Patents Issued in April 24, 2008
  • Publication number: 20080092610
    Abstract: A protective lock structure mainly including a main body, interior of which is disposed a control circuit assembled from a microprocessor, a memory, a high frequency transmitter circuit. The main body is connected to monitoring equipment, including an infrared camera, an infrared hot body sensing component, a sound pickup and speakers. Moreover, the main body is connected to an electric controlled lock, thereby enabling a cellular phone handset to dial out a telephone number and preset code, which the control circuit of the main body identifies and compares to ensure correctness before unlocking the electric controlled lock, thus providing a lock device with even greater safety and protective effectiveness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Chung-Yi Kuo, Kuo-Tso Wang
  • Publication number: 20080092611
    Abstract: A kit for a master keying system includes a plurality of replacement master racks. A rack removal key is provided for insertion into a keyway. The rack removal key has a first cut defining a first lift amount. A rack removal tool is provided for insertion into the keyway. The rack removal tool has a second cut defining a second lift amount, wherein the second lift amount is greater than the first lift amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Steven Armstrong, Gerald Chong
  • Publication number: 20080092612
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to economically process muddy paint sludge that is generated in painting, without destroying the natural environment, and to effectively utilize the processed product. The present invention's method of processing paint sludge comprises: (1) a first process, by which a first compost-like product is produced by fermenting organic waste under an aerobic condition and under the condition that the organic waste has a moisture content of 50%-60%, (2) a second process, by which the first compost-like product is mixed with paint sludge in such a way that the moisture content of the mixture becomes 50%-60% and the temperature of the mixture becomes about 60° C., and (3) a third process, by which the paint sludge in the mixture is processed into fine grains by fermenting heat generated by aerobic microbes in the first compost-like product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2004
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: AGRICULTURAL RECYCLING SYSTEM GOUSIGAISYA
    Inventor: Toshihisa Miyazaki
  • Publication number: 20080092613
    Abstract: Chemical combinations known to be used for odor control are provisioned for enhancing growth of a plant. The chemical combinations preferably include a stable, aqueous solution of a surfactant and a chemical source of oxygen. There are numerous ways by which one could learn that such combinations have utility in odor control. In preferred methods a manufacturer, distributor, retailer, farmer or other entity is informed of such through reading a journal article or other publication, or by a receiving a letter, fax, or email. The combinations can be used to reduce consumption of irrigation water and to increase a crop yield, each by at least 5-25%, as a consequence of applying the solution to a soil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: BIOMAGIC, INC.
    Inventors: Janice Alfrey, Paul Alfrey
  • Publication number: 20080092614
    Abstract: Method for the production of solid urea ammonium sulphate (UAS) fertilizers from sulphuric acid, ammonia and urea, wherein free ammonia and/or as carbamate to be decomposed from urea production, is reacted with sulphuric acid without substantially decomposing urea in the process stream, where after urea and ammonium sulphate (AS) is mixed and particulated. The point of integration of the ammonium sulphate production in the urea production process is chosen according to the desired product composition. The reaction is carried out in a pipe reactor where the head of the reactor enhanced the chemical reaction between sulphuric acid and ammonia and the urea solution surrounds the ammonium sulphate formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Rune Ingels, Xavier Rondeau, Francois Ledoux
  • Publication number: 20080092615
    Abstract: To produce hollow profiles from sheet-metal blanks, the invention uses at least two process steps to form said blanks into a slit profile which is subsequently welded to produce the finished welded profile. For this purpose a mandrel is used which cooperates with a first tool part in the first step, and with a second tool part in the second step, such as to form a gap with the recess of each tool part into which a portion of the sheet-metal blank is guided. Shaping the sheet-metal blank in at least two steps means that a mandrel that is a self-contained component and can therefore be moved by a simple control device can be used to support the sheet-metal blank while the slit profile is being created. This considerably reduces the equipment needed to produce the hollow profile. Moreover, forming the sheet-metal blank into the slit profile in at least two steps also considerably improves the reliability with which this shaping takes place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2005
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: Michael Bruggernbrock
  • Publication number: 20080092616
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of shot peening at least a portion of a rotary machine comprising a rotor. Shot peening is carried out with a rotor which is a least partly assembled. The method includes fixing a system for supporting at least one acoustic assembly to the machine; and shot peening at least one region of the machine using projectiles which are moved by the acoustic assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: SONATS-SOCIETE DES NOUVELLES APPLICATIONS DES TECHNIQUES DE SURFACES
    Inventors: Patrick Cheppe, Vincent Desfontaine, Jean-Michel Duchazeaubeneix, Philippe Jacob
  • Publication number: 20080092617
    Abstract: A crimping tool attachment for drills that crimps spiral sheet metal pipe decreasing the diameter allowing it to fit into an equally sized spiral sheet metal pipe. The crimping tool will adjust for different sized drills using an adjustable steel rod in combination with a commercial grade rubber bands with holes allowing for adjustment. The crimping tool used in conjunction with an impact drill will crimp the ends of spiral sheet metal pipe in seconds using very little physical labor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: Joshua Alan Stewart
  • Publication number: 20080092618
    Abstract: In a roller hemming method for folding a flange erected from a workpiece by pressing a working roller against the flange and moving the working roller relative to the flange, the flange is folded by: a first temporary bending step of bending a tip-side portion of the flange into a state that the tip-side portion is inclined; a second temporary bending step of bending a remaining, base-side portion of the flange into a state that the base-side portion is inclined; and a full bending step of bending the thus-bent flange into a final shape so that the flange is into contact with a flange-proximate portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Eisaku Hasegawa, Hiroshi Miwa, Katsumi Takeishi, Takeshi Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20080092619
    Abstract: An apparatus for reforming rod-shaped and/or tubular, electrically conductive and/or magnetizable materials, in particular for drawing or extruding: the apparatus has an inductor of an electric linear motor, by means of which a traveling electromagnetic field can be produced; the inductor includes coils which are arranged axially next to one another; the coils form a channel; the apparatus includes one or more means for conducting a magnetic flux which are arranged in the channel such that they can be removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Werner Witte, Peter Bilstein, Lothar Illgen, Bernhard Oswald
  • Publication number: 20080092620
    Abstract: A system, method and software arrangement are provided for generating press-formed parts having a more consistent quality based on improved determination of processing conditions. For example, an apparatus can be configured to compare actual performance values of material properties provided by a material property database with standard values, and to adjust forming conditions such as a forming speed and a blank-holder pressure in accordance with the compared result. A control arrangement can be provided to control a press-forming device using the adjusted forming conditions. Accordingly, it may be possible to reduce occurrences of defects such as cracks and wrinkles when press-forming materials, and to obtain products having consistent quality and substantially identical shapes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicants: Nippon Steel Corporation, Arcelor France
    Inventors: Noriyuki Suzuki, Akihiro Uenishi, Yukihisa Kuriyama, Toshiyuki Niwa, Takuya Kuwayama
  • Publication number: 20080092621
    Abstract: The specification discloses a die element change tool for use with a crimp press having a plurality of die shoes positioned about a crimping work space, the die shoes being movable from a radial outer position to a radial inner position during a crimping process, the change tool being effective to remove a die element set or introduce a new die element set while the die shoes are in the radial outer position, the change tool having a main body part and a movable body part, the main body part having a number of circumferentially spaced operational positions each capable of retaining an individual die element held at one axial end by the movable body part and at the other axial end by the main body part, the change tool being bodily movable into the crimping work space to position each said die element carried thereby adjacent to a respective die shoe to be secured thereto, said movable body part being movable to disengage from said die elements such that the change tool can be withdrawn from the crimping work
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: Frederick Hubert Van Essen
  • Publication number: 20080092622
    Abstract: A stamping tool and a method of making a punch assembly and a die assembly of the stamping tool. At least one of the punch and die assemblies including a plurality of laser-cut steel plates having hardened edges suitable to withstand high pressures and impacts generated during stamping operations. The assembly further including an internal passage defined by holes formed in a number of plates of the plurality of laser-cut steel plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Marlon E. Holmquist, Jeffrey M. Kes
  • Publication number: 20080092623
    Abstract: A calibration device is described for use in calibrating an ultrasonic pulse echo apparatus for detecting a moving object in a fluid, where the ultrasonic pulse echo apparatus includes an ultrasonic transducer and calibration circuitry. A connector has a first end for connecting with a first fluid conduit and a second end for connecting with a second fluid conduit. A cavity between the first and second ends permits the fluid containing the moving object from the first conduit to flow through the connector cavity to the second fluid conduit. A first calibration sphere is positioned relative to the connector for reflecting an ultrasonic pulse signal transmitted by the ultrasonic transducer. The reflected ultrasonic pulse signal is useable by the calibration circuitry to calibrate the ultrasonic pulse echo apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: Luna Innovations Incorporated
    Inventors: John Edward Lynch, David Mark Blaker, Ronald E. Hileman
  • Publication number: 20080092624
    Abstract: Method, apparatus, and system are utilized for testing the performance of a gas monitor against predetermined monitor characteristics to determine if performance of the gas monitor is validated in a manner whereby testing gas is directly delivered to the gas sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: Arthur Scheffler
  • Publication number: 20080092625
    Abstract: A remote sensing device and method operable for detecting and analyzing gases, vapors and flame plumes using imaging. The gas imaging instrument includes a gas-leak imaging device, for example, an Image Multispectral Sensing (IMSS) device (10), enhanced by advanced image processing techniques and micro-miniature circuitry, and includes a GPS (21), a clock and computer means (24) that are collectively operable for logging positional, temporal and gas-leak data. These enhancements provide a portable instrument with the capability to not only remotely detect and image gases, including gas leaks, but additionally provide a record of the position and time the spectrometric gas-leak data were collected in a single device (camera) (25).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: Michele Hinnrichs
  • Publication number: 20080092626
    Abstract: The invention concerns a separation column in microsystem technology for a gas chromatograph comprising a first substrate, a second substrate which is arranged on the first substrate, wherein a trench structure is provided in at least one substrate and the trench structure is sealed off relative to the environment, a stationary phase applied at least to parts of the trench structure, a gas inlet connected to the trench structure, and a gas outlet connected to the trench structure. Separation columns of that kind suffer from the problem that the stationary phase does not reliably adhere to the trench structure. According to the invention that problem is resolved by a bonding agent which is at least partly arranged between the walls of the trench structure and the stationary phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: Uwe Lehmann
  • Publication number: 20080092627
    Abstract: A gas chromatograph controlled by a pair of microprocessors to have improved thermal maintenance and process operation. The microprocessors are operable to run independently of each other, with one microprocessor controlling heaters and other control devices and the other microprocessor running a graphical user interface. The two microprocessors are separated by a gas chromatograph assembly that includes one or more separation columns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: ABB INC.
    Inventors: Vince Hadley, Jonathan Asher, Anthony Walker, Max Bailey, Bryan Acker, Rodney Dilbeck
  • Publication number: 20080092628
    Abstract: This gas sensor is provided with: a detection element that measures a gas concentration of a detection target gas contained in an examination gas; a substrate having a heating element; and a supporting member that is fixed to the substrate, protrudes from the heating element, and supports the detection element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hidetoshi OISHI, Takashi SASAKI, Akihiro SUZUKI, Tsuyoshi EGUCHI
  • Publication number: 20080092629
    Abstract: A gas component collector comprises a filter assembly 3 comprising an adsorbent and an adsorbent holding plate having a first face, a second face and a plurality of holes that are bored through from the first face to the second face and are filled with the adsorbent adsorbing at least one gas component to be analyzed, the filter assembly satisfying (AL?V)2/L3?0.003 mm3 and V/AL?0.3, where V is a total volume of the adsorbent, A is a sum of an opening areas of the holes, and L is an average length of the holes, and a holding container 2 housing the filter assembly 3. On at least one of the holding container 2 a first opening portion for introducing gas and a second opening portion for allowing the introduced gas to be discharged are formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Masao Suga, Masuyoshi Yamada, Izumi Waki
  • Publication number: 20080092630
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a pressure sensor device for sensing decompression in a compartment, such as an aircraft cockpit, and causing a compartment door to be free to open substantially simultaneously in response to the decompression. The pressure sensor comprises a first pressure port and a second pressure port where both pressure ports are open to the compartment, and the second pressure port has a greater flow restriction than the first pressure port, When the pressure sensor is actuated by a difference in pressure between the first pressure port and the second pressure port caused by decompression in the compartment, the pressure sensor sends a signal either via direct wired in series or to a controller to enable movement of a compartment door in response to the decompression.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: Mitchell J. Piorkowski
  • Publication number: 20080092631
    Abstract: This invention relates to a device for detecting poisonous gas comprising a means for detecting poisonous gas and a means for automatically triggering an opening for air exchange. In levels of a poisonous gas reach a predetermined dangerous level, then the means for automatically triggering an opening for air exchange will be activated allowing for the exchange of clean air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: B.b Griswold
  • Publication number: 20080092632
    Abstract: In a method or system for function testing of a safety valve in engineering plant, it is tested whether the safety valve travels from a normal position to a predetermined final position in a certain operating situation of the plant. A bypass the valve bypasses the safety valve and assumes an idle position in a normal operation of the plant and a predetermined test position for function testing of the safety valve. The test position of the bypass valve is established such that a predetermined fluid flow through the bypass valve is permitted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Heinfried Hoffmann, Thomas Karte, Joerg Kiesbauer
  • Publication number: 20080092633
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method by means of which it is possible, with highest possible precision and without any major expense, to determine the air tightness of an enclosed space, such space being particularly well suited to the use of the inert-gas fire extinguishing technology described above. Specifically, it introduces a method which, on demand and in effective yet easy-to-implement fashion, permits at any time the updated determination of the existing air tightness of the enclosed space without requiring a complex test series. To that effect, the first step according to the invention is to define a concentration gradient between the internal air atmosphere of an enclosed space and the ambient air atmosphere by setting the physical concentration of at least one constituent component of the space-internal air atmosphere, in particular of oxygen, at a value that differs from the physical concentration value of that minimum of one corresponding component in the ambient air atmosphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: AMRONA AG
    Inventor: Ernst Wagner
  • Publication number: 20080092634
    Abstract: A leak monitoring and emergency venting apparatus for a double-walled tank includes a pipe for connecting a space between the walls of the tank to the atmosphere, a plug releasably closing an outer end of the pipe, and a pressure gauge in the plug in fluid communication with the interior of the pipe for monitoring the fluid pressure between the walls of the tank. If the pressure in the space between the walls of the tank rises above a predetermined level, the plug and gauge are discharged from the pipe allowing venting of the space to the atmosphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Eric Bourassa, Jacques LaCroix, Yves Legault, Sylvain Ruel
  • Publication number: 20080092635
    Abstract: An instrument for detecting leaks in a hermetically sealed package. The instrument includes (i) a hollow needle, (ii) a mass flow rate sensor in sealed fluid communication with the lumen defined by the hollow needle, and (iii) a vacuum pump. The vacuum pump is in fluid communication with the lumen defined by the needle for evacuating gas from the hermetically sealed package, and in fluid communication with the mass flow rate sensor for directing mass flow from the evacuated package into operable contact with the mass flow rate sensor so as to permit sensing of any continuing mass flow from the evacuated package. The instrument may further include an oxygen sensor, also in sealed fluid communication with the lumen defined by the hollow needle, for analyzing the oxygen concentration of the gas within the hermetically sealed package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2005
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: Mocon, Inc
    Inventors: Daniel Mayer, Timothy Asheman
  • Publication number: 20080092636
    Abstract: In a leak testing apparatus and a method for manufacturing unleaky closed containers having first and second flexible wall areas with different flexibility characteristics, a biasing member is moved toward and onto the first flexible area and a force detector monitors a biasing force at the second flexible area. A container is considered unleaky if a difference signal from force measuring signals at first and second points in time fulfills a test criteria. Sampling the biasing force monitored which results in the first force measuring signal includes determining maximum biasing force signal value which occurs during a time span up to and including the first point in time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: Martin Lehmann
  • Publication number: 20080092637
    Abstract: A symmetrical viscosity sensor for measuring the viscosity of fluids such as transmission oil or engine oil. Torsion oscillators are arranged symmetrically on both sides. The viscosity sensor includes a coupling shaft; a torsion oscillator coupled symmetrically to both ends of the coupling shaft; at least one insulator coupled to a center portion of said coupling shaft; a plurality of oscillation means arranged between each torsion oscillator and the insulator; a signal transmission/reception line for transmitting and receiving a driving and detection signal of said oscillation means; and a control unit for controlling said driving and detection signal via said signal transmission/reception line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: Jin Hee Cho
  • Publication number: 20080092638
    Abstract: A system for monitoring a concentration of an analyte in a fluid or tissue sample. The system comprises a sensor module adapted to be borne on a patient. The sensor module includes a power supply adapted to provide a transmission power, a first transceiver adapted to transmit analyte-concentration information, and a memory. The system further comprises a remote monitoring device adapted to wirelessly communicate with the sensor module. The remote monitoring device includes a second transceiver adapted to receive the analyte-concentration information transmitted by the sensor module and adapted to transmit a signal to the sensor module confirming that the analyte-concentration information was received. The information is stored in the memory until the signal is received by the sensor module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Allen J. Brenneman, Mihailo V. Rebec, James E. Smous
  • Publication number: 20080092639
    Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for controlling liquid chromatography flow, while preserving optimum separation of analyte components and providing a longer time for detector analysis to simultaneously increase detection sensitivity and resolution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: Dian Y. Lee
  • Publication number: 20080092640
    Abstract: A surface position measuring method capable of measuring a position on a soft surface accurately and rapidly (real time), with low invasiveness. The method comprises the steps of measuring the spectrum of thermal oscillation of a cantilever with the distance between a cantilever tip and a sample surface being changed, extracting a fundamental mode component (spectrum area) from the obtained spectrum of thermal oscillation, and measuring a change in the spectrum area of thermal oscillation (spectrum area) with respect to the distance. A position at which the area of the cantilever thermal oscillation spectrum begins to change is evaluated as a position on the sample surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Takaharu Okajima, Masaru Tanaka, Hiroshi Tokumoto
  • Publication number: 20080092641
    Abstract: A braking system including a torque tube and a rotor-stator stack, wherein the torque tube at least partially deforms during braking. The torque tube includes a passage formed in therein, and a displacement sensor is placed with the passage, wherein the displacement sensor detects deformation of the torque tube. The signal can be used as a measure of actual braking torque applied to the one or more wheels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: GOODRICH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eric Cahill, Robert Brundrett
  • Publication number: 20080092642
    Abstract: A vessel is supported on a platform having a fulcrum upon which the platform is rested. A base supports the fulcrum and a first fixture; A second fixture is engaged with the vessel or with the platform. A measuring instrument is engaged between the first and second fixtures when the vessel is resting on the fulcrum. The fulcrum is placed off-center so that an unbalanced weight of the vessel and its liquid content applies a measurable force to the instrument. A look-up table defining various amounts of the liquid contained in the vessel relative to their corresponding force measurements enabling the determination of liquid volume in the vessel at any volume of the vessel's contents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Roger Lee Grimm, Daniel Lee Grimm, Dean Patrick Grimm
  • Publication number: 20080092643
    Abstract: A sensing means comprises four uniaxial sensors each capable of detecting a movement component along a respective axis having a respective orientation and arranged such that the angles between any two of said respective orientations of said respective axes are substantially equal, wherein the uniaxial sensors are arranged such that in use the respective axes are at substantially the same angle to the vertical.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: Robert Jones
  • Publication number: 20080092644
    Abstract: A piping is anchored onto the lower faces of a heater chip and temperature sensor chips by using a thermal conductive adhesive. The heater chip and the temperature sensor chips are coated with a molding resin, and thermal resistance up to an element formed inside thereof is made smallest on a lower face side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shinya Hasebe
  • Publication number: 20080092645
    Abstract: Thermal type flow rate meters for measuring the flow rate of intake air of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle or the like have encountered a problem of an increase in pulsation errors during high engine speed and high pulsation. Meanwhile, digitally recovering responses has posed a problem in which pulsation performance is liable to become worse, affected by variation in a clock or the like. The sensor is provided with means for transferring a response variation factor to the engine control unit. The engine control unit is provided with logics for automatically determining the variation factor and correcting a response. Means for detecting a backflow occurrence is provided and a parameter for a response recovery is changed before and after a backflow occurrence. The sensor is provided with a selecting means by which a sensor response can be selected and obtained and the engine control unit is provided means for allowing selection of a response.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2004
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: Hitachi, LTD.
    Inventor: Atsushi Kanke
  • Publication number: 20080092646
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the level of liquid in a container in an analytical instrument, typically an automated analytical instrument in a laboratory. The apparatus comprises: (a) an electrically conductive support; (b) an electrically conductive platform rising up from said electrically conductive support, said platform capable of supporting at least one container that is capable of containing a liquid, said platform having an area less than that of the electrically conductive support; (c) an electrically conductive element, such as, for example, the electrically conductive tip of a probe, the distance between the electrically conductive platform and the electrically conductive element capable of being reduced or increased by relative movement between the electrically conductive element and the electrically conductive platform; and (d) a capacitance sensor coupled to the electrically conductive element (c) and arranged to provide an electrical signal representing the capacitance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Folim G. Halaka, Ronald E. Kukla, Scott G. Safar
  • Publication number: 20080092647
    Abstract: An environmental-state determination apparatus includes a pair of detection electrodes which provide therebetween a capacitance which changes in accordance with a state of a surrounding environment, for example, the level of a liquid. A detection signal is input to a signal passage connected to the detection electrodes. A first capacitance parameter representing the capacitance of the detection electrodes is detected on the basis of a signal output from the signal passage in the connected state. The detection signal is input to the signal passage from which the detection electrodes are disconnected. A second capacitance parameter representing the capacitance of the signal passage is detected on the basis of a signal output from the signal passage in the disconnected state. The first capacitance parameter is corrected by subtracting therefrom the second capacitance parameter. The state of the surrounding environment is determined on the basis of the corrected first capacitance parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Shinji Kumazawa, Masayuki Motomura
  • Publication number: 20080092648
    Abstract: Moisture can be detected in a refrigerant background such as HFC (Hydrofluorocarbon) HFC-134A and HFC-152A and exampled by HFC-23, HFC-32, HFC-143A, HFC-125, HFC-245FA, HFC-227EA, and the like. The system can include a light source operating at any one of several wavelengths within the water absorption bands at wavelengths such as 1.4, 1.9 and 2.7 ?m and a detector that measures the transmitted light intensity through the HFC samples. In one variation, the light source is a tunable diode laser and the moisture level is determined by direct absorption and harmonic spectroscopy. Related techniques, apparatus, systems, and articles are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Xin Zhou, Xiang Liu, Gregory Sanger
  • Publication number: 20080092649
    Abstract: A resistive-type humidity sensing structure with microbridge includes a substrate, a sensing portion, and two measuring electrodes. An isolated layer and a bridge are respectively formed on the substrate. The sensing portion includes a resistive and humidity sensing layer. Two measuring electrodes are formed on the resistive sensing layer corresponding to the bridge, so as to fix the sensing portion on the first isolated layer for measuring resistance values of the resistive sensing layer. The material of the humidity sensing layer changes its volume according to humidity, the length of the resistive sensing layer covered by the humidity sensing layer is warped, and the changes of the length of the material for the resistive sensing layer causes variations of the resistance value. Finally, two measuring electrodes are used to measure the humidity value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Jung-Tai Chen, Chia-Yen Lee, Yii-Tay Chiou, Chun-Hsun Chu
  • Publication number: 20080092650
    Abstract: Currently no one has thought to try to measure the buoyancy, or in this case, the weight of upward force produced by manufactured products submerged in water. Trial and error or trying to “add” up the density of dissimilar materials has been the way items were tested. Because many products are made up of numerous materials, some very buoyant and some not buoyant, the need for a piece of testing equipment that can measure an entire object is essential. Taking all materials into account when assessing buoyancy can help to ensure a safe product (being able to float the intended weight) and provide hard data for product liability (proving the product can perform under intended conditions).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: Curtis Charles Courian
  • Publication number: 20080092651
    Abstract: The invention relates to an accelerometer comprising a moving mass (5) and a fixed part (2), which uses variations in capacitance (3, 4) in order to detect the movement of the mass (5). The inventive accelerometer comprises a first series of electrodes (3, 4) which are solidly connected to the mass (5) and which are interdigitated with a series of electrodes (3, 4) which are solidly connected to the fixed part (2). According to the invention, each moving electrode (4), together with an adjacent fixed electrode (3), forms a capacitance which varies according to the position of the moving mass (5). The accelerometer further comprises an electronic circuit which is used to: (i) detect the variation in at least one capacitance between the moving mass (5) and the fixed part (2), in the form of a moving mass displacement indicator; and also (ii) generate an electrostatic stress in order to return the moving mass (5) to the initial position thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2004
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Jean-Paul Menard, Maurice Moreau
  • Publication number: 20080092652
    Abstract: Angular rate sensor for detecting rotation about first and second mutually perpendicular axes which has first and second masses coupled together for torsional drive mode oscillation of equal amplitude and opposite phase about third axes which are perpendicular to the first and second axes. The first mass is mounted for oscillation about the second axis in response to Coriolis forces produced by rotation about the first axis, and the second mass is mounted for oscillation about the first axis in response to Coriolis forces produced by rotation about the second axis. In some disclosed embodiments, the rate sensor also includes a pair of accelerometer masses which are connected together for torsional movement of equal amplitude and opposite phase about axes parallel to the third axes in response to acceleration along the second axis and for torsional movement of equal amplitude and opposite phase about axes parallel to the second axis in response to acceleration along the third axes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: Cenk Acar
  • Publication number: 20080092653
    Abstract: An accelerometer comprises a chamber and a proof mass supported by an elastic element within the chamber. The elastic element is formed of fused silica. A sensor senses displacement of the proof mass. Means to inhibit interaction of water vapour with the elastic element is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Harold O. Seigel, Djordje Mihajilovic, Ivo Brcic, Dhirejlal Mistry, Rolf Ehrat
  • Publication number: 20080092654
    Abstract: A Micro Electromechanical Systems (MEMS) accelerometer device having a proof mass flexibly attached to a substrate. The device includes one or more sense capacitors formed between the proof mass and the substrate, one or more torque capacitors formed between the proof mass and the substrate, and an isolation device that electrically isolates cathodes of the sense capacitors from cathodes of the torque capacitors on the proof mass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventor: Mark T. Derbyshire
  • Publication number: 20080092655
    Abstract: A marker detection apparatus detects a marker attached to a target sample from samples flowing in a sample flow, wherein the sample flow carries a low ionization-tendency metal fine particle selected from a group of Au to Ag and the target sample labeled by the marker that is a particle of a unique vibration frequency, the marker detection apparatus including: an electromagnetic wave applying section that applies an electromagnetic wave to a path of the sample flow under a condition that the radius of the metal fine particle is smaller than the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave; and a detection section that detects vibration of the particle attached to the target sample, the vibration arising from a quasi-electrostatic field generated on the surface of the metal fine particle when the electromagnetic wave is applied to the metal fine particle around the target sample in the sample flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: Kiyoaki Takiguchi
  • Publication number: 20080092656
    Abstract: A system for monitoring level variations of at least one bottom region (20) of a solid subjected to erosive and sedimentary agents, which comprises at least one a monitoring element (15) fastened to said bottom, said at least one monitoring element (15) comprising sensor means (120) for detecting a response (|ux|) of said at least one monitoring elements (15) with respect to a stress (fs). Said stress (fs) is a stress able to determine vibrations originating displacements (|ux|) of at least part of said at least one monitoring element, said response is a function of said displacements (|ux|) of at least part of said at least one monitoring element (15) and means (150) are provided for analysing said response with respect to a stress (fs), identifying characteristic frequencies (?i*) and correlate said characteristic frequencies (?i*) with a lowering (?lp) of said bottom region (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: LACHESI S.R.L
    Inventor: Domenico Lopreiato
  • Publication number: 20080092657
    Abstract: The invention relates to a beam former which performs coherent composition of signals originating from a given propagation direction, which are received by an array of <I>N </I> receiving transducers. The inventive methodology and devices are suitable for use in the following fields: radar, sonar, acoustic, seismology, ultrasound imaging (echography and non-destructive testing) and others. According to the invention, the beam former employs arrays having elements which can be distributed randomly. In particular, the invention can be used for dynamic focusing with deflection of the beam in azimuth and elevation, using two-dimensional arrays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2005
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Carlos Fritsch Yusta, Montserrat Parrilla Romero, Oscar Martinez Graullera, Roberto Carlos Giacchetta, Teresa Sanchez Martin, Alberto Ibanez Rodriguez, Luis Gomez Ullate, Daniel Jimenez Gonzalez, Juan Carlos Liebana Gallego, Eugenio Villanueva Martinez
  • Publication number: 20080092658
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide systems, methods and apparatus for more accurately determining the thickness of a refractory lining included in an operating metallurgical furnace. Specifically, in some embodiments a transient propagated stress wave is used to determine the condition of a refractory lining, and additionally, provide a systematic way to include the affect that temperature has on the velocity of a compressive wave through a heated refractory material and/or accretions. As identified in aspects of the present invention, and contrary to the common understanding in the art, the velocity of a stress wave, at each frequency and in a refractory material, is not necessarily constant over a temperature range. In accordance with aspects of some specific embodiments of the invention, a scaling factor ? can be calculated for each refractory material to adjust for the presumed velocity of the stress wave through each refractory material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: HATCH LTD.
    Inventor: Afshin Sadri
  • Publication number: 20080092659
    Abstract: Scanning probe microscopes include a probe tip coupled to a tuning fork or other acoustic resonator so as to apply a shear force when contacted to a specimen surface based on an applied acoustic signal. A secondary ultrasonic transducer is in acoustic communication with the specimen and a resonant structure. Probe tip-specimen displacement can be detected based on whispering gallery mode ultrasonic waves in the resonant structure using the secondary transducer, and such displacements maintained using feedback control based on whispering gallery mode acoustic wave magnitude.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Andres Flores, Richard Nordstrom, Sudhaprasanna Padigi