Patents Issued in March 20, 2008
  • Publication number: 20080066508
    Abstract: A lock barrel and a driving part for the same comprises a plurality of key channels for the insertion o the driving part (key) and a plurality of transverse gateways for housing movable parts, which will bulge into the key channels for making the channels effectively small and therefore shielding them from illegally intruded tools.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2006
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventors: Sheng-Ho Chao, Chang-Tung Huang
  • Publication number: 20080066509
    Abstract: The invention concerns a composition which increases water retention and water absorption in a plant media, such as soil. In particular, the invention relates to a biodegradable polymeric water retention concentrate that when diluted and applied to various plant media improve water, fertilizer and nutrient retention in plant media with no root uptake or phyto-toxic effects. The composition includes a polyacrylamide (PAM), a water softener, a surfactant and nutrients. The composition can be delivered to the plant media through existing irrigation systems and nutrient/fertilizer delivery systems, such as venturi, fertigator, separate mixing tank or any induction system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2005
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventor: Geoff Turley
  • Publication number: 20080066510
    Abstract: In a bending machine, there is provided at one back gauge abutting part (5) a plurality of contact confirmation sensors for confirming the contact thereof with a workpiece; and there is included control means driving a ram (1) on the conditions of ON of all the sensors automatically or manually specified among these contact confirmation sensors and ON of a foot pedal (6) when the workpiece is abutted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2004
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Applicant: AMADA CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hidekatsu Ikeda
  • Publication number: 20080066511
    Abstract: A workpiece displacement system that includes: providing a head including a conduit, a recess port, and a channel; inserting a force distribution member into the recess port; and supplying a negative pressure state through the head and the force distribution member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Applicant: STATS CHIPPAC LTD.
    Inventors: Hyunjoo Kim, Hunki Lee, Changyong Lee, Jong Wook Ju, Sang-Ho Lee
  • Publication number: 20080066512
    Abstract: Impeller-type ejectors (2) are installed on the surfaces on both sides of a cabinet (1) defining an ejection chamber in the cabinet. Shots ejected from the ejectors (2) to a workpiece and fallen are conveyed in the horizontal direction by a horizontal screw conveyor (4) positioned above the lower end of the cabinet (1) and then conveyed upward by a vertical screw conveyer (5) whose base end is above the lower end of the cabinet (1). The shots pass from the upper section of the vertical screw conveyer (5) through a chute (8) to reach an opening/closing gate (9). When the gate (9) is opened and the shots are supplied to the ejectors (2) for re-ejection, a portion of the shots is caused to overflow from the gate (9). The overflowed shots are caused to pass through a separator (11) and a sieve device (15) to remove impurities and then returned to the horizontal screw conveyor (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2005
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventors: Koji Ushida, Mitsuo Ishikawa, Hiroaki Watanabe, Hideaki Kaga, Nobuyoshi Kawai, Akikazu Yokoi
  • Publication number: 20080066513
    Abstract: The invention regards a deep rolling machine (2) for crankshafts (5) with several deep rolling units (3) in a scissor-type configuration that are attached to the deep rolling machine (2) in the direction of the axis of rotation (4) of the crankshaft (5) with respective lateral distances (6) one besides another in a way that they can swivel thanks to the fact that some deep rolling devices (3) are intended for the deep rolling of main bearing journals (14) and other deep rolling units (3) are intended for the deep rolling of the pin bearing journals of the crankshaft (5) and that the deep rolling units (3) carry at the outer ends of their two scissor-type arms respectively one deep roller head (11) and a supporting roller head (9) that, together, form a deep rolling tool (3) where the deep rolling tool (10) along the scissor-type arms has a distance from the fastening point of the deep rolling unit (3) to the deep rolling machine (2) that is long when compared to the ratio between the width (7) of the scissor-
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventor: Hans J. Naumann
  • Publication number: 20080066514
    Abstract: An exemplary apparatus capable of picking and placing a workpiece into a container includes a suction device and a hollow body. The suction device is configured for providing a suction force for picking up the workpiece. The hollow body has a picking portion configured for picking and placing the workpiece into the container under the suction force, wherein a plurality of air slots are defined in an outer wall of the hollow body, the air slots are configured for providing an air passage between an interior of the container and an exterior thereof so as to facilitate movement of the hollow body into and out of the container, whereby the workpiece can be steadily placed in the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: KUN-I YUAN
  • Publication number: 20080066515
    Abstract: A method for changing a force control gain expressed as a ratio of force error to velocity command value in a control circuit performing a force control of a servo motor driving a die cushion disposed opposite to a slide in a press machine. The method includes: obtaining a difference between a displacement of the slide and a displacement of the die cushion in a state in which the slide and the die cushion collide with and are exerting force on each other; detecting the force when the difference of the displacements is obtained; calculating a spring constant of a structural portion based on a proportionality between the difference of the displacements and the force, when regarding the structural portion including the slide and the die cushion as an elastic structure; and changing the force control gain based on the spring constant using a fixed proportionality that exists between the force control gain and a reciprocal of the spring constant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2007
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Applicant: FANUC LTD
    Inventors: Yasusuke Iwashita, Tadashi Okita, Hiroyuki Kawamura, Satoshi Ikai
  • Publication number: 20080066516
    Abstract: An adjusting device for adjusting the length of a blank for a forging machine is provided. The device includes a cutter mounted on a support; an adjustment seat disposed movably on the support; a stop member fixed to the adjustment seat to stop and abut against an end of a rod-shaped material; a drive unit mounted on the support to move the adjustment seat so as to change the position of the stop member for adjustment of the length of the blank; and at least one fluid pressure-operated fixing unit associated with the adjustment seat. The fixing unit immobilizes the adjustment seat by abutting against the support when the fixing unit is pressurized, or permits the adjustment seat to move when the fixing unit is de-pressurized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2006
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventor: Yun-Te Chang
  • Publication number: 20080066517
    Abstract: A method, bending machine, and bending equipment line for bending a workpiece involves successively or continuously feeding the workpiece held by a supporting unit from an upstream side of the supporting unit, and performing bending at a downstream side of the supporting unit. The bending method includes: supporting the metal material with a movable roller die; controlling the position of the movable roller die and/or the moving speed of the metal material; heating the metal material in a temperature range in which the heated portion can be plastically deformed and in a temperature range in which quenching can be performed, by using a heating unit that is provided around the outer circumference of the metal material, to apply a bending moment to the heated portion; and rapidly cooling the heated portion, by using a cooling unit that is provided around the outer circumference of the metal material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventors: Atsushi Tomizawa, Fumihiko Kikuchi, Shinjiro Kuwayama
  • Publication number: 20080066518
    Abstract: Installation/processing tools may be used to install one or more expandable structures in a workpiece. An installation/processing tool may include an expansion mandrel, a processing tool, and an expansion assembly having an expansion jaw movable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. An expandable portion of the expansion jaw is sized to fit within a passageway of an expandable member. When the mandrel is moved through the expansion assembly, the expansion jaw is moved between the collapsed and expanded configurations to cause expansion of the expandable member. The installation/processing tool can also be used to cold work a workpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Applicant: Fatigue Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Glenn, Jonathan Shafer
  • Publication number: 20080066519
    Abstract: A trolley (30) for use with a frame-straightening bench (10) and allowing for moving a vehicle into the bench (10) for initial repair; moving the vehicle out of the bench (10) and into holding area to allow for curing or other time-consuming repair processes or operations, thereby making the bench (10) available for other uses; and moving the vehicle back into the bench (10) for additional repair or final confirmation of a previous repair. A repair jig (140) is coupleable with the trolley (30) for facilitating the alignment and otherwise proper positioning of a portion of the vehicle being repaired. The trolley (30) can also be used with a lift (2072) to separate the vehicle's body from its frame (2010).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventors: Gregory Potter, Jeffery Hess, Jeffrey Dobbins, Richard Keefer, Richard Nagorski, Gregory Richards, Randy Gard
  • Publication number: 20080066520
    Abstract: A method of producing a workpiece by bending a panel in a bending press, in particular an edge bending press, with measures for compensating deformations of the edge bending press due to load. The measures involve detecting the displacement forces of drive means whilst the panel is being bent at a bending depth of the bending tools that is slightly shorter than a bending depth needed to produce a predefined bending angle. From the detected displacement forces, the bending deformation of the press beams corresponding to them are determined and the displacement force of the drive means is reduced, after which a compensating device is displaced in order to set a complementary camber in support surfaces for the bending tools or tool holders, and the panel is finally bent by displacing the press beam to the bending depth corresponding to the predefined bending angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventor: Gerhard Sperrer
  • Publication number: 20080066521
    Abstract: A Coriolis flowmeter having an improved measurement accuracy, especially in measurement applications, where conventional Coriolis flowmeter may have a reduced accuracy due to erroneous flow spiking or outputs during no-flow situations is described, comprising: a measurement tube (4), a driver (16) for imparting a force proportional to an applied excitation signal to the measurement tube (4) for setting the measurement tube (4) into an oscillatory motion, motion sensors (17, 18) for measuring the motion of the measurement tube (4), an excitation signal generator, for generating the excitation signal to be supplied to the driver (16) based on the measurement signals derived by the motion sensors (17, 18), means (20, 27) for monitoring the excitation signal or a damping-coefficient of a damping of the measurement tube (4) and for determining whether an amplitude (A) of the excitation signal or the damping coefficient exceeds an application-specific range, and means for determining a corrected flow (Fc) of a flui
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventors: Paul Logue, Jerry Stevens
  • Publication number: 20080066522
    Abstract: A method for determining the operability of at least one pressure sensor of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, in which the ambient pressure is first determined by the pressure sensor, and the ambient pressure determined by the pressure sensor is then compared to the ambient pressure determined by a reference pressure sensor not belonging to the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventors: Christof Thiel, Andreas Bethmann
  • Publication number: 20080066523
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (1) for calibrating a pipette or a dispensing system comprising a plate (2), said plate (2) comprising at least one channel (3) with a loading port (4) for receiving a test volume of a fluid at one end of the at least one channel and an opening (5) at the other end of the at least one channel, wherein the at least one channel (3) is constructed as a capillary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Applicant: CSEM Centre Suisse d'Electronique et de Microtechnique SA
    Inventors: Noa Schmid, Janko Auerswald, Thomas Stockli, Helmut Knapp
  • Publication number: 20080066524
    Abstract: The methods and systems for testing electronic devices for leak detection are provided. In one method of detecting a leak in a sealed package, a sealed package is placed in a test gas environment, allowing the test gas to diffuse into an internal space of the sealed package through a leak formed in the sealed package. Thereafter, the sealed package is placed in an environment substantially free of the test gas and allowing the test gas to diffuse out of the internal space. The amount of the test gas in the test gas-free environment is detected. Based on the information obtained from the detection, it is determined whether the sealed package has one or more unintended leaks based on information obtained from the detecting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Applicant: IDC, LLC
    Inventor: William Cummings
  • Publication number: 20080066525
    Abstract: [PROBLEM] To provide a novel inspection method and system of a container enabling inspection of excess entrainment of air inside a flexible container and inspection of seal defects of a flexible container to be performed by a single technique simultaneously, enabling a full run of flexible containers to be continuously inspected on the production line, and giving a high inspection precision. [MEANS FOR SOLUTION] Inspecting for seal defects of a container and excess entrainment of air in a container in an inspected object comprised of a flexible container in which a liquid is filled, during which placing the inspected object in an air-tight container, sucking out the air in the air-tight container to reduce the pressure sufficient to make container outer walls of the inspected object expand, measuring an expansion dimension of the container outer walls, and comparing it with a preset threshold value to judge the quality of the inspected object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2005
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Applicants: KABUSHIKI KAISHA N-TECH, KABUSHIKI KAISHA YAKULT HONSHA, TOHOSHOJI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hajime Kojima, Yoshitaro Horiba, Osamu Yoshida, Chizuka Kai, Tadayoshi Teramoto
  • Publication number: 20080066526
    Abstract: A method for evaluating insulin resistance in a simple and highly reliable manner is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Applicant: OTSUKA PAHARMACENTICAL CO.,LTD
    Inventors: Junichi Amata, Shigeo Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20080066527
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of pollution monitoring equipment and in particular to aspirated particle detector systems, which detect particles in air sampled from a number of locations The present invention provides a method and apparatus for determining flow in an aspirated particle detector systems said system comprising a plurality of carriers in fluid communication with a particle detector, comprising means for detecting the flow rate in at least one of the carriers comprising sensing a signal transmitted between a first and a second signal transceiver (44a-d, 42) wherein the first transceiver (42) is adapted to transceive signals in at least two of the carriers. In a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to the use of an ultrasonic means of flow sensing within an aspirated smoke detector system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Applicant: VFS Technologies Limited
    Inventor: Kemal AJAY
  • Publication number: 20080066528
    Abstract: Method for determining deposit formation tendencies for a plurality of fluid samples of different compositions is provided. Each sample includes one or more lubricating oil compositions comprising one or more base oils of lubricating viscosity and one or more lubricating oil additives. The methods can advantageously be optimized using combinatorial chemistry, in which a database of combinations of lubricating oil compositions are generated. As market conditions vary and/or product requirements or customer specifications change, conditions suitable for forming desired products can be identified with little or no downtime.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Applicant: Chevron Oronite Company, LLC
    Inventor: Robert Wollenberg
  • Publication number: 20080066529
    Abstract: A test sensor container that releasably attaches to a testing device for testing an analyte concentration in a fluid sample. The test sensor container comprises a housing, a connector and an opening formed in the housing. The housing contains a plurality of test sensors. The opening formed in the housing receives a test sensor having the fluid sample to be tested by the testing device. The opening includes at least two contact springs for contacting the test sensor to be tested.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventor: Weiping Zhong
  • Publication number: 20080066530
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of finding suitable parameters for the chromatographic purification of biomolecules. The method consists of equilibration, charging, washing and eluting steps, this sequence of steps being carried out by the partial batch method. The parameters determined in small, preferably numerous parallel test batches provide conclusions as to the chromatography conditions under which a given biomolecule can be purified optimally by column chromatography, optionally even on a larger scale.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventors: Christian ECKERMANN, Sybille Ebert, Stefanie Rubenwolf, Dorothee Ambrosius
  • Publication number: 20080066531
    Abstract: A liquid type identifying method and device for correctly and quickly determining whether or not a liquid is a predetermined one. An identifying sensor unit (2) so disposed as to face a flow passage (24) of a liquid to be measured has an indirect-heating liquid type detecting section (21) including a heater and a heat sensor and a liquid temperature sensing section (22). A single pulse voltage is applied to the heater of the liquid type detecting section to allow the heater to generate heat, and an identification calculation section makes an identification according to the output of the liquid type detecting circuit including the heat sensor of the liquid type detecting section and the liquid temperature sensing section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2005
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventors: Toshiaki Kawanishi, Akiko Kubota, Kiyoshi Yamagishi
  • Publication number: 20080066532
    Abstract: Described are an adjustable tire spreader and inspection apparatus 10 and method comprising a pallet 14 for supporting a tire 12 to be viewed for inspection, the pallet 14 having an aperture 26 aligned with the hole of the tire; a plurality of a pair of paws 40, 42, the paws vertically aligned and adapted to separate the beads 60, 62 of the tire to allow an optical inspection apparatus to inspect the tire; each pair of paws positioned about the aperture of the pallet and capable of rotating from a closed position 42 A to an open position of the tire beads; each pair of paws spaced about the beads of the tire and simultaneously moves to separate the beads of the tire for inspection of the tire. In the method, one operates the apparatus 10 by placing the tire 12 on the pallet 14; aligning the paws with the bead of the tire; simultaneously moving the paws 40, 42 to separate the beads 60, 62 of the tire; and inspecting the tire. Thereafter, the tire is removed from the pallet and tire spreader assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2006
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventors: Eugene L. Shaw, Terence H. James, Joseph G. Welmers
  • Publication number: 20080066533
    Abstract: A tire inflation method is disclosed for moving air through a fluid control circuit to at least one tire that is below a target pressure. The dynamic pressure of the moving air in the fluid control circuit is monitored. A pressure control valve in the fluid control circuit is cycled on and off to prevent the dynamic pressure from reaching a predetermined amount over the target pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2006
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventors: James A. Beverly, Stephen P. Claussen, Daryl J. Stacer
  • Publication number: 20080066534
    Abstract: Samples of hydrocarbon are obtained with a coring tool. An analysis of some thermal or electrical properties of the core samples may be performed downhole. The core samples may also be preserved in containers sealed and/or refrigerated prior to being brought uphole for analysis. The hydrocarbon trapped in the pore space of the core samples may be extracted from the core samples downhole. The extracted hydrocarbon may be preserved in chambers and/or analyzed downhole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventors: LENNOX REID, ANTHONY R. H. GOODWIN, PETER S. HEGEMAN, Charles Woodburn
  • Publication number: 20080066535
    Abstract: Methods and systems for testing a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore are provided. A testing tool has a plurality of packers spaced apart along the axis of the tool, and at least a testing port. The testing tool is positioned into the wellbore and packers are extended into sealing engagement with the wellbore wall, sealing thereby an interval of the wellbore. In some embodiments, the wellbore interval sealed between two packers is adjusted downhole. In one embodiment, the location of the testing port is adjusted between two packers. The methods may be used to advantage for reducing the contamination of the formation fluid by fluids or debris in the wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ricardo Vasques, Gustavo Andreolli Ribeiro, Cosan Ayan, Nicolas Adur, Arne Richard Pedersen, Antonio Castilho
  • Publication number: 20080066536
    Abstract: A method of retrieving a formation fluid from a formation adjacent a borehole wall includes estimating at least one of a permeability of the formation and a viscosity of the formation fluid. A first tool is selected based on the estimation, the first tool being selected from one of a heating and sampling tool, an injection and sampling tool, and a coring tool. An attempt to retrieve a formation fluid sample from the formation is then made with the first tool, and a formation fluid sample is retrieved from the formation. A second retrieval process may then be initiated, in which the second retrieval process includes increasing the mobility of the formation fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventors: Anthony R. H. Goodwin, Peter S. Hegeman
  • Publication number: 20080066537
    Abstract: Methods for performing downhole fluid compatibility tests include obtaining an downhole fluid sample, mixing it with a test fluid, and detecting a reaction between the fluids. Tools for performing downhole fluid compatibility tests include a plurality of fluid chambers, a reversible pump and one or more sensors capable of detecting a reaction between the fluids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Peter S. Hegeman, Anthony R. H. Goodwin, Moin Muhammad, Ricardo Vasques, Cosan Ayan, Michael O'Keefe, Tsutomu Yamate
  • Publication number: 20080066538
    Abstract: A downhole fluid analysis tool capable of fluid analysis during production logging that includes a phase separator and a plurality of sensors to perform analysis on the fluids collected at a subsurface location in a borehole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: AKIRA KAMIYA, GARY ODDIE, STEPHANE VANNUFFELEN, TSUTOMU YAMATE, OLIVER MULLINS, BHAVANI RAGHURAMAN, ALBERT ANDREWS, ANDREW CARNEGIE, CHENGLI DONG, MARIAN FAUR, CHRISTOPHER HARRISON, KENTARO INDO, LI JIANG, MICHAEL O'KEEFE
  • Publication number: 20080066539
    Abstract: A device for measuring fluid flow, in particular, but not exclusively, wind and/or water speed and direction. The device includes magnetic measuring means having a core and first and second orthogonal windings arranged over the core, and deflector means adapted to be deflected in use by a fluid flow, the deflector means comprising a deflectable element resiliently connected to further magnetic field means, the deflector means being deflectably mounted with respect to the magnetic measurement means, which provides an output, the magnitude of which output corresponds to the magnitude of deflection of the deflector means, wherein the output is resolvable in two orthogonal axes such that a value for fluid flow direction can be determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventor: Christopher Shelton
  • Publication number: 20080066540
    Abstract: Methods and systems for calculating atmospheric vehicle air data are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of calculating air data includes acquiring one or more pressure measurements at locations on an outer surface of the aircraft; acquiring one or more measurements using an alternate navigation device; computing an indicated air data solution using the one or more measurements obtained using the alternate navigation device and an atmospheric model; computing corrections to the indicated air data solution using one or more other measured parameters, wherein the one or more other measured parameters include at least one of the one or more pressure measurements and the one or more measurements obtained using the alternate navigation device; determining a corrected air data solution using the indicated air data solution and the corrections; and providing the corrected air data solution for use in controlling the aircraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: David G. Childers, Ashwani K. Chaudhary, Viet H. Nguyen, David Poladian, Hoi T. Tran, Vincent L. Wong, Michael J. Zyss
  • Publication number: 20080066541
    Abstract: A fluid property measurement system uses an analog-to-digital converter combined with a multiplexer to measure voltages at one or more points of a measurement circuit and an algorithm within a microcontroller to calculate a fluid property. The measurement circuit has at least one sensor in the fluid stream. The sensor is heated by passing an electric current through the sensor. A second optional upstream sensor is not heated and is at the fluid temperature. The microcontroller then uses the voltage measurements with calibration information and equations based on the desired mode of operation to calculate the fluid property.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Applicant: LOS ROBLES ADVERTISING, INC.
    Inventor: Bruce B. Burton
  • Publication number: 20080066542
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for detecting the level of a fluid in a surgical cassette by projecting light from a linear light source into a wall of a cassette. Depending on the amount a light reflected or refracted in the cassette (i.e., due to the cassette material/fluid interface or cassette material/air interface (or other interface)) various portions of a linear sensor array will be more or less illuminated. By examining the illumination of the linear sensor array, the level of fluid in the chamber can be determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventor: Shawn X. Gao
  • Publication number: 20080066543
    Abstract: The invention provides an oil level or condition sensor featuring a housing and a baffle or plate arrangement arranged in the housing, where the baffle or plate arrangement forms a capacitor when the housing is filled with oil, the baffle or plate arrangement being responsive to a signal, for providing an oil level or condition sensor signal containing information about the level or condition of the oil in the housing. The baffle or plate arrangement may include one or more plates or a single or multiple star shaped baffles. The one or more plates or multiple star shaped baffles are spaced apart to form the capacitor. The level or condition of the oil within the baffle or plate arrangement changes the inductance. The single or multiple star shaped baffles each have a small hole in the center which provides a visual indication of the oil level. The housing has a transparent window. The inductance change can be measured and used to send alarms or warnings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventors: Eugene P. Sabini, Oakley Henyan, Kenneth Napolitano
  • Publication number: 20080066544
    Abstract: A fluid measuring device for use in a fluid storage tank, comprising a logic operation unit, a capacitive sensor, and a capacitance sensing circuit; wherein the capacitance sensing circuit is driven by the constant current input to perform the detection of the capacitance value of the capacitive sensor, then perform the conversion from the capacitance value into the signal on the physical characteristics of the fluid body by the logic operation unit. The signal on the physical characteristics can include any of the concentration, density, and surface level of the fluid body. Furthermore, the capacitive sensor can further comprise a reference capacitor and a detection capacitor for detecting the fluid, the latter capacitance is obtained from a differential circuit of the capacitance sensing circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventors: CHUN-CHIN TUNG, Yung-Lieh Chien
  • Publication number: 20080066545
    Abstract: A device is mounted to a support, optionally a wearable support such as a glove, watch, wrist or arm band, or the like. Alternatively, the support is incorporated into a sports club or is a removable attachment for a sports club. The device includes a speed measuring device, such as a velocimeter or accelerometer, a data processor, a data storage, a power supply, and an output device for visually, aurally, or electrically outputting the calculated speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventor: Scott Brundage
  • Publication number: 20080066546
    Abstract: A dynamic quantity sensor includes a base, a sensor chip made of a rectangular board having a corner portion, and a bump. The sensor chip includes a detector, and a plurality of pads. The detector has a movable part, which is displaceable when a dynamic quantity is applied thereto, and detects the dynamic quantity based on a capacitance variation in accordance with a displacement of the movable part. The bump connects the plurality of pads of the sensor chip and the base. The corner portion of the sensor chip is released from the base such that the plurality of pads of the sensor chip is arranged at a location a predetermined distance from the corner portion of the sensor chip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takashi Katsumata
  • Publication number: 20080066547
    Abstract: An angular velocity sensor includes a tuning fork resonator having multiple arms that extend from a base, a single lead frame that supports the base, and a package that supports the single lead frame. The package and lead frame defines a space therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventors: Hiroshi Tanaka, Toshinobu Hosokawa, Kazuhiro Ohta, Masanori Yachi, Tsutomu Miyashita, Hiroshi Ishikawa
  • Publication number: 20080066548
    Abstract: The invention relates to a speed measurement device (1, 2) for a permanently excited electric synchronous machine (5, 7) comprising a first part (11, 13) and a second part (15, 17). The invention also relates to a corresponding method for measuring speed. The second part (15, 17) of the permanently excited electric synchronous machine comprises permanent magnets (19). The speed measurement device (1, 2) comprises at least one first sensor (25) and a second sensor (31), wherein the first sensor (25) is provided with a sensor coil and the second sensor (31) is a Hall sensor and the sensors (25, 31) on the first part (11, 13) are arranged in such a way that the first sensor (25) and second sensor (31) are influenced by a magnetic field (33), which is generated by the permanent magnets (19), by means of a flow conducting device (43) having an integrated character.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Applicant: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Wittelsbacherplatz 2
    Inventors: Zeljko Jajtic, Markus Knorr
  • Publication number: 20080066549
    Abstract: An embodiment relates generally to a method for analysis of a nucleic acid. The method includes providing for a resonant structure configured to couple with one or more fluorescently labeled nucleic acids and directing an excitation light from a source on the resonant structure. The method also includes generating plasmons on the surface of the resonant structure where the analyte is fixed at a point of energy concentration of the resonant structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventors: Mark F. OLDHAM, Eric S. Nordman, Charles R. Connell, Timothy M. Woudenberg
  • Publication number: 20080066550
    Abstract: A protected resonating sensor may include at least one resonating sensor unit. Each sensor unit has one or more vibratable members. The protected sensor includes a compliant member that forms part of one or more chambers. A first side of the compliant member may be exposed to a medium in a measurement environment. The sensor unit may be any resonating sensor unit having a resonance frequency that depends on the value of a physical variable in a measurement environment. The protected sensor includes a substantially non-compressible medium disposed within the chamber(s). The substantially non-compressible medium may be a liquid or a gel. When the medium is a liquid, the chamber is sealed. When the medium is a gel, the chamber may be sealed or non-sealed. The medium is in contact the vibratable member(s) and with a second side of the compliant member. The medium may have a low vapor pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventor: Shay KAPLAN
  • Publication number: 20080066551
    Abstract: Using an ultrasonic field, properties of a solid liquid suspension such as through-transmission attenuation, backscattering, and diffuse field are measured. These properties are converted to quantities indicating the strength of different loss mechanisms (such as absorption, single scattering and multiple scattering) among particles in the suspension. Such separation of the loss mechanisms can allow for direct comparison of the attenuating effects of the mechanisms. These comparisons can also indicate a model most likely to accurately characterize the suspension and can aid in determination of properties such as particle size, concentration, and density of the suspension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventor: Paul D. Panetta
  • Publication number: 20080066552
    Abstract: With the aim of suppressing power consumption and reducing circuit size, a positive FET is turned on in accordance with a positive pulse signal and turned off when a return voltage rises up to a positive threshold. An active ground clamp circuit causes the output line to return to the ground voltage after the elapse of a predetermined period of time. A negative FET is turned on in accordance with a negative pulse signal and turned off when the return voltage falls down to a negative threshold. The active ground clamp circuit causes the output line to return to the ground voltage after the elapse of a predetermined period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventor: Shinichi Amemiya
  • Publication number: 20080066553
    Abstract: Head for ultrasonic inspection with a semidry coupling system involving a roller (4) and an ultrasound scanner that rolls on the surface (5) of the part to be inspected and that includes a first frame (1) to which the roller (4) is connected and pivots around an stationary axis (4a) in direction that is perpendicular to the probe's movement; a second frame (2) from which linear vertical guides (6) emerge and is connected in an oscillatory manner to the first frame (1) through an oscillating axis (11a) that is perpendicular to the stationary axis (4a): a third frame (3) that slides vertically through the linear guides (6); at least two actuators of the vertical adjustment (9) anchored to the third frame (3) and to the second frame (2); their corresponding laterally aligned pivotal axis (10), connected to the first frame (1) in a rotating manner and parallel to and lower from the plane of the stationary axis (4a) and the respective ends of the stationary axis (4a).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventor: Alvaro Espada Tejedor
  • Publication number: 20080066554
    Abstract: A portal barrier movement alarm includes an apparatus having (a) a first assembly adapted for attachment to the moveable portal barrier; (b) a second assembly adapted for attachment spaced apart from but proximate to the moveable portal barrier; (c) and a vibration inducing ridge and a vibratable prong, the vibratable prong having a vibratable free end, one of the vibration inducing ridge and the vibratable prong being attached to the first assembly and the other of the vibration inducing ridge and the vibratable prong being attached to the second assembly such that the movement of the first assembly with respect to the second assembly causes the vibratable prong to contact the vibration inducing ridge and to thereby cause the vibratable prong to vibrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventor: Steven D. Root
  • Publication number: 20080066555
    Abstract: A ruggedized pressure sensor is described for high pressure applications having a top part of hard material with a surface adapted to deform when exposed to pressure, transducers to transform deformation of the surface into a signal proportional to the pressure, and a base part of hard material, wherein the base part has one or more openings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Fadhel Rezgui, Songming Huang
  • Publication number: 20080066556
    Abstract: A test device comprises a base and a first fixture coupled to the base. The first fixture holds a first portion of an electronic device mounted in the test device. The test device includes a second fixture rotatably coupled to the base and a lever coupled to the second fixture. The second fixture holds a second portion of the electronic device mounted in the test device. The test device also includes an actuator that forcibly moves the lever to rotate the second fixture and apply a torsion stress on the electronic device mounted in the test device. The test device may be used to test the functionality of electronic devices, such as small form-factor disc drives, while under torsion stresses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2006
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Applicant: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Swee Tiong Tan, Chung Poh Ong, Shang Jiun Wong, Kee Ann Chan, Cheng Siong Chin
  • Publication number: 20080066557
    Abstract: A flowmeter element is used for measuring a mass flow rate of fluid, and includes a semiconductor board, an ultrasonic unit and a pressure detecting unit. The ultrasonic unit performs at least one of sending ultrasonic wave and receiving ultrasonic wave. The pressure detecting unit detects a pressure of the fluid. The ultrasonic unit and the pressure detecting unit are integrally disposed on the semiconductor board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takahiko Yoshida