structure is formed to include a main body portion formed by forward extrusion and side arm portions formed by side extrusion. The main body portion has therein a fiber flow formed along a passage, and the side arm portion has therein a fiber flow formed along the passage. Therefore, the direction in which stress is applied to the passage of the body structure by an internal pressure is approximately perpendicular to the directions of the fiber flows, thereby improving the degree of allowance of the resistance to pressure of the body structure for an injector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Shu Miyashita, Masami Tanaka, Toshihiro Imai, Hirofumi Muranaka
  • Patent number: 7219525
    Abstract: A work transfer apparatus for transferring a work within a press or between presses is provided which includes at least a pair of lift beams and carriers movable along a longitudinal direction of the lift beams. A pair of guides are provided on the carriers, and a pair of sub-carriers are movable along the guides in a carrier moving direction by a linear motor which moves the pair of sub-carriers in the carrier moving direction. A cross bar is laterally spanned between the sub-carriers and is provided with a work holding unit which is capable of holding the work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventor: Kiichirou Kawamoto
  • Patent number: 7219526
    Abstract: A portable pneumatic compression riveter consists of a valve, air cylinder and rivet head assembly consisting of an alligator style set of jaws or a c-yoke style jaw set that is used to upset solid rivets used primarily, but not limited to, the aerospace industry. Disclosed is a series of improvements that make the tool lighter, more reliable and safer to operate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Inventor: James R. Herod
  • Patent number: 7219527
    Abstract: A mandrel for bending which inhibits generation of irregularities on the inside of the bend is provided. The mandrel comprises a plurality of plugs in the form of discs and a through-hole is created substantially in the center of each plug. A flexible member is inserted through the through-holes of the respective plugs. One end of the flexible member is fixed to a shank so that the plugs are connected to the shank in series. Each plug is provided with a flat slant surface that descends from about the center of the plug toward the outer periphery of the plug. A lock hole is formed in parallel to the through hole in each plug and a flexible lock member, one end of which is fixed to the shank, is passed through the lock holes of the respective plugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Opton
    Inventor: Teruaki Yogo
  • Patent number: 7219528
    Abstract: A method of positioning a laminar flow of a sample fluid on a surface within a flow cell is disclosed. The method comprises providing a laminar flow of a first guiding fluid adjacent to a laminar flow of a second guiding fluid different from the first guiding fluid such that the two fluids flow together over the surface with a detectable interface to each other; detecting the interface between the two different guiding fluids; optionally adjusting the interface laterally to a desired position by adjusting the relative flow rates of the two guiding fluids; and introducing a laminar flow of the sample fluid between the laminar flows of the first and second guiding fluids such that the flow of the sample fluid is sandwiched between the guiding fluids. An analytical system for carrying out the method, a computer program, a computer program product and a computer system for performing the method are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Biacore AB
    Inventors: Mattias Tidare, Roos Håkan
  • Patent number: 7219529
    Abstract: Apparatus for measuring variation in scalefactor from a predetermined value for a vibrating structure gyroscope has a vibrating structure (R), fixed primary and fixed secondary drives (1, 13) for putting and maintaining the vibrating structure (R) in vibrating resonance, fixed primary and fixed secondary pick offs (2, 6) for detecting vibration of the vibrating structure (R), with the drives and pick offs (1, 13, 2, 6) being located radially around the vibrating structure (R), quadrature component and real component loop systems (7, 8), automatic gain control and phase locked loop systems (5, 22), a sin/cos pick off resolver (38) for receiving signals from the primary and secondary pick offs (2, 6) and for outputting signals to the quadrature component and real component loop systems (7, 8) and to the automatic gain control and phase locked loop systems (5, 22), a sin/cos drive resolver (37) for receiving output signals from the quadrature component and real component loop systems (7, 8) and from the automati
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: BAE Systems plc
    Inventors: Christopher P Fell, Kevin Townsend, Andrew Kazar
  • Patent number: 7219530
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods that can provide a high g-force to a test specimen. An exemplary system of the present invention includes a beam, rigidly fixed at one or both ends, on which a test specimen can be mounted. A loading device is preferably provided that can load the beam by using a ceramic column positioned between the beam and the loading device. A flywheel that has a cutter that can be deployed on command while the flywheel is rotating to fracture the ceramic column is also provided. The present invention also provides systems and methods for controllably damping the oscillation of a loaded beam at some point after the load on the beam is released to produce a high g-force event. For example, a damping device of the present invention may be engaged after the completion of the high g-force event. Such damping can prevent subsequent ringing or oscillation of the beam without affecting the magnitude of the high g-force event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Owen D. Grossman, Jeffrey E. Fridberg
  • Patent number: 7219531
    Abstract: A testing apparatus and method for determining the impact an/or vibration absorbent characteristics of an impact and/or vibration absorbent material. The apparatus includes a base having upwardly extending vertical guide rods. A sample plate is maintained in a position above the base by one or more springs of known spring rate. A weight is adapted to move vertically along the guide rods and to impact the sample plate and a sample of impact and/or vibration absorbent material when dropped from a raised position. The impact of the weight causes a downward vertical displacement of the sample plate, which displacement is measured by a moveable indicator. This displacement can be used, along with the total spring rate provided by the spring(s), to calculate a pass-through impact force. The pass-through impact force can then be subtracted from the impact force generated by the falling weight to determine the amount of impact force absorbed by the impact and/or vibration absorbent material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Gary Hammons, Roger W. Kramer, Charles Marks, Kevin Porter, Robert Bogard, Traci Skahill, Mark Smith
  • Patent number: 7219532
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods that include a sampling device, a chromatographic column, and a transfer line through which a fluid containing analytes to be measured are communicated from the sampling device to the column. The pressure at which the fluid containing the analytes is applied at the inlet of the transfer line is adjusted as the temperature of the column increases in accordance with certain relationships in order to maintain a substantially constant flow rate or velocity for the fluid exiting the column. In this way, the system compensates for changes in the viscosity of the fluid flowing through the column that result from changes in the column temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: PerkinElmer LAS, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Tipler, Richard G. Edwards
  • Patent number: 7219533
    Abstract: A small hole diameter measuring apparatus including: a flow rate measurement section comprised of an automatic pressure control device which supplies a fluid to the inlet side of small holes in a plate while maintaining the outlet- and inlet-side pressures of the small holes in the critical state of the fluid and controlling the inlet-side pressure to a predetermined inlet-side pressure; a plate holding section comprised of a plate supporting device which rotatably holds the plate, and a test probe supporting device which supports a test probe so that the test probe is moved vertically and horizontally; and a control section comprised of a calculation and judgment part, which calculates the hole diameter during the supply of the fluid based upon the measured value of the flow rate from the flow rate measurement section, and an external output part, which outputs the calculated value to the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignees: Fujikin Incorporated
    Inventors: Tadahiro Ohmi, Masaaki Nagase, Ryousuke Dohi, Kouji Nishino, Osamu Nakamura, Tomio Uno, Nobukazu Ikeda
  • Patent number: 7219534
    Abstract: A system and method for measuring the transpirational characteristics of a permeable polymeric membrane, particularly polymeric membranes used for bandages. The polymeric membrane is placed against a moisture source. A probe is applied to the other side. Signals from the probe are sampled at a high rate to detect a first transient appearance of moisture on the surface being measured. The interval between the first transient response and a predetermined equilibrium value defines the transpirational characteristics of the polymeric membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Nova Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Michael J. E. Campbell
  • Patent number: 7219535
    Abstract: In a fuel vapor purge system, a blocked diagnosis zone is pressurized by an air pump, a pressure in the diagnosis zone at the time when the diagnosis zone is pressurized, and an occurrence of leakage in the diagnosis zone is judged based on the comparison between a curvature of a change curve of the pressure and a threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hajime Hosoya
  • Patent number: 7219536
    Abstract: A method and system for detecting oil quality. The quality of engine oil can be determined utilizing an acoustic wave sensor to obtain viscosity and corrosivity data associated with the engine oil. The acoustic wave sensor is coated with a material that selectively reacts to at least one type of an acid in order to provide data indicative of the presence of the acids in the engine oil. The etch rate or the corrosivity of the engine oil can be determined based on the frequency data obtained as a result of the frequency measurement utilizing the acoustic wave sensor. The viscosity of the engine oil can additionally be obtained based on a measurement of phase and amplitude obtained from the data utilizing the acoustic wave sensor. The etch rate and the viscosity measurement provide data indicative of the quality of the engine oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: James Z T Liu, Michael L. Rhodes, Aziz Rahman
  • Patent number: 7219537
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for controlling the shear rate at which an acoustic wave device measures viscosity, by utilizing an automatic level control or an automatic gain control circuit to control power input to the sensor as a function of the sensor's output power. Further improvement is provided by measuring the input power and combining the input power and output power measurements, preferably by averaging, to control the input power to the sensor. A method is also provided for characterizing the fluid under test by providing a set of viscosity measurements at various shear rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Vectron International, a division of Dover Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey C Andle
  • Patent number: 7219538
    Abstract: A balanced momentum probe holder in an apparatus for characterizing a sample surface has first and second members each having extensible and retractable distal ends. The distal ends extend or retract substantially simultaneously in response to a signal from a detector thus balancing the momentums of the first and second members and reducing the net momentum of the probe holder to essentially zero. Balancing the momentum of the probe holder reduces parasitic oscillations in the apparatus thus enhancing performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Veeco Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Massie
  • Patent number: 7219539
    Abstract: A flex fuel vehicle mileage range calculating system and method as described herein can effectively be utilized to calculate the mileage range value corresponding to a fuel mixture. The system is suitable for use in all vehicles capable of using various fuel mixtures. The system can calculate a scale factor, update the mileage range value based on the scale factor and, display the updated mileage range value on an on-board display element to correspond to the fuel mixture in the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul A. Bauerle
  • Patent number: 7219540
    Abstract: The invention concerns a tire pressure adjusting system for setting the pressure in a tire mounted on a vehicle. A pressure source assigned to the vehicle and at least one connecting line are provided, with which the pressure source can be connected to a tire. The tire can be mounted on a rim. Within the space formed between the tire and the rim, a dividing means is provided, with which the space can be divided into two chambers. In order to reduce the time period for a change in the tire pressure, a means of limitation be provided, with which the volume expansion of a chamber can be limited to a maximum volume value that can be set, and that to change the pressure of the tire only the pressure in one of the two chambers needs to be changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Hendrik Nordhoff
  • Patent number: 7219541
    Abstract: A formation fluid sample is exposed to a rigidly-supported semi-permeable membrane such as silicone rubber to permit diffusion of gases and vapors from the formation fluid into a vacuum chamber, while at the same time, blocking the passage of any liquids. The membrane-transmitted gas is analyzed in the vacuum chamber by a residual gas analyzer. An ion pump or sorbent is associated with the evacuated chamber to maintain the vacuum. The ion pump or sorbent removes gases and vapors from the chamber that diffuse into the chamber from the reservoir sample that is on the opposite side of the semi-permeable membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Rocco DiFoggio
  • Patent number: 7219542
    Abstract: A test medium and the use of a corresponding test material are provided for detecting the mechanical load in different assemblies, such as, for example, washing, cleaning and drying machines. A substrate is used, which under mechanical stress loses part of its volume, its weight, or its area, the loss then related to the treatment or processing in the assemblies. The test medium is preferably formed by a fabric composite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: EMPA Testmaterialien AG
    Inventors: Daniel Fäh, Felix Frey
  • Patent number: 7219543
    Abstract: A sensor device is composed of a sensor element having a sensing portion, and a signal-outputting portion mounted on a substrate. The sensor element is also mounted on the substrate via a resilient material. The sensor element is electrically connected to the signal-outputting portion through a bonding wire. The work consisting of the sensor element, signal-outputting portion and the substrate is held in a molding die, and the work is molded with an insulating material, while keeping the sensing portion exposed outside of the insulating material. A depressed portion of the molding die, in which the sensor element is accommodated in the molding process, has substantially no clearance relative to the sensor element, and the sensor element is led to the depressed portion by resiliency of the material bonding the sensor element to the substrate. Therefore, no burs are formed on the sides of the sensor element in the molding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: DENSO Corporation
    Inventors: Masaaki Tanaka, Hiromi Ariyoshi, Tiaki Mizuno
  • Patent number: 7219544
    Abstract: In a thermal-type flow rate sensor, a mold material is formed to integrally cover a predetermined range including a circuit chip, connecting parts of connecting wires with a flow rate detecting chip and the circuit chip, and connecting parts of connecting wires with the circuit chip and a lead portion, to expose a part of the flow rate detecting chip to a measured fluid. The flow rate detecting chip is located in a groove portion of a support member to have a clearance with the groove portion and to form a cavity part inside a thin wall portion of the detecting chip. The cavity part communicates with an outside through a communicating portion that includes the clearance, and the clearance is blocked by a filler at least at a portion positioned in the predetermined range. Therefore, the filler prevents the mold material from entering the clearance in the mold forming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Masaaki Tanaka, Tiaki Mizuno, Hiromi Ariyoshi
  • Patent number: 7219545
    Abstract: A liquid level sensor comprises a plurality of electrodes arranged in a defined relationship with respect to a container filling trajectory, a signal generator coupled to one or more of the plurality of electrodes, a signal receiver coupled to one or more of the plurality of electrodes, and a sensing circuit coupled to at least one of the signal generator and signal receiver. The sensing circuit is configured to produce an output indicative of electrical resistance between at least one pair of the plurality of electrodes. The sensing circuit may be associated with the signal receiver and/or with the signal generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip E. Salzmann, Alec T. Harootunian, Michael P. Emery, Javier H. Flores, Todd N. Bennett, Minh Vuong
  • Patent number: 7219546
    Abstract: A float-type liquid level gauge assembly is provided for measuring the level of a liquid in a tank. The liquid level gauge is designed to reduce inventory requirements and to speed the assembly process. The gauge includes a gear housing having a lower longitudinal passageway, a shaped drive shaft, a shaft head with a first receptacle and a pinion gear with a second receptacle. The shaped drive ends mate with the first and second receptacles such that the drive shaft may be inserted into the receptacles at two or less orientations. The length of the first receptacle is less than the length of the lower longitudinal passageway, so that if the drive shaft slips down in the first receptacle the drive shaft will not completely fall out of the first receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Rochester Gauges, Inc.
    Inventor: Herbert G. Ross, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7219547
    Abstract: The present invention provides a cheap angular velocity sensor capable of detecting angular velocity with high precision by using a vibration mode which cannot be set by external vibration. The angular velocity sensor includes: a vibrator (2) formed as a solid of revolution and made of a magnetostrictive material; a supporter (3) disposed on an axis of the vibrator (2) and supporting the vibrator (2) at a position where the axis crosses the surface of the vibrator (2); an excitation coil (4) for generating a magnetic field along a radial direction around the axis as a center in the vibrator (2), thereby making the vibrator (2) vibrate in the radial direction; a detection coil (6) which is disposed apart from the vibrator (2) and detects a magnetic flux change caused by a change in the vibration of the vibrator (2) which occurs depending on angular velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: TDK Corporation
    Inventor: Takahiko Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7219548
    Abstract: A pendulous sensor component of an apparatus in one example reacts to a parameter. One or more pickoff sensors that obtain a value of the parameter from a substantially zero net dampening torque location of the pendulous sensor component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventor: Stanley F. Wyse
  • Patent number: 7219549
    Abstract: An accelerometer for measuring the displacement of a magnet body using magnetic detecting elements is provided, the accelerometer having superior measurement accuracy by suppressing influence of a peripheral magnetic field. The accelerometer has detecting units each having a cantilever which is elastically deformed so as to rotate around a fixed end thereof, a magnet body provided at a free end of the cantilever, and a magnetic detecting head portion disposed outside the rotation region of the cantilever. In order to correct detection signals output from the magnetic detecting head portions, the accelerometer has peripheral magnetic field detecting portions for measuring a peripheral magnetic field acting on the magnetic detecting head portions and the magnet bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Aichi Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshinobu Honkura, Michiharu Yamamoto, Yoshiaki Koutani, Masaki Mori, Eiji Kako, Kouei Genba, Takumi Asano, Naoki Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 7219550
    Abstract: A piezoelectric accelerometer comprising a housing with two complementary parts (2005, 2006) in which a metal mass (2002) and an abutting piezoelectric element (2003) movably mounted in place are sandwiched between two conductive contact elements (2001, 2004), wherein the metal mass (2002) is in intimate contact with the piezoelectric element (2003) and the two conductive contact elements (2001, 2004) act as the electric terminals for connecting the accelerometer to any external electronic circuit for further processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Inventor: Michael Ping Cheung Lau
  • Patent number: 7219551
    Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a high-precision differential pressure sensor which is not affected by a considerable change in baseline pressure. A differential pressure sensor of the present invention includes: a pair of diaphragms, each including a diaphragm portion capable of being deformed due to application of a pressure and a support portion for holding an outer peripheral edge of the diaphragm portion; a pair of fixed electrodes in disk-like form fixed to the support portions of the diaphragms; and a movable electrode including a disk-like electrode portion and shaft-like projections extending in opposite directions from a central portion of the electrode portion. The shaft-like projections extend at a right angle relative to the electrode portion, and the movable electrode is secured to central portions of the diaphragms through the shaft-like projections so that the electrode portion faces each of the fixed electrodes in a predetermined spaced relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: MKS Japan, Inc.
    Inventor: Isao Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7219552
    Abstract: A pressure sensor 10 includes a casing 12 configured to be able to be filled with a fluid 16 such as a liquid or a gas, in which at least part of a surface contacting this fluid 16 is formed of a giant magnetostrictive member 18 made of a giant magnetostrictive element, and detecting means for detecting a change in magnetic permeability or an amount of remanent magnetization attributable to expansion and contraction of the giant magnetostrictive member 18 based on a pressure change of the fluid 16 filled in this casing 12. The pressure sensor 10 can detect pressure at high sensitivity and high accuracy in a short time while achieving miniaturization of a device at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: TDK Corporation
    Inventor: Teruo Mori
  • Patent number: 7219553
    Abstract: The present invention is a dynamic transient pressure detection system for detecting and recording variations in pressure inside operating fluid chambers. One or more dynamic pressure sensors are installed inside an operating fluid chamber. Pressure is continuously measured and recorded with a high degree of accuracy. Transients are detected and data samples are stored and processed to locate the source of the transients and to provide information for preventing transients during future operations. A clock or timer records the chronological time of detection for each sample. The clock or timer may be connected to a Global Positioning System to assist in determining the source of transient pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Inventor: Loren Worthington
  • Patent number: 7219554
    Abstract: A semiconductor pressure sensor is not influenced by a charged object in a fluid to be measured or an electric field from the outside, so satisfactory sensitivity and accuracy can be ensured. The semiconductor pressure sensor is provided with a diaphragm 4 that responds to the pressure of the fluid to be measured. The diaphragm includes a silicon substrate with piezoresistive elements, which together constitute a bridge circuit, being embedded therein, and a shield film for electromagnetic shielding formed on a surface of the silicon substrate at a side thereof at which the fluid to be measured is in contact with the silicon substrate. The shield film is electrically connected to the silicon substrate so as to have the same potential as that of the silicon substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Seizo Fujimoto, Takafumi Hara, Masaaki Taruya