Patents Issued in September 13, 2007
  • Publication number: 20070209396
    Abstract: A process for removing blisters (large bubbles in a glassmelt) and seeds (small bubbles in a glassmelt) from a glassmelt by feeding helium bubbles having a diameter between about 0.5 cm and about 3 cm at a prescribed flow rate and location to effectively produce a substantially bubble-free article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Inventors: Hisashi Kobayashi, Scot Jaynes, Rudolf Beerkens
  • Publication number: 20070209397
    Abstract: There is provided a manufacturing apparatus of a porous glass base material which can prevent soot from being formed on an upper surface (ceiling) of the process chamber, and reduce the amount of soot that comes off the upper surface and falls. A manufacturing apparatus of a porous glass base material 4 deposits glass particles produced by subjecting a material gas to flame hydrolysis, onto a starting member 1 placed vertically. Here, a plurality of gas inlets 5 are provided in one or more lateral walls of a process chamber including a burner 2 for the deposition therein, in upper portions of the lateral walls and along a ceiling of the process chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Inventor: Tetsuya Otosaka
  • Publication number: 20070209398
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for manufacturing flat sheets of a glass-based material and to an apparatus therefor. The process comprises providing a glass preform, heating the glass preform in a furnace, forming a gob and a pre-sheet, removing the gob and drawing the glass pre-sheet into a flat glass sheet. Also provided is an apparatus for drawing a glass preform into a glass sheet, the apparatus comprising a draw furnace, stretching arms for stretching and drawing the pre-sheet into a glass sheet, and opposing edge rollers for applying a downward force on the glass sheet. The draw furnace may include a plurality of individual heating elements, the temperature of each heating element capable of being separately controlled. The apparatus may further include an annealing furnace for annealing the glass sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Inventors: Patrick Cimo, Michael Murtagh, Mark Powley
  • Publication number: 20070209399
    Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting the cooling members located beneath fiberizing bushings is disclosed having the capability of moving each cooling member, or one portion of each cooling member, in a generally vertical direction, and/or in a lateral and/or tilting direction. Also disclosed is a process of using the apparatus to make fibers from molten material including molten glass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Inventors: Thomas Thompson, Terry Hanna, Russell Arterbum
  • Publication number: 20070209400
    Abstract: According to a previously known method for producing an optical component from synthetic quartz glass, a coaxial arrangement comprising an outer jacket tube, an inner jacket tube that is provided with an internal bore, and a core rod whose bottom face rests on a thrust bearing within the internal bore, is fed into a heating zone in a vertical orientation, is softened therein zone by zone, and is elongated so as to obtain the quartz glass component. In order to create a simple and inexpensive method that is based on said method and makes it possible to reproducibly manufacture a high-quality optical component, the thrust bearing is embodied as a constriction of the internal bore of the inner jacket tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Applicant: HERAEUS TENEVO GMBH
    Inventors: Achim Hofmann, Clemens Schmitt, Jan Vydra
  • Publication number: 20070209401
    Abstract: The invention relates to glass reinforcement strands, the composition of which comprises the following constituents in the limits defined below, expressed as percentages by weight: 58 to 63% SiO2; 10 to 16% Al2O3; 16 to 23% CaO; 0.5 to 3.5% MgO; 0 to 2% Na2O+K2O+Li2O; 1 to 1.5% TiO2; 0 to 1.5% B2O3; 0 to 0.4% Li2O; 0 to 0.4% ZnO; 0 to 1% MnO; and 0 to 0.5% F. These strands have improved properties in terms of mechanical strength, acid resistance and high-temperature resistance for a low-cost composition. The invention also relates to a process for producing the said strands and to the composition allowing them to be produced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Applicant: Saint-Gobain Vetrotex France
    Inventors: Anne Berthereau, Emmanuel Lecomte, Sophie Creux
  • Publication number: 20070209402
    Abstract: A control device (1) for thread-guide bars (2) of linear knitting machines, comprising a linear motor (10) designed to impart a translational motion to the thread-guide bar (2), means (40) for moving the thread-guide bar (2) according to an oscillating motion basically perpendicular to the translational motion, and transmission means (20) for transmitting to the thread-guide bar (2) the translational motion of the linear motor (10), thus enabling the oscillating motion. The device (1) is characterized in that the transmission means (20) include a first transmission element (21) associated to and integral with the linear motor (10), and a second transmission element (24) that can be integrally connectable to the thread-guide bar (2). Moreover, the first transmission element (21) has a first guide (22) having preferably a basically curved shape, in which the second transmission element (24) is movably engaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Inventor: Tiberio Lonati
  • Publication number: 20070209403
    Abstract: A washing machine is provided. The washing machine includes a panel frame, a control panel, a deco and a detergent container. The control panel is coupled to a front surface of the panel frame. The deco is coupled to the panel frame such that the deco covers a circumference of the control panel. The detergent container includes a drawer panel that is inserted between the control panel and the deco such that a recess between the control panel and the deco are closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: SangTae Byun, Heung Kim, Tae Kim
  • Publication number: 20070209404
    Abstract: A key switch has a switch part and an operating part. The switch part is activated to switch contact points as an operating key is inserted. The operating part includes a driver cam that rotates as it is pushed by the operating key and to activate the switch part and a plurality of lock cams configured to directly lock the driver cam in a normal condition when the operating key is pulled out of the operating part and to rotate as it is pushed by the operating key so as to release the driver cam from its locked condition. The key switch may further include lock cam holder for holding the lock cams in the normal condition when the operating key is pulled out.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Inventors: Kenji Shimazu, Shunkichi Sasaki, Hidemitsu Takenaka, Tetsuya Fukumoto, Shinya Yamamoto, Shinya Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20070209405
    Abstract: An example embodiment relates to preventing rotation of a barrel lock when opened by a key. At least one example embodiment includes a rotationally actuated barrel lock for securing electric meter boxes and the like, and a spring loaded clip for mounting inside the meter box. Lock actuation is characterized by rotation of a key relative to the lock. The barrel lock includes a head portion, and a smaller diameter shank portion with flatted areas thereon. The clip includes, in an example embodiment, a lock receiving opening with internal protrusions which engage the flatted areas on the lock shank, thereby preventing rotation of the lock when it is engaged by the key.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Inventor: Norman DeWalch
  • Publication number: 20070209406
    Abstract: A device (10) for retaining and associating an animal with a transport system during transport to and through one or more processing operations along a processing line. The device (10) includes a pivot mechanism (12) for reliably controlling the orientation of the animal during upward and downward travel on the transport system. More specifically, the device includes a lower portion (14) for retaining the animal, and an upper portion (16) for coupling with the transport system. The lower portion (14) is pivotably coupled with the upper portion (16) and movable between a rearward position in which the lower portion (14) and the upper portion (16) are in a substantially straight orientation relative to each other, and a forward position in which the lower portion (14) and the upper portion (16) are in a substantially angled orientation relative to each other in the forward direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Inventors: Frank Criscione, William Armstrong
  • Publication number: 20070209407
    Abstract: A security storage container has a primary security feature that is adapted to be locked and unlocked with an appropriate key. A secondary security feature is activated when the security storage container is opened without first unlocking the lock with the key. In one embodiment, the secondary security feature includes prongs that are moved to an extended position when the primary security feature of the container is defeated. In the extended position, the prongs will at least damage the item of merchandise protected by the security storage container. The extended position of the prongs may also further lock the item of merchandise within the security storage container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Applicant: ALPHA SECURITY PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Nicholas Sedon, Dennis Belden, William Shepler
  • Publication number: 20070209408
    Abstract: There is disclosed an improved lock assembly particularly suited for bulk vending machines, the lock assembly formed by an upper portion including a lock barrel having a lock collar extending downwardly therefrom, the lock collar having a tubular configuration with a hollow interior. A lock pin is secured within the hollow confines of the lock collar. The lock assembly further includes a lock post which is intended to be screwthreadedly mounted to a mounting bar, and the lock post including a first diametric channel cut into the upper portion thereof along a diametric centrally positioned plane, and continues into a curvilinear channel, ending at a pair of opposed stop points, the plane formed by the stop points being exactly 90° perpendicular to the plane formed by the diametric lock channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Inventors: Trevor Perks, Dale Padjen
  • Publication number: 20070209409
    Abstract: A carburetor (1) has an adjusting element which is mounted in an intake channel (3). An actuating element (19) is provided for actuating the adjusting element. The carburetor (1) has a coupling element for connecting the actuating element (19) to the adjusting element. The coupling element has a receptacle (23, 43) for the actuating element (19). In the receptacle (23, 43), the actuating element (19) is held moveable in its longitudinal direction opposite to the actuating direction (35). The coupling element has an access opening which makes the receptacle (23, 43) accessible at the periphery. An unintended unhooking of the actuating element (19) out of the coupling element is avoided when the access opening has an access slot (26) which extends at an angle to the receptacle (23) up to the receptacle (23). The access slot (26) is connected to the receptacle (23) via at least one connecting slot (31, 32).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Inventors: Thomas Sonnenkalb, Steffen Joos, Heinz Hettmann, Juner Bytygi
  • Publication number: 20070209410
    Abstract: A novel lock for a tree stand for use in hunting and similar pursuits comprises a hardened metal loop for encircling the body of a tree, where the metal loop is retainable to brackets integrally attached to a tree stand. The tree stand lock further includes lockable hardened ends on said metal loop for retaining the metal loop to the brackets. The hardened metal loop is pivotable about a pivot pin that is formed from a hardened metal and where the pivot pin opens and closes the loop for assisting in the installation and removal of the tree stand lock from a tree stand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Inventor: Shane Clum
  • Publication number: 20070209411
    Abstract: Door lock switch of washing apparatus, and method for controlling the same, the door lock switch for locking or unlocking a door, and cutting off a current applied to electric driving units under operation when the door is opened forcibly, thereby controlling electric driving units under operation effectively for improving operation efficiency and safety of the washing apparatus when the door is opened forcibly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2005
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Min Kyu Lim, In Geun Ahn
  • Publication number: 20070209412
    Abstract: A cylinder lock device (1) includes: a rotor (30) rotatably disposed inside a cylindrical case body (20), a key insertion hole (31) being formed in the rotor (30) to axially extend; tumblers (50) provided in the rotor (30) to be axially movable, the tumblers (50) being radially urged outward to be engaged with a sleeve (40), the engagement of the tumblers (50) with the sleeve (40) being released when a normal key is inserted into a key insertion hole (31); slide members (70) for axially moving toward a lever member (60) side whenever the sleeve (40) relatively rotates by a predetermined angle with respect to the case body (20); a clutch member (80) disposed between the rotor (30) and the lever member (60), the clutch member (80) being provided in the lever member (60) to be axially movable; and an urgement member (90) for urging the clutch member (80) to a rotor (30) side so that the clutch member (80) is engaged with the rotor (30), in which when the slide members (70) move toward the lever member (60) side,
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Applicant: Tokai Rika Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiharu Shiramizu, Yoshiyuki Seki
  • Publication number: 20070209413
    Abstract: An override mechanism is for a lock assembly including a movable latch, a retractor for displacing the latch, first and second rotatable spindles for operating the retractor, and an electronic clutch with a movable member for releasably connecting the first and second spindles. The override mechanism includes an override member movable between an inoperative position and an operative position and configured to displace the clutch member so as to connect the first and second spindles when the override member displaces from the inoperative position toward the operative position. A deadlatch is movable between a latching position and a nonlatching position and is configured to releasably retain the override member at the inoperative position when the deadlatch is disposed at the latching position. Preferably, an actuator is configured to displace the override member between the inoperative and operative positions and to alternatively retain the deadlatch at the latching position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Applicant: Schlage Lock Company
    Inventor: Glen L. Dobbs
  • Publication number: 20070209414
    Abstract: An adjustable lock assembly that can be used with a sliding window or a sliding door to limit the complete opening of, brace completely shut, or both. The lock assembly can include a first body slidably telescoped with a second body. An affixation device affixes the length of the lock assembly to a selected length. A cuff is disposed around a connection joint defined between the first and second bodies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Inventors: Christopher Bentley, Gerald Majeske
  • Publication number: 20070209415
    Abstract: A lock has a housing, a movable cylinder, a stationary cylinder, a limiting slide assembly and a latch bar. The housing has a cavity. The movable cylinder is mounted rotatably in the cavity and has a curved recess. The stationary cylinder is mounted securely in the cavity and adjacent to the movable cylinder and has a rail slot. The limiting slide assembly is mounted in the rail slot and has limiting slide, a ball and a spring. The limiting slide is mounted slidably in the rail slot and has a ball recess for receiving the ball. The latch bar extends through the movable and stationary cylinders and has an annular groove for receiving the ball. The limiting slide assembly is compact and has a simple structure to improve the production rate and the lower the cost of the lock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2006
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Applicant: JIN TAY INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tony Miao
  • Publication number: 20070209416
    Abstract: Disclosed is an exchangeable lock structure, which is mounted to a door lock of an entrance door of a guest room in accommodations such as a hotel, and the like, and operated by the insertion of a key, and more particularly, it can be detached from or assembled to a main body of the door lock in itself. Concretely, the exchangeable lock structure includes an opening and closing operation portion 10 disposed at a lower portion of a main body 2 and an exchange operation portion 20 at an upper portion thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Inventor: Jung Kyu Kim
  • Publication number: 20070209417
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for compositing putrescible waste material, the apparatus including a stationary elongated compositing chamber which is mounted to be generally horizontal in orientation or slightly inclined from an inlet end to an outlet end and includes at least one rotatable shaft therein with paddles or tines that extend therefrom in a generally helical pattern. Rotation of the shaft causes the composting material to move along the chamber. Air is injected into the compositing chamber and accumulates in a headspace above the compositing material where it is measured for flow rate, gas content and temperature and eventually removed from near an inlet end of the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Inventors: Julian Watson, Murray Taylor, Gillian Worth, Peter Robinson
  • Publication number: 20070209418
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the hydroforming of a blank with the aid of a high-pressure fluid, having a die which has a receiving space for a blank, wherein the die has at least one passage which opens out in the receiving space and through which residual fluid located in the receiving space can be transported out of the receiving space. The invention also relates to methods for operating an apparatus for the hydroforming of a blank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2004
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Inventors: Joerg Koelln, Jens Schult
  • Publication number: 20070209419
    Abstract: There is provided a rolling die and a method for forming a thread or worm and a spline having a small number of teeth whose number is thirteen or less simultaneously by rolling. By use of rolling dies, the formation of a worm by rolling by use of a thread rolling die starts, and after that, the formation of a spline having a small number of teeth by rolling starts by use of a spline rolling die while continuing the formation of the worm. Accordingly, a rolled material can be rolled forcibly by a driving source from the worm rolled using the thread rolling die. As a result, the spline having a small number of teeth whose number is thirteen or less can be formed by rolling onto the rolled material at the same time as the formation of the worm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Inventors: Yasuo Kinoshita, Masahiko Higuchi, Yoshihiro Umebayashi
  • Publication number: 20070209420
    Abstract: A machine cell for the forming and joining of a first sheet material to a second sheet material includes an upper gate and a lower nest. The lower nest includes a vacuum pad having a recessed channel defined therein. A vacuum system is fluidly connected to the recessed channel to hold the first sheet material to the lower nest during the joining of the first and second sheet materials. The machine cell further includes an arrangement for aligning the first sheet material to the second sheet material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Inventor: Jonathon Campian
  • Publication number: 20070209421
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for fabricating materials by die-forming that may be implemented to form a joggle in a bendable workpiece by securing the workpiece to each of at least two respective adjacent working areas, and then by displacing at least one of the at least two working areas relative to an adjacent working area in order to induce the joggle within the workpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2006
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Inventor: Dumitru Tiprigan
  • Publication number: 20070209422
    Abstract: The axle straightening press has a female jaw and a male jaw each with a rectangular shape, a mating surface, and a transverse half channel. The dowels of the male jaw fit into holes in the female jaw upon a diagonal line on the mating surface. Preferably, the press has two identical jaws, inverted, and closed upon each other. Each jaw has a generally rectangular shape with a mating surface, a dowel, a transverse half channel, and a hole. The half channel is less than one tenth the thickness of said jaw and has flared ends for shaping the head of an axle into a cone. A Cub Scout places an axle in the channel between the jaws and strikes the press with a hammer. Removing the axle from the press, the Cub Scout places a wheel on the axle, and installs the axle upon a model car.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Inventor: William Launius
  • Publication number: 20070209423
    Abstract: A method of determining the content of a desired component in a stream of material including two or more types of component, comprises the steps of: causing or permitting a said stream, comprising plural particles of material, to impact a sensor member located in a path of the material thereby inducing vibration of the sensor member; analysing vibrations of the sensor member and from the analysis determining whether individual impacts caused by the stream are one of any two or more types selected from three possible impact types; and performing an operation based on the result of the analysis. The invention is of particular use in determining the content of material streams in combine harvesters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Inventors: Bart M.A. Missotten, Pieter W.J. Calmeyn, Bart De Ketelaere
  • Publication number: 20070209424
    Abstract: The piezoelectric element of an engine knock sensor is held between upper and lower ring-shaped bases by two identical clips that extend through the piezoelectric element and engage each base. Each clip has a ring-shaped flange engaging a groove circumscribing the inner wall of one of the bases, with the flanges of the clips engaging opposite bases. Also, each clip has three legs that engage a groove in the opposite base. Each clip leg is disposed between two legs of the other clip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Inventors: Armando Monroy, Juvenal Herrera, Jianyang Lu
  • Publication number: 20070209425
    Abstract: A hydrophilizing agent for a hydrophobic porous membrane, wherein the agent contains a surfactant, and the surfactant has a frothability such that the bubble height immediately after frothing, as measured according to the Ross-Miles method (JIS K 3362), using a 0.1 wt % aqueous solution of the surfactant at 25° C., is 40 mm or less, and preferably has a frothability such that the bubble height five minutes after frothing is 20 mm or less; a method for hydrophilizing a hydrophobic porous membrane using this hydrophilizing agent; and a method for testing and hydrophilizing a membrane module using this hydrophilizing agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI RAYON ENGINEERING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Noritaka Shibata, Makoto Ideguchi, Wataru Fujii
  • Publication number: 20070209426
    Abstract: A system and method for determining “real time” air leakage from a duct involves an airflow meter for taking airflow measurements at the inlet and at the outlet of the duct. Also included is a base fan that operates in three different modes to simultaneously vary an enclosure pressure at the inlet and outlet. This is done while a duct fan, inside the duct, is operated to continuously move air through the duct. A comparison of airflow measurements at the inlet, or at the outlet, under the three base fan operational modes will respectively identify whether leaks are present in the duct, upstream or downstream from the duct fan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Inventors: Bobby Locke, John Faircloth
  • Publication number: 20070209427
    Abstract: A metal particle sensor system for detecting metal particles in an oil line. The metal particle sensor system may include a metal particle sensor positioned about the line, an orifice positioned within the line and downstream of the metal particle sensor, a first pressure sensor positioned upstream of the orifice, and a second pressure sensor positioned downstream of the orifice. The metal particle sensor detects metal particles in the line while the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor determine a pressure drop across the orifice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Robert Nikkels, Sean Summers
  • Publication number: 20070209428
    Abstract: A concentration sensor for detecting a concentration of a liquid reducing agent through heat transfer characteristics between separate two points is provided in a storage tank for storing a liquid supplied to an NOx reduction catalyst. When the concentration read from the concentration sensor is 0% or less, the liquid is discriminated to be water, that is, it is utilized that when water is converted to the concentration of a liquid reducing agent, it is 0%, and it is also 0% even when the concentration is reduced by convection. When the concentration is greater than a predetermined value, it is discriminated that no liquid is present, since it is considered that the output of the sensor is abnormal because of the absence of a liquid in the tank. On the other hand, when the concentration is greater than 0% and less than a predetermined value, the liquid is discriminated to be the liquid reducing agent, provided that the concentration value may include an error.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2004
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Applicant: NISSAN DIESEL MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Mitsuhiro Nishina, Toshikazu Katou, Hiroyuki Kurita
  • Publication number: 20070209429
    Abstract: This relates to a direct testing method and apparatus for testing anticorrosion performance of aqueous protective fluids with a wire beam electrode sensor, wherein N electrodes pieces insulated from each other are assembled to form a working electrode whose working face functions as a detecting sensor, and is submerged for a predetermined time interval in aqueous protective fluids along with a reference electrode; a power source, a working electrode, aqueous protective fluids, and a reference electrode comprise a closed electric circuit for performing the resistance test; the anticorrosion performance of different aqueous protective fluids is compared by the measured distribution of resistances, wherein the larger the resistance of aqueous protective fluids, the better its anticorrosion ability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2005
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Applicant: HUNAN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Diping Chen, Hao Jin, Jiucheng Jin, Zhendao Wang, Guifang Huang, Xiaoli Zhu
  • Publication number: 20070209430
    Abstract: A device for determining abnormality of a fuel supply system, which is capable of determining abnormality of the fuel supply system including a fuel pressure sensor more accurately. A device for determining abnormality of a fuel supply system that has a fuel pressure sensor for detecting pressure of fuel in an accumulator as detected fuel pressure calculates a predetermined normal-time fuel pressure indicative of pressure fuel in the accumulator which is to be detected when the system is normal, according to a fuel flow rate relationship parameter indicative of a relationship between an inflow fuel amount parameter indicative of an amount of fuel flowing into the accumulator and an outflow fuel amount parameter indicative of an amount of fuel flowing out of the accumulator, and determines abnormality of the fuel supply system based on a result of comparison between the detected fuel pressure and the calculated normal-time fuel pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Inventors: Koichi Awano, Atsushi Izumiura, Daisuke Sato
  • Publication number: 20070209431
    Abstract: There are provided an inspection method of tire uneven marks capable of judging defect of three-dimensional form of the mark in a higher reliability without depending on a brightness distribution image of unevenness, and an inspection apparatus of tire uneven marks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Applicant: BRIDGESTONE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Fujisawa, Tomoyuki Kaneko
  • Publication number: 20070209432
    Abstract: A gauge is provided for monitoring pressure of air within a tire or other gas containing chamber. A gauge includes a receiver attachable to a valve stem of the tire. A valve core is also provided on the gauge through which fill air can be directed. In this way, the gauge does not need to be removed during filling of the tire with air. A pathway extends from the valve core to the receiver within the gauge. A pressure sensor, such as a Bourdon tube, is coupled to this pathway and monitors pressure within the tire. A lower body of the gauge includes a latching element which can be manually actuated to temporarily mount the gauge to the valve stem. The latching element can be in the form of levers which rotate and act as a toggle to engage the valve stem and secure the gauge to the valve stem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Inventor: Robert Rutherford
  • Publication number: 20070209433
    Abstract: A thermal gas flow sensor and method of forming such a sensor. The sensor has a substrate and a heater disposed on the substrate. At least one pair of thermal sensing elements is disposed on the substrate either side of the heater. A protective layer is disposed on at least the heater and/or the thermal sensing elements. The protective layer comprises a high temperature resistant polymer based layer which is preferably a fluoropolymer based layer. The protective layer can also cover interconnects and electrical connections also formed on the substrate so as to completely seal the sensor. A passivation layer, such as silicon nitride, can be disposed on the sensing and/or heating elements and optionally the interconnects and is arranged to interpose the protective layer and the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Inventors: Richard Gehman, Anthony Dmytriw, Christopher Blumhoff, Stephen Shiffer
  • Publication number: 20070209434
    Abstract: An ultrasonic monitor to measure the level of a fluid (e.g., oil or water) within a storage tank. The ultrasonic monitor is surrounded by a gas-tight, explosion-proof casing that is coupled to the top of the tank so that the acoustic axis of a (e.g., 59 KHz) ultrasonic transducer is directed downwardly towards the surface of the fluid. The ultrasonic transducer is encased within a protective (e.g., Delrin) housing so as to resist the hostile (e.g., acidic, gaseous vapors and extreme temperature) conditions within the tank. A main CPU is interconnected between the ultrasonic transducer and an RF transceiver having an antenna from which fluid level data calculated by the main CPU can be transmitted over a wireless communication path. A reference rod having at least one acoustic reflector located at a known distance therealong extends downwardly from the housing of the ultrasonic transducer towards the surface of the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2006
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Inventor: George Peters
  • Publication number: 20070209435
    Abstract: An occurrence of an operation of a device (1) is detected by a sensor (6). The operation itself, or its true occurrence, is detected, not a command to activate the operation. The time of said occurrence is measured, accumulated and, on demand, represented. Said occurrence can be sensed from any part of the device (1) of which a property changes upon the occurrence of said operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.V.
    Inventor: Georg Sauerlaender
  • Publication number: 20070209436
    Abstract: An operation input reception unit (201) receives an operation input for a virtual vehicle. A running condition managing unit (203) manages the running conditions of the virtual vehicle based on the received operation input. An acceleration calculation unit (205) calculates an acceleration in a front or back direction caused by an inertia force in a case where a managed running condition is acceleration/deceleration, and calculates an acceleration in the left or right direction caused by a centrifugal force in a case where a managed running condition is turning. A meter producing unit (206) produces a meter image showing the direction and level of acceleration based on the acceleration calculated by the acceleration calculation unit (205). A display control unit (207) synthesizes a view field image produced by an image producing unit (204) and the meter image produced by the meter producing unit (206), and displays the image on an external monitor or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Applicant: Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Manabu Akita, Yutaka Ito, Michio Yamada, Takeshi Okubo
  • Publication number: 20070209437
    Abstract: The present invention relates to magnetic micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) or magnetic MEMS devices, particularly electronic devices in which a member adjoins a base or substrate and extends from the substrate proximate to a magnetic field element having an altered output associated with movement of the member. The first magnetic field element is adapted to emit or detect a magnetic field and positioned proximate to the member, and the second magnetic field element adapted to emit or detect a magnetic field and positioned proximate to the base or substrate, such that movement of the member in a first direction by a non-magnetic force results in a variation of magnetic field strength associated with displacement of the sensor in a first direction. The invention also relates to methods for fabricating magnetic MEMS devices, transducers, sensors, and accelerometers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Inventors: Song Xue, Nurul Amin, Patrick Ryan, John Wright, Jeffery Berkowitz, Insik Jin
  • Publication number: 20070209438
    Abstract: Displacement encoder for a moving shaft, comprising a sleeve intended to be fitted onto the shaft and at least one permanent magnet forming at least one polarized magnetic mark. An elastomer layer lies between the permanent magnet and the sleeve. This elastomer layer is adhesively bonded to the permanent magnet and to the sleeve. The invention also relates to a device for a moving shaft comprising such an encoder and to the method of manufacturing the encoder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Inventor: Bernard Branchereau
  • Publication number: 20070209439
    Abstract: A plastic detection apparatus and method capable of determining the presence of plastic materials as well as the type, amount and/or location of the plastic material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Inventor: Ronald Helms
  • Publication number: 20070209440
    Abstract: A fluid detector for determining a presence of a fluid within a container having a wall with an outer surface includes a piezoelectric element that outputs a first ultrasonic signal in response to an input electrical signal and a lens with an upper portion and a lower portion. A generally cylindrical wall is integral with and extends outwardly from the outer surface of the wall of the container and defines a cylindrical central bore having a base surface. The piezoelectric element is coupled to the upper portion of the lens so that, when the lens is disposed within the cylindrical central bore adjacent the base surface, the lens focuses the first ultrasonic signal toward the wall so that the first ultrasonic signal enters the wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2006
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Inventors: James B. Dockendorff, Kevin B. Downs, Bryan M. Labarge, George K. Lewis
  • Publication number: 20070209441
    Abstract: A pressure sensor device with a housing including an electrical contact plug section which provides a pressure channel for a pressure sensor accommodated in the housing. The housing is constructed in multiple parts comprising a first housing section with the contact plug section seated in one piece thereon and a second housing section forming the pressure channel constructed to act in conjunction with the first housing section. A pressure recording unit built in modular fashion and carrying the pressure sensor is constructed in such a way that in an operationally useful state of connection of the first and of the second housing section the pressure sensor unit is fixed between sections of both housing sections. The pressure recording unit possesses a connecting unit which is connected in cordless electrically conductive manner to a contact pin held in the contact plug section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Inventors: Horst Gunther, Oliver Feirer
  • Publication number: 20070209442
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring differential pressure includes first and second sensor units. The first sensor unit detects directly a first pressure of a substance at a first position and acquires a first detection result that indicates the first pressure. The second sensor unit detects directly a second pressure of the substance at a second position different from the first position. The second sensor unit acquires a second detection result that indicates the second pressure and receives the first detection result from the first sensor unit. The second sensor unit calculates a differential pressure between the first and second positions with reference to the first and second detection results.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Applicant: YOKOGAWA ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yuuichirou Takahashi, Etsutarou Koyama
  • Publication number: 20070209443
    Abstract: In a capacitance type pressure sensor (1) including capacitance detecting portions formed in opposed regions in a capacitance chamber which is at least partially formed of a diaphragm, the capacitance detecting portions being a pressure-sensitive capacitance detecting portion (101) formed in a region of the diaphragm having large sensitivity with respect to a pressure and a reference capacitance detecting portion (102) formed in a region of the diaphragm having small sensitivity with respect to a pressure, there is provided the capacitance type pressure sensor which is entirely small in size and superior in reliability by independently detecting a signal output value of the reference capacitance detecting portion (102).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Applicant: YAMATAKE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasuhide Yoshikawa, Yoshiyuki Ishikura, Toru Yamaguchi
  • Publication number: 20070209444
    Abstract: A tension measuring device for measuring the tension in new pipes when they are being pulled through old pipes or through the ground or other surrounding material in the process of replacing old pipes or installing pipes with the no-dig technology. The no-dig technology is performed with only a very limited digging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2005
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Inventor: Knud Nielsen
  • Publication number: 20070209445
    Abstract: A method for reducing force and position control tracking errors caused by changes in hydraulic pressure at the actuator ports of a hydraulic servo valve. The method may use either the force command signal or the load cell signal in conjunction with a mathematical algorithm to compensate for changes in the flow capacity in the servo valve caused by changes in pressure at its ports. Good performance can be attained using the load cell signal. Alternatively, the algorithm can use the force command signal. The performance of the control loop with proper velocity feed-forward compensation keeps the feedback signal largely in phase with the command. Pressure sensors for detecting pressure changes at the actuator ports of the servo valve are not required for load droop compensation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Inventors: Gerard Bohr, Norman Englund